We are happy to be able to see clients and hold consultations in-office, as we are open.

FAQ Have Questions? We Can Help.

gENERAL fIRM qUESTIONS

  • Q:WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER FIRMS?

    A:At Your Advocates, we value communication and place a huge emphasis on going above and beyond in our representation. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. In addition, we will not rest until we know that you are satisfied with the end result of your case.

  • Q:HOW MUCH IS THE INITIAL EVALUATION?

    A:You will not have to pay anything for the initial consultation with our team. All you need to do is fill out the form on our website and we can help you get started by scheduling the introductory appointment.

  • Q:WHAT IS THE OVERALL MISSION OF THE FIRM?

    A:At Your Advocates, we are so confident about the service we offer that we do not hesitate to make the following promises to each of our clients: 

    We focus on you and protecting your rights
     We perform tasks with integrity and honesty
     We treat you with honor
     We will not stop working until we reach a successful result
     We make client experience our top priority
     We represent you in a way that makes sense you
     We aim to exceed your expectations
     We tailor our representation to suit your needs
     We strive to provide legal service that is unmatched

ESTATE PLANNING QUESTIONS

  • Q:WHAT ARE THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A VALID WILL?

    A:Every will must be put in writing and signed by the testator. If the testator is not able to sign the document, it can be signed by another in the testator’s presence at his or her request. All of the legal documents must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are required to sign in the presence of one another and the testator.

  • Q:ARE SELF-PROVING WILLS ACCEPTED?

    A:Under Florida law, self-proving wills can be used for estate planning. A self-proving will is the same as a regular will, but it includes a page signed by the witnesses. The purpose of this page is to show that the witnesses attest to the soundness of mind of the testator. The page and signatures are then accepted as proof of the testator’s signature and state of mind, rather than having to obtain this testimony upon the death of the testator.

  • Q:CAN I MAKE MY OWN WILL?

    A:It is possible to create your own will, but is highly discouraged. There are often many unknowns with a self-made will, such as the validity and effectiveness of the document. With the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney, you can know what type of will to create and have confidence in the future of your estate.

PROBATE QUESTIONS

  • Q:WHAT IS PROBATE?

    A:Probate is a court-supervised process used to identify and gather the assets and debts of the decedents, and distribute to beneficiaries as necessary. Florida Probate Code is Chapters 731 – 735 of the Florida Statutes. The purpose of probate is to wind up the affairs of the decedent. Under Florida law, the decedent is allowed to make certain decisions through a valid will.

  • Q:WHAT AREAS OF PROBATE DO YOU ASSIST WITH?

    A:At Your Advocates, we can help you handle various probate matters, including: 

  • Q:WHERE ARE PROBATE DOCUMENTS FILED?

    A:Probate is filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the decedent lived. The filing fee will be paid to the clerk to begin the probate administration.

REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS

  • Q:DO YOU REPRESENT BOTH TENANTS AND LANDLORDS?

    A:At Your Advocates, we focus on the representation of landlords, rather than tenants. We handle a variety of real estate disputes and litigation matters on behalf of landlords. We provide experienced guidance for clients who are faced with boundary disputes, title transfers, evictions, and other issues that may arise.

  • Q:DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY TO EVICT A TENANT?

    A:If the landlord wishing to perform the eviction is an individual, he or she can act as his or her own lawyer. There are many situations, however, when you will want to be represented by an attorney during the eviction process. Hiring an attorney can also improve the success of the eviction and help avoid battles.

  • Q:SHOULD I HIRE AN ATTORNEY FOR MY REAL ESTATE CLOSING?

    A:The number one thing you do not want in a real estate closing is a delay. Setting a deal back just one day could mean the end of it. With a real estate attorney by your side, you can eliminate legal hurdles that may have cropped up unexpectedly and hampered your real estate closing had you only relied on a real estate agent.

  • Q:SHOULD I GET TITLE INSURANCE BEFORE BUYING A HOME?

