January 2025 Legal News & Updates from Henderson Franklin

January 2025 Edition ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌                          

Legal News & Updates

January 2025 Edition

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is dedicated to providing regular
updates to our valued clients and the community regarding legal matters
that may influence their businesses and families. We are pleased to present
articles and news shared for your reference and awareness.        

Divorce, Marital & Family Law      

What Happens to Real Estate in a Florida Divorce?

Dividing property during a divorce is often one of the most challenging as-
pects for couples, particularly with regard to real estate. In Florida, equita-
ble distribution laws and other legal considerations come into play. Family
Law Attorney Iman Zekri, with the help of Real Estate Attorney Alessandro
Secino, share guidance to help couples understand the process and pote-
ntial issues that may arise.  

https://www.henlaw.com/news-insights/what-happens-to-real-estate-in-a-florida-divorce/      

Real Estate        

You Shall Not Pass – Understanding Legal Access

You’ve closed on your dream home, but a locked gate and a neighbor demand-
ing payment for access weren’t part of the plan. Legal access issues can derail
property ownership. Real Estate Attorney Alessandro Secino explains what le-
gal access means, how to determine if a property has it, and what options are
available if it doesn’t.  

You Shall Not Pass – Understanding Legal Access      

Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning      

Strategic Estate Planning in Florida Amid 2025 Tax Law Overhauls

Major tax changes are coming that could significantly impact your estate
plan. With the federal estate tax exemption set to drop in 2026 and new
Florida property tax adjustments taking effect, now is the time to review
your strategy. Learn how to protect your assets, maximize tax-saving op-
portunities, and ensure a smooth wealth transfer from Estate Planning
Attorney Braxton Bowen, Jr.   

Strategic Estate Planning in Florida Amid 2025 Tax Law Overhauls      

In the News      

Michael Corso Celebrates 40 Years as a NBTA Board-Certified Civil
Trial Specialist

Michael Corso has been recertified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
(NBTA) as a Board Certified Specialist in Civil Trial. This recognition marks
an extraordinary 40 years of his dedication to the highest standards of civil
trial advocacy.  

Michael Corso Celebrates 40 Years as a NBTA Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialist          

Naples Guardianship, Trusts & Estates Attorney Amanda Dorio
Elevated to Stockholder

Since joining the firm in 2022, Amanda Dorio has been instrumental in en-
hancing the firm’s guardianship and estate planning practice. Her promo-
tion underscores her dedication to client advocacy, legal excellence, and
community involvement.  

Henderson Franklin Elevates Naples Guardianship, Trusts & Estates Attorney Amanda Dorio to Stockholder        

Fort Myers Business Litigation Attorney Gary Rhodes Elevated
to Stockholder

A skilled business litigation attorney, Gary Rhodes has been vital to the firm’s
litigation team, representing clients in complex commercial disputes and busi-
ness matters.   

Fort Myers Business Litigation Attorney Gary Rhodes Elevated to Stockholder at Henderson Franklin      

Iman Zekri Joins
Blessings in a Backpack Board of Directors


“As a product of the Lee County public school system, I have a deep personal
connection to Southwest Florida and its families. It’s an honor to contribute to
Blessings in a Backpack’s mission to ensure local children have the resources
they need to thrive,” shares Fort Myers Divorce, Marital and Family Law
Attorney Iman Zekri.  

Iman Zekri Joins Blessings in a Backpack Board of Directors        

Christina Martinez Joins Henderson Franklin’s
Real Estate Department

We are pleased to welcome attorney Christina Martinez to our Real Estate
Department. With over a decade of experience in real estate law, she has
handled a wide range of real estate transactions, including commercial
deals involving hotels, offices, shopping centers, and apartment buildings.   

Christina Martinez Joins Henderson Franklin’s Real Estate Department              

Gary Rhodes and Brendan Shearman Join Lee County Bar Association
Foundation Board of Directors

The Lee County Bar Association Foundation’s mission is to foster access to
justice, support charitable initiatives, and promote legal education within the
community. As board members, Gary Rhodes and Brendan Shearman will
work to advance these goals and ensure the Foundation continues to posi-
tively impact Lee County.  

Gary Rhodes and Brendan Shearman Join Lee County Bar Association Foundation Board of Directors        

Iman Zekri Elected 2025 President of the Association of Family Law
Professionals

As President, Iman Zekri will lead the Association’s efforts to foster collaboration and
provide education for professionals dedicated to helping families in transition. She pre-
viously served as Vice President and Secretary, demonstrating her dedication to the or-
ganization’s mission and her leadership ability.  

Iman Zekri Elected 2025 President of the Association of Family Law Professionals                
Fort Myers | Bonita Springs | Naples LinkedInYouTube     Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt, P.A.
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
1715 Monroe Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901

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