Areas of Practice Business Law The transactional department of McDonald Fleming Moorhead handles business law matters on behalf of its clients. Specifically, our firm is experienced in the formation of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs) and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), as well as other forms of entities. Members of our firm can guide clients in the determination of the appropriate form of entity for any particular situation taking into consideration the business and tax implications of each. McDonald Fleming Moorhead handles corporate mergers, acquisitions and dissolutions as well as the routine meetings and resolutions that are so important in maintaining viability of the entity. Our firm also advises clients on the proper structure of the business organization in order to provide for an orderly transition following the passing of the company’s principal, which is commonly known as business succession planning.   Business Litigation Our attorneys have many years of experience in helping clients solve problems arising from business relationships, including resolving disputes. We are experienced with evaluating, handling and resolving disagreements prior to the filing of a lawsuit, preparing for and trying cases and post-judgment proceedings. Our experience includes litigation in state and federal courts, and before administrative agencies, mediators and arbitrators.   Business Planning We’re all familiar with the adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Proper planning for the startup of a new business or the conveyance or winding down of an existing one can help to assure not only the success of that venture but also the degree of success. One size does not fit all and there are many different sizes when it comes to choosing the optimal form of entity for a new business. We can help you evaluate your options and help you implement your choices. If you already have one or more successful businesses, we can help you identify your exit choices and can help you develop and implement exit strategies on terms and timelines that best fit your needs and goals.   Construction Litigation Our firm is generally recognized as having one of the best construction law and litigation sections in the Panhandle. We represent numerous construction professionals, ranging from material suppliers to subcontractors, general contractors, and design professionals. The firm also represents various construction industry groups, and attorneys from the firm frequently give seminars on construction law topics including lien and bond law claims.   Estate Planning Everyone needs an estate plan. It’s about stewardship. It’s about planning for the disposition of your estate in a way that will be a blessing and not a curse. It’s about minimizing gift or estate taxes. It’s about proactively planning for the possibility that you might become incapacitated. It’s about planning for the transition of control. Whether you need testamentary planning, life insurance planning, gifting strategies, charitable planning, business succession planning, or advice relating to anything that touches on the transition of your stewardship control over your person or property, we have the experience and resources and will be honored to assist you with these very personal and meaningful issues.   Insurance Litigation Our firm handles a variety of insurance related litigation, including personal injury protection (no-fault) claims, homeowner’s, title insurance, and disaster related claims. Our firm represents medical providers as well as individuals who have been denied insurance benefits and has many years of combined experience in assisting homeowners in claims related to collapse or hurricane related damage.   Land Use, Planning and Zoning Our firm works with developers, businesses and individual property owners in obtaining approval and permits from local and state governments.   Mediation Our firm has two certified mediators with many years of experience in successfully mediating civil lawsuits to resolution. As more and more claims are referred to alternative dispute resolution, we are able to assist our colleagues and their clients with mediation of all types of civil disputes, including personal injury/wrongful death claims, commercial and contract disputes, product liability claims, construction claims, medical malpractice suits, and real estate litigation. Our office facilities in downtown Pensacola offer a convenient and comfortable location for mediation.   Personal Injury and Wrongful Death McDonald Fleming Moorhead represents individuals who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents or families who have lost loved ones due to the negligence of others. We recognize that these occurrences are stressful for both the injured party and family members alike and strive to efficiently move our cases to conclusion. Our attorneys have many years of experience in the preparation and trial of personal injury and wrongful death cases and use the latest technology to maximize the results for our clients.   Probate McDonald Fleming Moorhead provides legal assistance for uncontested probate estate administration throughout all of Florida, from Miami to Pensacola. Our goal is to help the executor (called “personal representative” in Florida) with understandable and economical guidance in a most difficult and trying time. Florida has two kinds of administration – summary and formal. Summary administration is faster and less expensive, and in those situations which qualify, we strongly recommend the cost savings achieved in this procedure. Estates which do not qualify for summary administration are handled through “formal administration.” Our firm charges fees in formal administrations based on the number of hours our attorneys and paralegals work on the file. Although Florida law allows attorneys to charge fees based upon a percentage of the estate (3% of the first $1 million), our firm has adopted a policy of charging hourly rates since the percentage fee often works out to be a “windfall” or excessive fee for the attorney. If an estate is contested or requires special expertise, our firm uses experienced “co-counsel” to handle the dispute or special problem. From the very smallest estate to the very largest, we stand ready to assist clients in the transfer of property through a decedent’s estate.   Real Estate Closings Our new office facilities in downtown Pensacola provide a comfortable and spacious environment in which we provide closing services for residential and commercial real estate transactions. McDonald Fleming Moorhead is an approved agent for several major title insurance companies.   Real Estate Development Our firm provides comprehensive representation for real estate developers of residential and commercial projects including subdivisions and condominiums. Our services range from project planning, developer entity formation, negotiation of financing, governmental permitting, reservation agreements, closing services for acquisition of property and construction financing, negotiation and review of contracts (including construction, architectural and engineering contracts), drafting of condominium or other associational documents and filing and approval with required governmental entities. Once the development is completed, we are well equipped to handle closings of lots or units to end purchasers.   Real Estate Law McDonald Fleming Moorhead’s real estate department represents individuals, corporate interests, developers and lenders in a broad range of real estate matters. Our firm is experienced in lease drafting and negotiation, contract preparation, real estate financing, real estate development, real estate closings and community association law. We also handle a variety of real estate litigation including quiet title suits, mortgage foreclosures, boundary disputes, real estate contract disputes and title insurance claims and defense.   Tax Whether your situation presents federal or state tax issues, we will strive to help minimize your tax liabilities without sacrificing your non-tax goals or objectives. We will also strive to help you avoid potential or actual pitfalls by using our best efforts to make you aware of tax liabilities that could or will result from your intended actions. And if you find yourself in an tax audit or controversy, we will strive to assist you to complete the audit or resolve the controversy in a manner that will lawfully minimize your overall liability.
	© 2008 McDonald, Fleming, Moorhead, Ferguson, Green, Smith, Blankenship, Heath & de Kozan, LLP 25 West Government Street, Pensacola, Florida 32502-5813  Telephone: (850) 477-0660  Facsimile: (850) 477-4510 Right across from the courthouse in downtown Pensacola Hiring an attorney is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisments. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.