Legal Dispute Resolved Between Cork Restaurateur and Ex-Partner Over Miami Mansion

A legal battle between Patricia Toscano, a Cork restaurateur, and her former partner, New York lawyer Michael Griffith, over the sale of a $16 million (€13.5 million) Miami mansion has concluded with an agreement to enter confidential mediation. The dispute centered on whether the proceeds from the sale should be split equally.

Background of the Dispute

Patricia Toscano, whose daughter currently owns and operates Ristorante Rossini on Princes Street in Cork city, sold a property in the exclusive Coral Gables neighborhood of Miami for $15.8 million last year [The Irish Channel]. Michael Griffith alleged that an oral agreement existed to divide almost $10 million of the net proceeds from the sale. Toscano denied the existence of such an agreement, and reportedly walked away with approximately $8 million from the sale [The Irish Channel].

Legal Proceedings and Mediation

Griffith initially sought court approval to serve Toscano with a lawsuit [BizBrief]. The case, Griffith v. Toscano, was filed in the Judicial Circuit for Miami-Dade County [United States District Court Southern District of Florida], alleging breach of contract and conversion. Toscano removed the case to federal court, citing diversity jurisdiction [United States District Court Southern District of Florida].

However, both parties have now agreed to participate in confidential mediation in an attempt to resolve the dispute outside of court [Irish Independent]. Lawyers for Toscano have also requested that a recommendation for dismissal of Griffith’s lawsuit in Florida be upheld by the court [Irish Independent].

Key Takeaways

• The dispute involved a $15.8 million Miami mansion sale.
• Michael Griffith claimed a $10 million share of the proceeds based on an oral agreement.
• Patricia Toscano denied the existence of any such agreement.
• The case is now proceeding to confidential mediation.