    A:In most real estate transactions, title insurance is a necessity before you can buy a home. If there are any defects on the title, such as a co-owner who doesn’t want to sell it or a lien imposed by a creditor or bank, title insurance protects the potential buyer from losing significant deposits. In some cases, it can also hold the property until the defects are eliminated, ensuring the buyer can still get the home they wanted, just a little later than expected.

  • Q:WHAT DO REAL ESTATE CLOSING COSTS TYPICALLY RUN?

    A:The closing cost for your real estate transaction will vary depending on the details of the property, its history, and who is buying or selling it. On average, however, you can expect closing costs to be anywhere between 2% and 5% the purchase price of the property.

PERSONAL INJURY QUESTIONS

  • Q:WHAT IS CONSIDERED AS “NEGLIGENCE?”

    A:Negligence is defined as any conduct that is done against the standards of care that are established to protect against the unreasonable harm to others.

  • Q:HOW LONG DO PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUITS LAST?

    A:The length of a personal injury lawsuit will depend on the severity of the accident and the participation of the involved parties. Your attorney can provide you with a more detailed assessment of the length of your injury case.

  • Q:WHAT IF I AM UNABLE TO AFFORD MEDICAL TREATMENT?

    A:Accident victims often have a difficult time dealing with the expenses related to emergency care and treatment, and recovery is not immediate. Many physicians and healthcare providers will treat the patient with the promise of future payment. Our office can help you find a medical provider who can help you resolve your case.

fREQUENTLY aSKED qUESTIONS

Get answers from our experienced Fort Myers firm.

From the start to the finish of your case, you will likely have many questions that will require the focus and interest of a knowledgeable legal guide. At Your Advocates, we can help you during your case and provide you with the level of communication you deserve.

To begin, we have answered a number of common questions in each field of law we handle:

A Firm You Can Rely On

What to Expect With Our Firm on Your Side?
  • One-On-One Attention

    As Your Advocates, we ensure that we are actively involved in communicating with you from start to finish. This communication allows us to come up with a customized solution that best fits your goals. 

  • Dedicated & Caring Service

    At Your Advocates, you will never be treated as just a number. Whether your case is monetarily small or large - you will receive the customized and personalized attention that you deserve.

  • 24/7 Availability

    Our attorneys understand the emotional turmoil that an injury matter can have on someone. For this reason, we make ourselves available when you need us most. 

  • Over 70 Years of Combined Legal Experience

    For more than 70 years, we have been providing our clients with trustworthy and knowledgeable legal counsel for a wide variety of legal matters.

PAST CLIENTS SHARE
THEIR EXPERIENCEs

Actively Involved in
Communicating With Our Clients
    Ms. Jackman just wanted to say what a GREAT JOB you did. Thanks for making a nervous process easier to handle!! Take care!

    “Ms. Jackman just wanted to say what a GREAT JOB you did. Thanks for making a nervous process easier to handle!! Take care!”

    - Mark Z.
    They were very efficient, pleasant, and professional.

    “They were very efficient, pleasant, and professional. Based on this very positive experience, we would recommend this company, and would not hesitate to use them again in the future.”

    - Former Client
    The firm surely does stand by its name as Your Advocates!

    “He was extremely professional throughout the journey and very experienced in this matter. I would recommend this firm to anybody in an uncontested eviction, contested eviction or any legal needs. The professionalism and value I received was a pleasant surp”

    - Terry A.
    Highly Recommended!

    “I worked with Rita Jackman, she is very much respectful, she breaks down all the details, and cares about her clients‼️ Highly Recommended!”

    - Rittney O.
    I’ll definitely be sending family and friends your way.

    “Rita Jackman is my attorney and I can’t recommend her enough! She’s been truly amazing through a difficult time. She always responds immediately to any and all questions and she’s kept me up to date ...”

    - Jordan H.

LET US GET YOU STARTED
IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Customized, Personalized Attention Call 239-970-6844 or fill our the form below to get started.
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.