Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Is A Valid Will In Florida, And What Happens If Someone Dies Without One?
There’s an old saying that reflects “only two things in life are certain: death, and taxes.” Fortunately for many governments, and unfortunately for the layman, often family members who are left behind after a loved one passes will be paying taxes on the death as well. Proper estate planning tailored to your specific assets… Read More »
The “101” On Personal Representatives In Florida Probate
If you’ve recently found yourself thrown into the Florida Probate process, or want to educate yourself ahead of such an event, you have come to the right place. Most estates must go through at least some form of probate in Florida, and the court process is often long and complicated. However, there are certain… Read More »
Florida Probate And Prenuptial Agreements
With so many items, heirs, and creditors to consider in the probate process, it is easy for anyone who is not a trained legal expert to become a little lost. What are all of the forms and mandatory dates? HOW many people need to be informed? Etc. This is why it is an excellent… Read More »
Protect Against Construction Defect: Common Terms To Watch for In Construction Contracts
Whether it is a dentist filling our cavity, a mechanic at an auto-shop replacing the transmission, or an architect/construction engineer building our new home: in life, we hire and trust professionals to do a good job completing a task that we cannot do ourselves, or do not have the time to do. When we… Read More »
Terminating Trusts In Florida 101
Given the complicated (and often, convoluted) nature of the Florida Probate process, it stands to reason that many individuals choose to create a Trust as part of their estate plan. In earlier posts this blog has already gone through the merits of creating such a trust, and the time and money the estate-planning tool… Read More »
A New Storm Brewing… Beware Of Consumer Fraud In The Wake Of Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian slammed the sunshine state. Reportedly the expected wind damages, storm-surge damages, and complete reported all-out losses from the storm is estimated to reach somewhere between $28 billion and $47 billion dollars. If this estimate turns out to be the case, then Hurricane Ian will be the costliest storm to hit Florida in… Read More »
Property Liens In Florida
If you have been notified that a lien was placed on your home or property you likely want to know: what does this mean? Is this even valid? What are the next steps moving forward? Being notified of a lien on your property can be frightening and disorienting, but rest assured that the experienced… Read More »
I Have An Out Of State Vacation Home – What Should I Know About Probate When Estate Planning?
For many, it is the highest echelon of the American Dream: not only do you own a home in the state where you live and work, but you have also successfully financed your dream out-of-state property. Whether it’s a house on the beach or a secluded cabin on the chilled lakes of Maine –… Read More »
How To Protect Against “Lost Heirs” In Probate
You have worked your whole life to build up your estate. Regardless of whether your legacy is a vast and sprawling estate or a modest balance in a bank account, you deserve to have the final say in how your estate will be divided and inherited. This may become particularly important to you if… Read More »
How Can Your Business Benefit From A Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation, Or Non-Disclosure Agreement?
All businesses have a “secret sauce” that allows them to be competitive in the market. This could be an actual product like the secret 23 spices making up the classic flavoring for KFC, or something more conventional such as a small business’s pricing strategies or other proprietary data or trade secrets. To remain competitive… Read More »