October 2025 Edition
Legal News & Updates
October 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 recently published for your reference and awareness.
Estate & Trust Planning
When a loved one passes away, families often face unexpected financial and legal hurdles. During a recent “Financial Fridays” discussion hosted by Alicia Farman of Edison Business Advisors, Florida Probate Attorney Richard Mancini shared practical insights on preparing for life’s uncertainties. From covering immediate expenses and understanding life insurance needs to addressing what happens when a home passes to the next generation, Richard shared why early planning can reduces stress and protect your family’s future. Click here to read more.
Estate planning is often overlooked by business owners focused on daily operations. During a follow-up session the above, Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning Attorney Anthony Cetrangelo joined Alicia Farman to discuss how tools like powers of attorney, revocable trusts and succession agreements can help protect both the business and the family. Click here to read more.
In the News
Kendall Coughlin has joined the Tort & Insurance Litigation Department as an associate, focusing on insurance defense and tort matters. She previously served as a summer associate where she worked closely with Henderson Franklin attorneys on case strategy, research and litigation preparation. Kendall earned her J.D., magna cum laude, from Ave Maria School of Law, graduating in the top 10% of her class. She also holds a B.S., magna cum laude, from Florida Gulf Coast University. Click here to read more.
Madeline “Maddie” Hailer has joined the Business Litigation Department where she assists in handling commercial disputes and complex civil litigation matters. She is admitted to practice in both Florida and Oregon. Prior to joining the firm, Maddie completed two federal judicial clerkships with the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, gaining significant experience in opinion drafting, docket management and trial preparation. She earned her J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law and holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Click here to read more.
Carlos Kelly has been named to the Board of Directors of SalusCare, Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofit provider of mental health and substance use treatment services. He has served on the organization’s Finance Committee since 2015 and brings nearly a decade of involvement to this new leadership role. Carlos represents clients in a wide range of business and real estate disputes, including eminent domain and property rights matters. Click here to read the full story.
Alex Polidan has joined the firm’s Tort & Insurance Litigation Department. He represents clients in personal injury defense, insurance disputes and other litigation matters. Alex also previously served as a summer associate with the firm before earning his J.D., magna cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law, where he graduated in the top 5% of his class. A former U.S. Marine Corps Battalion Communications Officer, he brings leadership experience, discipline and a mission-driven approach to his practice. Click here to read more.
Divorce, Marital and Family Law attorney Iman Zekri has been re-elected to serve as the 2026 President of the Association of Family Law Professionals (AFLP). A Board member since 2023, she previously led the organization through a year focused on strengthening collaboration among legal, mental health, and financial professionals serving families in transition. Since joining Henderson Franklin in 2019, Zekri has represented clients in divorce, custody, paternity, domestic violence, and appellate matters. Her leadership continues to shape how professionals across Southwest Florida work together to support families during some of life’s most difficult moments. Click here to ready the full article.
As members of the local community, we extend a warm invitation to join us at upcoming events, including:
• November 1, Family Initiative’s 2025 All in for Autism Casino Night
• November 3, 10th Annual Home Base Golf Tournament benefiting Veterans and Families in Southwest Florida
• November 7, Gift of Adoption Florida Chapter’s Gambling for the Gift Gala at Higgins Hall in Tampa
• November 14, IMAG Gala, Peace, Love & Science benefiting the IMAG History & Science Center
• November 20, Kayla Richmond will be a panelist for the Estate Planning Council of Lee County luncheon. She will discuss the practical, cross-disciplinary perspective on matters that frequently arise at the intersection of family law and estate planning.
• November 21, Valerie’s House Sunset Soiree supporting Southwest Florida’s grieving children and families.
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Fort Myers, FL 33901
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