Blanchard, Merriam, Adel & Kirkland P.A.

Attorneys at Law serving Ocala, Florida Since 1974
The attorneys, paralegals, secretaries and staff at Blanchard, Merriam, Adel & Kirkland (BMAK) welcome you to review our areas of practice, and to consider the unique qualities of experience, professionalism, advocacy and legal counseling we provide. The firm was founded in November of 1974 by the current senior partner, Dock Blanchard, and for our work, we have been awarded the coveted “AV” rating by Martindale Hubbell, the highest honor given by the attorney rating service, indicating the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Although our office is in Ocala, Marion County, Florida, we do not limit our practice geographically. We handle cases throughout the State and the Nation.

Our firm is very unique in that we handle cases both for persons who seek judicial determination of their rights and individuals who feel others are unjustly seeking to attack them. This gives us a unique perspective in that we are able to advise either side as to the advantages and pit-falls of any particular legal position or give advice relating to the strategic advantage of any particular position. We have found over the years that firms which represent only claimants (Plaintiffs) or who represent only those being sued (Defendants), often times lose sight of the objective advantages of looking at the issues from both sides. We are proud of our experience and our reputation and we look forward to your consideration of our firm for your legal needs.

Administrative Law
Administrative law governs the administration of city, county, state and federal government agencies’ rules, regulations, applications, licenses, permits, available information, hearings, appeals and decision-making.

Appellate Practice
Although a number of BMAK’s lawyers have extensive experience with appeals, our appellate practice is headed by Mr. Blanchard, who has earned board certification from the Florida Bar as an appellate practitioner.

Civil Litigation
Civil litigation is a legal dispute between two or more parties that seeks money damages or specific performance rather than criminal sanctions. (Read More)

Commercial Litigation
Commercial litigation encompasses any type of controversy related to business. Commercial litigation matters can range from relatively simple, uncomplicated contract disputes, to highly complex matters.(Read More)

Community Association Law
Community association law deals with legal issues related to homeowners and condominium associations. (Read More)

Corporate and Business Law
Corporate and business law involves the relationship between the members of the business entity, the creation of that entity and the operation of the entity. (Read More)

Criminal Defense
Criminal law differs from civil law in that, while only money or property is at stake in a civil case, severe fines as well as your liberty or even your life can be at risk in a criminal case. The violation of a criminal statute can result in the assessment of fines and the imposition of probation and/or incarceration.

Employment Law
Employment law encompasses a wide variety of legal issues such as family medical leave, minimum wage violations, wrongful termination, harassment, wages and salaries and workplace discrimination. Many employment issues are covered by State, Federal, statutory and case law.(

Equine and Horse Law
Ocala and Marion County is proud to call itself the Thoroughbred Horse Capital of the World. The equine industry generates many legal issues from purchase, to boarding, training, and racing, through sale or syndication.

Family Law
Family law is a legal practice area that encompasses legal issues that families face. We recognize that such issues involve complex emotional, legal and financial considerations.(Read More)

Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice, otherwise known as medical negligence, involves the failure of a healthcare provider to adhere to the governing standard of care when treating a patient, resulting in injury to the patient. (Read More)

Mortgage and Forclosure Law
Foreclosures are an unfortunate national dilemma creating a major economic impact throughout the country and the world. Our lawyers have extensive experience on both sides of the foreclosure process, representing both lenders and borrowers.(Read More)

Personal Injury/Wrongful Death
If you or a loved one suffers a serious personal injury as the result of someone else’s negligence or intentional act, it is important that you consult with an attorney before speaking with an insurance company representative.

Products Liability
It is unfortunate that products we buy to use or consume can often cause serious injury or death. This may be because of negligent manufacture, negligent design or improper or insufficient warnings or directions.

Real Estate
Our attorneys handle real estate matters covering the entire range of possible transactions and issues, from contract formation and negotiation to closing, simple residential matters like landlord/tenant and neighbor disputes to complex landlord/tenant litigation, commercial transactions, and zoning and land use disputes.


Wills & Trusts
The services provided by the lawyers of BMAK in the areas of Wills, Trusts and Estates include assisting the client with determining what type of estate plan best suits his or her needs through the preparation of everything from simple Wills to complex estate plans.