Practice Areas

Probate Law

The word probate, literally taken, means proving, and when applied to the law, refers to the action of proving to the court that a deceased person’s will is valid. Hence, creating wills and settling estates are prime examples of this area of law. Probate law extends into several other areas today as shown by the following services that the firm offers:

• Wills
• Trusts
• Living wills
• Powers of attorney
• Estate administration
• Guardianship
• Adoption

Family Law

Just as the name implies, family law involves legal issues associated with forming a family, or more often, with managing the process of resolving an unfortunate union. Family lawyers routinely help clients with the following legal issues surrounding the family unit:

• Divorce
• Dissolution
• Child custody
• Child support
• Post decree matters
• Enforcement/contempt
• Prenuptial agreements

Civil Law

Civil law provides a set of legal expedients to prevent or correct non-criminal infringements of an individual’s rights by influencing, punishing, or rewarding human behavior when a breach of duty by one party leads to liability for damages for another. In civil matters, the plaintiff is always another individual rather than the State. The lawyers at Kaufman & Florence litigate civil trials and handles out-of-court negotiations for its clients. Common areas involving civil claims include the following:

• Personal injury, including automobile accidents and wrongful death
• Property damage
• Intentional injury/tort
• Contract disputes
• Collections
• Zoning issues

Criminal Law

The criminal code is designed to mediate struggles between the individual and the State. In criminal representation, we, as defense lawyers, are responsible for challenging the strength of the State’s case regardless of perceived guilt or innocence. In this way, the American system helps to ensure a fair outcome based on proof that is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Kaufman & Florence often intervenes in criminal matters that include the following:

• DUI/OVI
• Driving under suspension
• Traffic violations
• Misdemeanors
• Felonies

Real Estate Law

Real estate law governs the ownership or transfer of ownership of real property, which essentially is property that cannot be moved—that is, land and the property or structures that are permanently affixed to it. Feel free to call on Kaufman & Florence if you need legal representation for real estate dealings, including the following common reasons:

• Deed preparation
• Closings
• Sale/purchase agreements
• Mortgages
• Mechanic liens
• Covenants and restrictions
• Easements
• Landlord-tenant disputes

Business/Small Business Law

Business law, of course, is that portion of law that governs the conduct of commerce, while commerce is defined as the exchange of goods, services, or ideas, either for monetary profit, or in exchange for support for the good of humanity or a particular segment of humanity. The lawyers at Kaufman & Florence get involved in many aspect of business law, the most common of which are as follows:

• Incorporation
• Limited liability company formation
• Contracts
• Partnership agreements