--- title: "Miami Jury Sides With Mother Over Property Dispute" meta: "og:description": "A Miami jury found for Lucia Lopez in a property case, awarding $0 to daughter Cindy Lopez, who alleged unlawful detainer and unjust enrichment." "og:title": "Miami Jury Sides With Mother Over Property Dispute" description: "A Miami jury found for Lucia Lopez in a property case, awarding $0 to daughter Cindy Lopez, who alleged unlawful detainer and unjust enrichment." --- June 20, 2025 # **Miami Jury Sides With Mother Over Property Dispute** A Miami jury found for Lucia Lopez in a property case, awarding $0 to daughter Cindy Lopez, who alleged unlawful detainer and unjust enrichment. [**Real Property Law**](https://exlitem.com/jury-verdict/miami-jury-sides-with-mother-over-property-dispute/jury-verdict/category/real-property-law) ### **Outline** Author ![](https://exlitem.com/jury-verdict/miami-jury-sides-with-mother-over-property-dispute/_ipx/q_80/user-default.svg) **Angad Chatha****Angad Chatha is a law graduate from Amritsar, Punjab, with over two years of experience in legal research and analysis. He has developed a strong niche in working with expert witnesses, providing critical support in preparing legal research and case studies. Known for his analytical mindset and attention to detail, Angad consistently delivers thorough and well-grounded insights that enhance case summaries. His commitment to accuracy and a deep understanding of legal frameworks make him a valuable asset in complex legal sector.** ![Article Image](https://media.jurimatic.com/cdn-cgi/image/q=70/images/default_1.webp) In a high-stakes family dispute, a Miami jury ruled in favor of Lucia Lopez, who faced eviction and financial claims from her daughter, Cindy Lopez. The case involved allegations of unlawful detainer, unjust enrichment, and property rights. The jury awarded no damages to Cindy. ## **Case Background** Cindy Lopez, also known as Cindy Sampson, owned a residential property at 6230 SW 16th Street, Unit 3, Miami, Florida. Her mother, Lucia Lopez, lived there rent-free for several years. No lease agreement governed the living arrangement. Both parties lived in Miami-Dade County, Florida, where the property was located. ### **Cause** Cindy ended her mother’s occupancy after repeated conflicts. Lucia frequently harassed tenants and created tension. Cindy withdrew her consent and filed an unlawful detainer action. In response, Lucia filed counterclaims. She alleged she owned the property based on a 2003 oral agreement. Cindy claimed Lucia used the counterclaim to delay eviction and increase legal costs. She also asserted that Lucia misled the court by claiming potential homelessness, despite owning other properties. ### **Injury** Cindy lost rental income and incurred rising legal expenses. Lucia’s interference affected Cindy’s relationship with other tenants. The prolonged litigation disrupted Cindy’s control over her own property. ### **Damages** Cindy sought damages exceeding $30,000. She demanded double rent for unlawful occupancy, reimbursement for property expenses, and compensation for legal fees. She also requested possession of the property and any other relief the court found fair. ## Key Arguments and Proceedings ### Legal Representation - **Plaintiff:**Cindy lopez - **Counsel for the Plaintiff:**Jose Teurbe-Tolon | Wayne R Atkins - **Defendant:**Lucia Lopez - **Counsel for the Defendant:**Lisbet Velazquez | Yelina Angulo ### **Claims Against the Defendant** #### **Count I – Unlawful Detainer** Cindy revoked Lucia’s right to occupy the property. Lucia stayed without consent. Cindy sought possession and double the rental value under Florida Statute § 82.03. #### **Count II – Ejectment** Cindy owned the property and held legal title. Lucia refused to vacate. Cindy requested