Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida

Putting a lein on a vessel or home

My husband worked for a commerical fishing captain as a mate. This captain offered my husband a position on his boat, which my husband accepted, and we relocated to that area. Once there, and dependent on this captain for income, this captain requested that we put supplies for the business totaling approximately $9500 in order for this business to continue to be operational. Also , toward the end of my husbands employment with this captain, it became increasingly more difficult to get paid for time worked on his boat. We had to resort to ''sob stories'' to get compensated for time worked, and when he did, it was not complete payment. According to records, he owes my husband approximately $8000 in back pay. This occured between July 2001, and May 2002. We have continued to seek payment from this captain in the form of telephone calls, and he has continued to promise to make reparations without any results. Recently we were told by this captain that we would never receive payment from him that he basically ''screwed us'' (in much rougher language than that), and to accept it. He owns his land, house, and boat, though we don't know for sure if it's all in his name. What are our options? How much of it can we do ourselves?


Asked on 8/06/04, 11:46 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Tonia Troutwine, Esquire - Troutwine Law Group. LLC

Re: Putting a lein on a vessel or home

First, you need to attempt to collect on the debt against him including reimbursing you for supplies and all other agreed to expenses by placing phone calls and writing him letters. Make sure you keep track of anything in writing, especially cancelled checks etc that reflect your agreement with your husbands former boss. In Florida, his home will be protected from a lien, however his boat may not. You should seek the advice of counsel to file a claim against him.

Best Regards,

Tonia Troutwine

Licensed in Florida

305-984-5748

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Answered on 8/08/04, 9:41 pm


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