July Legal News & Updates from Henderson Franklin
July 2026 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 recently published for your reference and awareness.
Construction Law
Recording a Claim of Lien is an important step toward protecting your right to payment, but it is rarely the final one. In the latest installment of his Florida Construction Lien Law FAQs series, Florida Bar Board Certified Construction Attorney Aaron Haak explains what happens after a lien is recorded, the deadlines for enforcing lien rights, and the legal process contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and design professionals should understand to preserve their claims and pursue payment. Click here to read more.
Divorce, Marital & Family Law
As students prepare to head off to college, divorced parents often have questions about who is responsible for tuition and other higher education expenses. In her latest article, Henderson Franklin Divorce, Marital & Family Law Attorney Iman Zekri explains what Florida law says about paying for college after divorce, why reviewing your Marital Settlement Agreement is essential, and how issues involving 529 plans, financial aid, and education-related expenses can affect your family’s planning. Click here to read more.
Employment Law
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has proposed eliminating the longstanding annual EEO-1 reporting requirement, a move that could significantly change federal employment reporting obligations for many employers. Employment Law Group Chair Scott Atwood explains what the proposal would mean, what has not changed, and why employers should continue complying with existing reporting requirements while the rulemaking process moves forward. Click here to read more.
Estate and Trust Planning
Choosing who will inherit your assets is only one part of creating an effective estate plan. Equally important is selecting the right people to carry out your wishes if you become incapacitated or after your passing. In her latest article, Bonita Springs Estate Planning Attorney Haylee Blessing explains how to choose the right personal representative, along with the key qualities to consider before making these important decisions. Click here to read more.
In the News
Employment Law Group Chair Scott Atwood was a featured speaker at the SHRM Naples Supervisors Summit on July 24, where he presented “Employment Law for New Supervisors.” His session provided practical guidance on the legal responsibilities supervisors face, including discrimination and harassment prevention, wage and hour compliance, leave laws, workplace accommodations, and strategies for reducing organizational risk. The program was designed to help supervisors make informed employment decisions while fostering compliant and productive workplaces. Click here to read more.
Henderson Franklin continues to grow its Real Estate Department with the addition of associate Margaret “Maggie” Nolan. A Southwest Florida native with experience in real estate litigation, she brings a strong legal background and a deep connection to the community she now serves. Click here to read more.
Business Litigation Attorney Shannon Puopolo has been featured in the 2026 Florida Super Lawyers magazine article, The Business of Kindness, recognizing her commitment to mentorship, leadership, and community service. The feature highlights how her dedication to helping others, both within the legal profession and throughout Southwest Florida, has shaped her career and made a lasting impact. Click here to read more about Shannon’s well-deserved recognition and the values that continue to guide her work.
Henderson Franklin is proud to announce that 24 of its attorneys have been recognized as 2026 Florida Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars.
Congratulations to Florida Super Lawyers Richard Akin, Scott Atwood, Amanda Barritt, Matthew Belcastro, William Boltrek, Michael Corso, Ronald Eisenberg, Thomas Gunderson, Erin Houck-Toll, Carlos Kelly, Shannon Puopolo, Kayla Richmond, Amanda Sharkey Ross, and Beth Vogelsang, as well as Rising Stars Steven Gendreau, Brian Griffin, Colby Keefe, Alessandro Secino, Spencer Shaw, Brendan Shearman, Madison Allen Tanner, Colten Thomas, Krithika Venugopal, and Iman Zekri.
Click here to read the full announcement.
As members of the local community, we extend a warm invitation to join us at upcoming events, including:
• August 14, Aaron Haak, a Florida Bar Board Certified Construction Law Expert, will be a panelist for the American Subcontractors Association Southwest Florida Chapter’s two-hour event, “From the Field to the Bench” seminar at Capital Grille. This program will provide practical insights to help contractors better manage risk, protect their rights, and navigate construction disputes with confidence. Click here to register.
• August 20, Business Litigation Attorney Carlos Kelly will be the featured presenter for the Lee County Bar Association’s CLE, “What Attorneys Want From Their Mediators.”
• September 25, Employment Law Group Chair Scott Atwood will be a featured speaker at the Charlotte County SHRM full-day conference, LEAD Smart 2026: Human + AI: The Workforce Reimagined.
Henderson Franklin attorneys welcome the opportunity to speak on timely legal topics. Should your organization have the need, please reach out to Gail Lamarche, Director of Marketing & Business Development at [email protected] for more information.
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Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
1715 Monroe Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
www.henlaw.com