DeWitt Law Firm - July/August 2023

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JULY/AUGUST 2023

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Discover the Must-Ride Roller Coasters in Orlando I N T H

It’s no surprise that the Orlando area is considered one of the hottest tourist destinations in the United States. People travel from all over the world to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and other great amusement parks and attractions here. Most locals also regularly visit the parks, and it’s completely understandable why. These companies dump millions of dollars into their attractions to give visitors a magical experience that can’t be replicated elsewhere. I like to go on roller coasters and other thrill rides occasionally, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve started to enjoy the kiddie coasters more than the rides that make you scream your head off. Whenever I want to experience a thrill, I’m much more likely to pilot a plane than ride a roller coaster. After learning to fly, the sensation I experienced from roller coasters started to diminish, but I still enjoy riding them occasionally. Many of us associate amusement parks with summer since the kids are free from school and have more time to go on adventures. So, I wanted to share some of my favorite roller coasters around the Orlando area that you should check out if you haven’t ridden them before. WALT DISNEY WORLD The parks in Walt Disney World have certainly upped the thrill factor in recent years. They combine intense theming with their roller coasters to enhance the experience even further. One of the best rides at Disney World is Expedition Everest

at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There’s nothing more exciting than experiencing a roller coaster built into the face of a mountain and coming face to face with a terrifying yeti! Two of Disney’s newest attractions were built for thrill seekers. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot is one of the world’s largest fully-enclosed coasters. You’ll be smiling ear-to-ear after you’re done riding it! TRON Lightcycle/Run at Magic Kingdom is also an exciting ride with a unique seat that’s definitely worth the wait. If you still think Disney is just for kids, think again! UNIVERSAL STUDIOS The Universal Studios resort has always had great thrill rides. Two years ago, Universal opened the Jurassic World Velocicoaster attraction at Islands of Adventure, and it’s easily one of the best roller coasters in the entire state. It starts with a launch and dangles you upside-down above the water for a breathtaking experience. Another great roller coaster within Islands of Adventure is Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure. This ride uses excellent theming to really drive home the fun, and the fact that you can sit in Hagrid’s famous vehicle only makes things better. There’s even a unique ride element near the end that is sure to catch you off guard! SEAWORLD Although SeaWorld earned its fame from its animal attractions, the park has focused more on roller coasters in recent years, making it a must-stop destination for adventure seekers.

Mako is Orlando’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, causing parkgoers to second-guess their choice to ride as they steadily climb the lift hill. Instead of a shoulder harness, this ride keeps you secured with only a seat belt, immensely increasing the thrill factor. SeaWorld has two rides that give you a truly unique experience. Manta is a full-blown roller coaster that tries to give riders the feeling of swimming like a manta ray by sending them through the coaster head first and face down. Pipeline, the newest ride at SeaWorld, keeps riders standing throughout the coaster, making it feel like they’re surfing the waves. There are many other great roller coasters and amusement parks around Orlando and Tampa. If there’s a ride I didn’t mention that you think I should check out, let me know the next time you see me. Until then, I’ll gladly get my thrills from the cockpit of a plane! – Moe DeWitt

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PERSONAL INJURY - AUTO ACCIDENT - DIVORCE

A Battle of He Said, She Said GWYNETH PALTROW VS. TERRY SANDERSON — WHEN SKIERS COLLIDE

Paltrow countersued for $1 plus attorney fees.

since the accident. Furthermore, in an email between Sanderson and his children, he stated that he would be famous after the accident made the tabloids. So, how did the case end? After determining that Paltrow was the downhill skier, according to the images shown in court, they turned to the sport’s rules. According to the rules, the person further down the mountain (the downhill skier) has the right of way. This means that the person closest to the top of the mountain must yield. The jury found Paltrow not liable and awarded her $1 and legal fees. To Paltrow, this case was not about the money. She felt like her character and integrity had been threatened and she simply wanted to prove the allegations were false.

Sanderson argued that Paltrow collided with him from behind while she skied on a beginner’s slope with an instructor. He also mentioned that his injuries prevented him from coping with life. Paltrow argued that Sanderson was the one who struck her from behind. When pictures of the collision appeared in court, it showed Paltrow on top of Sanderson — which could only happen if Paltrow was struck from behind. Additionally, Paltrow’s lawyers argued that Sanderson sued Paltrow to “exploit her celebrity and wealth.” Evidence strengthens this point because while Sanderson said he couldn’t cope with life, documents showed that he had taken multiple international and domestic trips

When you read about celebrity court cases, you probably think of music contract disputes, messy divorces, and settlements with ridiculously high dollar amounts. But the trial between Gwyneth Paltrow and Terry Sanderson was unlike any other. It regarded a ski slope collision that occurred seven years ago. On Feb. 26, 2016, Paltrow and Sanderson were at the Deer Valley Resort in Utah. They both enjoyed the slopes until a tragic accident occurred. The collision caused Sanderson to suffer a concussion, a brain injury, and four broken limbs. In January 2019, Sanderson filed a $3.1 million lawsuit against Paltrow. In return,

JUSTICE ALWAYS PREVAILS WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU FIGHT!

