In re: Estate of Inez Torres, File No. 26000624CPAXMX (Hernando County Circuit Court, Probate Division)

On September 30, 2026, Circuit Judge Don Barbee granted the Personal Representative’s Motion to Determine Confidentiality of Court Records in this probate matter.

The Court found that the attorney’s fee contract between the client and the law firms Mendes, Reins & Wilander, PLLC and The Ruth Law Team is protected by attorney-client privilege and the client’s privacy rights, and that disclosing it would cause substantial injury to the client. Rule 4-1.5(f)(4)(B)(ii) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar requires court approval of this type of contract and allows the approval proceedings to be sealed. Under that rule and Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420(c)(9)(A)(vi) and (vii), the Clerk is directed to seal the attachments to the Petition to Approve Contract: the Contract, the Statement of Client’s Rights, and the Ex-Parte Application for Approval of Fee.

The Order is limited in scope. The party’s name is not confidential, and the progress docket and similar records documenting case activity remain public. Only the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney(s) may view the sealed records unless the Court orders otherwise. The Court found that the confidentiality ordered is no broader than necessary and that no less restrictive measure is available.

This Order is published pursuant to Rule 2.420(e)(4). View the order below.