possession and damages. #### **Count III – Unjust Enrichment (Rent)** Lucia accepted rent-free living despite knowing Cindy owned the property. Cindy sought the reasonable rental value for that period. #### **Count IV – Unjust Enrichment (Property Expenses)** Cindy paid taxes, mortgage, and maintenance. If Lucia proved ownership, Cindy requested reimbursement for those expenses. ### Defense #### **First Affirmative Defense – Fraud on the Court** Lucia alleged Cindy misled the court by claiming Lucia stayed unlawfully. She said she always lived on the property with rightful ownership and no rent obligation. #### **Second Affirmative Defense – Fraudulent Inducement** Lucia claimed Cindy promised to hold the property in her name temporarily to protect it legally. Cindy then reneged, despite knowing Lucia relied on that promise. #### **Third Affirmative Defense – Improper Use of Unlawful Detainer** Lucia argued that unlawful detainer was not the proper legal tool. The dispute involved ownership rights, not mere possession. She cited legal precedent barring detainer claims in title disputes. ### Jury Verdict On May 1, 2025, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendant, Lucia Lopez, finding that she held an equitable interest in the property located at 6230 SW 16th Street, Miami, Florida. The jury rejected all claims brought by the plaintiff, Cindy Lopez a/k/a Cindy Sampson, and awarded her no damages. ## Court Documents [Complaint](https://www2.miamidadeclerk.gov/ocs/ImgViewerWF.aspx?QS=B6%2f9EwnZlIiih%2bgqiU8rawLJW%2bj4E30XGWoN6L%2b82TkCtfBv%2f%2bx9IuihPFz552QoU77ILOH2sWJ%2bHeXKnFbnhEewLR5MSepEmdw3OUQAdJXsAQjHrJdzb%2bWJTCjehuVKwRnuDE5nBhxi05oSA7jSLxUnn0zL4WLFj%2fb7ykFfPH0a%2bZpULq5XKw6Oc1Ml4S8C8r3o372MzzI2LuIIzYw3G%2bxtZ43a84aTmQXSdm6Rl7mi7FNmIp7BLZj9oQI7NcGnIv991XA%2fID5tQXhh31Rg%2bqT9gawfL9QL8iZh9r%2b9WZFBMHXnmFoAaBMDKRsdeANj) [Verdict](https://www2.miamidadeclerk.gov/ocs/ImgViewerWF.aspx?QS=B6%2f9EwnZlIiih%2bgqiU8rawLJW%2bj4E30XGWoN6L%2b82TlzMdkOOGcO31MeKU2km1LYb1Rmj%2ffZ%2fkN4QtOUnon5dMH47RtY%2ft7WKJZC%2biNvT9u66O83QPhFrXZOy2j1fli%2bMpufqZzWglpCQpexzQRnIsQ1cJgUtKctNehT0roY%2b%2bBRSyiUyfx9AIQBv%2bELc2AOBFtSmewV2zDDd3il4s3fdUNToH0gOnImSNiDTc4OXXrSQNZtsfk%2fmgm0LK%2fZFzgl1aXVgcLsNPhSKsaFVP3wD9MnbRHa%2bxVe1%2frh5CCAuWTSMP%2fgvxgwohadK5En4IKsGruFabpnHBM%3d) [Share with Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://exlitem.com/jury-verdict/miami-jury-sides-with-mother-over-property-dispute) [Share with X](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https://exlitem.com/jury-verdict/miami-jury-sides-with-mother-over-property-dispute&text=x) [Share with LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://exlitem.com/jury-verdict/miami-jury-sides-with-mother-over-property-dispute) [Share with Email](https://exlitem.com/jury-verdict/miami-jury-sides-with-mother-over-property-dispute/mailto:?body=https://exlitem.com/jury-verdict/miami-jury-sides-with-mother-over-property-dispute&subject=email) [Share with WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=https://exlitem.com/jury-verdict/miami-jury-sides-with-mother-over-property-dispute%20whatsapp) ### **Find your next Expert Witness today** ![Sanjay Adhia](https://exlitem.com/jury-verdict/miami-jury-sides-with-mother-over-property-dispute/_ipx/q_80/user-default.svg) ###### **Sanjay Adhia** Forensic Psychiastry ![George Reis](https://exlitem.com/jury-verdict/miami-jury-sides-with-mother-over-property-dispute/_ipx/q_80/user-default.svg) ###### **George Reis** Forensic Imaging ![Maria Babinetz](https://exlitem.com/jury-verdict/miami-jury-sides-with-mother-over-property-dispute/_ipx/q_80/user-default.svg) ###### **Maria Babinetz** Vocational Rehabilitation Find and retain experts without brokerage or upcharge. ### Looking for more? 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