At DeWitt Law Firm, we’re committed to helping our clients with their legal needs. We always try to go above and beyond to help our clients get what they deserve. We recently had the pleasure of helping a young man named James after he experienced a severe car accident. James was turning onto the on-ramp of a highway on his way to pick up his daughter from school when another driver ran a red light and collided with his vehicle. James’ car suffered extreme damage, with only the driver’s side door remaining fully intact. James also experienced injuries of his own. He was knocked unconscious during the accident and injured five discs in his back. He knew that he was involved in a serious accident and needed proper representation in his corner. That’s when he decided to call Moe! After speaking with Moe, James decided we were the best fit for his case. He began working

with Moe and attorney Philip Wayne to figure out the best course forward. James was initially offered $80,000, but with the hard work and dedication of our team, we were able to earn a final settlement of $700,000 . James couldn’t have been happier about the final outcome. “At the DeWitt Law Firm, you feel like family. It feels like a family vibe when you’re with them, and that’s pretty much why I would refer someone to them. They’re going to give you that personal touch. They’re going to give you that attention. They’re going to give you that time. Even though the case is over, if anything does happen, they are going to be the first ones I reach out to and absolutely be the first ones I refer to friends, family, and even a complete stranger!” –James If you’ve been involved in an accident or need legal representation for another matter, call us today. We’re glad to assist you however we can.

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THE AVERAGE FLORIDIAN? Permanent Alimony Has Ended: What Does That Mean?

On July 1, an alimony reform bill became law that completely changed how alimony works in the state of Florida. Permanent alimony is no longer an option, and in its place are four distinct types of alimony that last for varying amounts of time: temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational alimony, which may be paid in a single lump sum or over multiple payments. Temporary alimony is exactly as it sounds. One spouse will have to pay alimony to the other during divorce proceedings and for a short time afterward. Bridge-the-gap alimony intends to help one spouse adjust from married to single life and cannot exceed two years. A court may grant rehabilitative alimony to a spouse who needs education and training to become self-sufficient after the marriage. Under the new reform, this type of alimony won’t exceed five years. Durational alimony is a bit trickier than the rest. It lasts for a set period of time that changes depending on the duration of the

marriage. For short-term marriages (less than 10 years), it can not exceed 50% of the length of the marriage. That percentage grows to 60% for moderate-term marriages (between 10 and 20 years) and 75% for long-term marriages (over 20 years). There are nine factors that courts have to consider when determining alimony. One party has to first prove they need the support while providing evidence that the other party has the means to pay the alimony. If this is confirmed, the court will then look at the standard of living during the marriage, the anticipated needs for both parties after the divorce, the duration of the marriage, the age and health of both parties, their income and resources, child-raising responsibilities, their earning capacities, and their individual contributions to the marriage. Alimony can be a stressful and confusing part of the divorce process, especially with this recent change. If you have any questions or need representation for your divorce, do not hesitate to contact us.

The Best Broccoli Pesto Pasta

FREE LEGAL GUIDES

Inspired by TheModernProper.com

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• 1/2 tsp salt • 4 cups broccoli • 1 lb penne pasta • 2 cups basil leaves • 2 garlic cloves, smashed • 1/4 cup pine nuts,

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. 2. Add broccoli and cook until

tender (around 4 minutes). Using a slotted spoon, transfer broccoli to a blender. 3. Bring water back to a boil and add pasta. Cook until al dente and reserve 1 1/4 cups of pasta water. 4. In the blender, add basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and Parmesan cheese to the broccoli and blend until smooth. Slowly add pasta water until a sauce forms. 5. Drain pasta and transfer back to the pot. Mix sauce and pasta together until fully coated. 6. Top with more Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and chili flakes if desired.

plus more for serving 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Orlando’s Most Thrilling Coasters

1

Gwyneth Paltrow Won Her Case and Received … $1?

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Providing Support and Assistance to Our Clients

2

The Future of Alimony in Florida

3

The Best Broccoli Pesto Pasta

3

How to Stargaze Like a Pro

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A Night to Remember CREATE THE PERFECT STARGAZING EXPERIENCE

BRING ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES. Don’t ruin the perfect evening by being unprepared! After so much planning, the last thing you want is to be run off by a chilly breeze or some pesky mosquitoes. The summer night in an open space may be cooler than expected, so bring a sweater or jacket. Ensure your clothing and seating are comfortable, and don’t forget bug spray. It’s also wise to pack some snacks and plenty of water. Further, you can step up your game by bringing binoculars or a star map. But remember to take all your goodies home with you. Leave nothing behind so the next amateur astrologists can enjoy their experience as much as you did.

Many children are fascinated by the mystery and beauty of outer space, but most tend to lose their reverence as they get older. That doesn’t have to be the case! A night of stargazing is the perfect way to spend a romantic evening or have a fun time with your family. But creating the ideal experience isn’t always as simple as stepping outside and looking up. Here are some tips to make the most of an astrological adventure. PICK THE RIGHT NIGHT. All nighttime skies are not created equal. Would-be stargazers must consider the weather and cloud cover. Further, the light from the moon tends to wash out the dimmer sparkle

of distant stars, and it’s best to go during or immediately before or after a new moon phase. It can all be complicated, so make it easier with a stargazing forecasting site like GoodToStargaze.com . It will provide all the technical details and a simple “yes” or “no” verdict about the evening’s stargazing suitability. FIND THE IDEAL SPOT. Those who live in rural areas without much light pollution won’t have to go far to see the stars, but everyone else should do a little planning. Scope out a location away from city lights that has an unobstructed view of the sky, and make sure it’s legal for you to go there. You’ll also need a place to set up blankets or chairs for a comfortable and relaxed experience.

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