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Henderson Franklin Legal News and Updates
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 in August 2023 for your
reference and awareness.

  How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Explore the nuances of child support calculations in Florida with insights from divorce,
marital and family law attorney Iman Zekri. In her article, she delves into the importance
of ensuring both parents contribute to their child’s well-being. Learn why child support
cannot be waived, making it an essential aspect of divorce proceedings when minor children
are involved. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the process, click here to read the
full article.
  The Importance of Annual Will Reviews in National Make-A-Will Month

Life’s uncertainties underscore the need for consistent updates to your Last Will and Testament.
Naples wills, trusts and estate planning attorney Anthony Cetrangelo explores the essential
factors that merit yearly examination to safeguard your intentions. Click here to read more.

The Role of a Court-Appointed Fiduciary in Estate and Trust Administration

Even the most meticulously-crafted estate plans can encounter unexpected challenges, putting
the person you have entrusted in a tough spot. These challenges can encompass family disagree-
ments or doubts about their capability to handle the responsibility. This is where the idea of an
impartial person stepping in gains significance. But who possesses the authority to oversee
estates and trusts with true fairness? Bonita Springs probate litigation attorney Richard
Mancini provides a comprehensive understanding of the court-appointed fiduciary’s role. 
Click here to read the full article.

  Identity Crisis: Safeguarding Your Business Against Identity Theft

In Florida, businesses must submit an annual report to the Department of State, Division of
Corporations between January 1 and May 1 of the year following their establishment or
authorization to operate. Failing to do so can lead to penalties or business dissolution. 
Importantly, anyone, regardless of their affiliation with the business, can access sunbiz.org
to file an annual report, posing a risk of identity theft and fraudulent filings.

For comprehensive guidance on compliance and security, click here to read the full article
co-authored by business and tax attorney Matthew Brust and intellectual property attorney
Mark Nieds.

What Business Owners Need to Know About the Corporate Transparency Act

Enacted as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, this legislation strengthens
national security, intelligence, and law enforcement against money laundering, terrorism
financing, and other illegal activities. Under the CTA, entities must report their beneficial
owners, those who control the company, to FinCEN. It also requires disclosing information
about entity founders. These rules come into effect on January 1, 2024. 

To learn how the CTA impacts your business and compliance requirements, click here to
read the full article
by business and tax attorney Matthew Brust.

Understanding the Impact of SB 540 Local Government Comprehensive Plan Changes

SB 540, effective July 1, 2023, represents a milestone in Florida’s land development and
planning regulations, ushering in a new era with changes in attorney fees, land development
rules, and the scope of development order challenges. Click here to read the impact of
legislative changes on local government planning by Florida Bar Board Certified in City,
County & Local Government law Jeff Wright.

Navigating the Sunshine State’s Rental Landscape: Tips for Florida Landlords

Thriving as a Florida landlord demands attentiveness, legal knowledge, and careful planning
in this ever-evolving rental market. Preparation and proactive management are key.

Litigation attorney Michael-Anthony Pica discusses four key challenges and suggestions to
manage them. Click here to read the full article.  

In the News

Scott Atwood Provides a Legal Update to Florida School Board Attorneys Association

Employment Law Group Chair Scott Atwood was honored to deliver a legal update on the
Public Whistleblowers Act, Bullying and Harassment at the 2023 Summer Conference of the
Florida School Board Attorneys Association on Friday, August 25, in Fort Myers.
Click here to read more.

Land Use Attorney Taylor Bollt Selected to ULI Young Leaders Committee

Land use and zoning attorney Taylor Bollt has been selected to join the Young Leaders
Committee of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Southwest Florida Chapter. His practice
focuses on assisting his clients’ projects go from inception to realization.
Click here to read more.

Litigation Attorney Madison Tanner Elected as General Counsel for Hendry County School Board

Tort & insurance litigation attorney Madison Tanner was elected as General Counsel
for Hendry County School Board. As a devoted mother, she understands the importance
of education firsthand. Tanner’s commitment to education, combined with her legal
experience, underscores her capacity to provide insights and guidance, ensuring that
the Board’s legal strategies align with its educational objectives. Click here to read more.

Engineer and Legal Michael Corso Leads “An Engineer’s Defense Clinic & Contract Management” Session at ACEC Florida Annual Conference

Florida Civil Trial and Litigation Expert Michael Corso delivered “An Engineer’s
Defense Clinic & Contract Management” session at the 2023 Florida Engineering Society
(FES) American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Florida Annual
Conference on July 28, 2023, at the JW Marriott Marco Island. Click here to read more.

Marks Nieds to Serve as a Panelist on AI Technology at the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Intellectual property attorney Mark Nieds was a featured panelist at the Greater Fort
Myers Chamber of Commerce Luncheon held on August 8th. The panel will also feature
other industry leaders, including Manny Gonzalez from Priority Marketing, John Joyce
from CRS Technology Consultants, and Jackie Habermehl from Infiflex Inc.
Click here to read more.

14 Henderson Franklin Attorneys Recognized in the 2024 Edition of Best Lawyers in America®

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt is pleased to announce that 14 recognized attorneys
have been included in the 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and the Best
Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

“Lawyer of the Year” honors are awarded annually to only one lawyer per practice area
in each region with extremely high overall feedback from their peers, making it an
exceptional distinction. Henderson Franklin is pleased to share that:

Amanda Barritt was honored as 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” for Community Association
Law in Fort Myers; 
Russell Schropp was honored as the 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” in Environmental, Land
Use and Zoning Law in Fort Myers; and,
Guy Whitesman was honored as 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” for Tax Law in Fort Myers.

Best Lawyers® “Ones to Watch” awards recognize attorneys in private practice less than
ten years for outstanding professional excellence. Henderson Franklin’s 2024 “Ones to Watch”
attorneys include:

Kayla Richmond, Family Law
Monica Schmucker, Personal Injury Litigation – Defense

Henderson Franklin attorneys recognized in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in
America® are as follows:

-Amanda Barritt, Community Association Law and Real Estate Law
Michael Corso, Legal and Professional Malpractice Defense, Personal Injury
Litigation
Thomas Gunderson, Real Estate Law
Eric Gurgold, Trusts and Estates
Erin Houck-Toll, Closely Held Companies & Family Businesses Law, Health Care
Law, Tax Law
David Lederman, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Christina O’Brien, Family LawRussell Schropp, Environmental Law, Land Use
and Zoning Law & Litigation
Douglas Szabo, Commercial Litigation
G. Donald Thomson, Commercial Litigation and Real Estate
Beth Vogelsang, Family Law
-Guy Whitesman, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships),
Closely Held Companies & Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Nonprofit /
Charities Law, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates



As members of the local community, we extend a warm invitation to join us at upcoming
events, including:

-September 7, SWFL Inc.’s State of the Region at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
-September 9, LCEC 27th Annual Fishing Tournament for the United Way
-September 22, Scott Atwood will serve on the Legislative Panel at the 2023 HR
Conference & Legislative Update presented by HR Collier and Charlotte County SHRM.
Click here to learn more or to register.  
-September 22, Association of Family Law Professionals’ Annual Conference, Achieving
Inspired Outcomes With Practical Solutions
-September 29, The Immokalee Foundation’s CEO Leadership Summit at Arthrex One
Conference Center
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