Chesser & Barr, P.A.

08/26/2026

If you are involved in a traffic stop, do you know anything about your 4th Amendment rights and drug sniffing dogs? Former Deputy Sheriff and Military MP dog handler, Joseph Paul, Esquire, discusses more here https://www.chesserbarr.com/news-insights/2026/august/florida-drug-dog-search-laws-know-your-fourth-am/

Chesser & Barr offers its clients representation across a wide variety of practice areas including criminal defense, real estate, business law, family law, estate planning/probate. Call our team today. Shalimar 850-610-7471 Crestview 850-610-4585.

08/24/2026

Knowing the difference between bail and bond is important if you or a loved one is arrested ... and as a citizen it is interesting to see how this part of the process works. Learn a little more here

What is the difference between bail and bond? Learn how cash bonds, surety bonds, and the legal release process work in this quick guide.

08/14/2026

Ever wonder why the bank asks if you have a POD? Learn a little more here
https://www.chesserbarr.com/news-insights/2026/august/whats-a-pod-/

Learn how Payable on Death (POD) accounts work, how they can help avoid probate, and what to consider when naming a beneficiary for your bank account.

08/07/2026

Starting a New Business?

Launching a business is an exciting milestone. Whether you're opening a small local shop or pursuing a larger venture, every successful business starts with the right foundation.

Will you go into business on your own or with partners? Should you form an LLC, corporation, partnership, joint venture, or another type of business entity? Choosing the right structure can have a significant impact on taxes, liability, ownership, and future growth.

Have you considered the licenses, permits, or local ordinances that may affect where and how you operate your business?

It's also important to think ahead. What if your business doesn't go as planned? More importantly, what if it exceeds your expectations and grows faster than you imagined?

Before making these important decisions, consult with an experienced business law attorney. Sound legal guidance at the outset can help you avoid costly mistakes, protect your investment, and position your business for long-term success.

08/04/2026

...everyone gets nervous when they are being pulled over ... what should you do? Attorney and former law enforcement officer answers that question and more... https://www.chesserbarr.com/news-insights/2026/july/blue-lights-flashing-in-my-rearview-what-do-i-do/

08/03/2026

. . . certainly you do not want your teenage child to just throw the papers someplace and forget to tell you that the Sheriff came to visit the house! https://www.chesserbarr.com/news-insights/2026/august/service-of-process-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-impo/

07/29/2026

They are getting ready to leave for college and you've packed everything up ... did you consider what legal documents they, or you, may need if something happens? Learn more in attorney Brian Corlew's article: https://www.chesserbarr.com/news-insights/2026/july/when-your-child-turns-18-why-parents-suddenly-lo/

When your child turns 18, you lose automatic access to their medical, financial, and educational records. Learn the three essential legal documents every Florida family should have before college.

07/29/2026

Beat the Florida heat with a delicious ice cream sundae! 🍨

The Crestview History Museum is hosting a "Summer Sundaes at the Museum" event on Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each attendee will have the opportunity to choose from many different toppings to create their own unique sundae.

This event is free and open to the public.

07/28/2026

I’m in the Hospital – Who is Going to Handle My Affairs?

Estate planning is more than just having a will ... and it is not just for those who have an “estate” per se. Estate planning may be comprised of multiple documents each designed to address different needs in your life – your daily affairs if you become unable to handle them, your health care decisions if you become incapacitated, your final wishes for when that time comes.
Estate planning is thoughtful planning and informed decision-making tailored to your unique circumstances.

When appointing someone to serve as your agent under a power of attorney, it is important to carefully consider the scope of authority you want that person to have. Should their authority be limited to specific transactions, or should they have broader powers? For example, should they have the ability to amend your trust, create or modify rights of survivorship on your financial accounts, or make decisions affecting your real or personal property? Understanding the legal effect of these powers requires more than simply reading the language on a form and checking a box. Unintended consequences can happen if you do not understand the full scope of the authority you are granting.

Healthcare planning is equally important. If you become unable to make medical decisions for yourself, who do you trust to make those decisions on your behalf? Taking the time to answer these questions now can help ensure your wishes are respected when it matters most.

Although commercially available estate planning forms and online document services may satisfy some basic planning needs, they are not suitable for every individual or every situation. More importantly, they cannot provide the personalized legal guidance needed to address your specific goals, family dynamics, or applicable state laws. Generic, "boilerplate" forms often omit critical provisions or fail to comply with state-specific legal requirements, which can render them ineffective. In many cases, these shortcomings are not discovered until an emergency arises and the documents are needed – any by then, it is too late.

07/24/2026

In honor of National Tell an Old Joke Day ... Why do seagulls live by the sea? Because if they lived by the bay, they would be bagels!