Author Archives: Jay Butchko
A Number of Hand Sanitizer Companies Identified for Selling Toxic Products to Consumers
We’ve previously covered a number of severe consumer fraud issues that have arisen due to COVID-19, all of which involve companies trying to make a quick profit, such as one here in Florida that tried to sell bleach as a cure for the virus. Unfortunately, these deceptive, illegal practices that cause consumers to suffer… Read More »
Overcoming The Complications of Oil & Mineral Rights in Florida Estate Planning
The ownership of oil and mineral rights can significantly complicate estate planning. In Florida, those rights translate into a legal ownership of subsurface resources, and can be sectioned off from the surface property and bought, leased, or sold on their own. This has made planning for passing on those rights particularly complicated, especially in… Read More »
Goldman Sachs Found Foreclosing On Homeowners When Settlement Requires “Consumer Relief”
A recent foreclosure defense article published by the New York Times highlights why it is so important to consult with a foreclosure defense attorney if a bank or lender is foreclosing on your home. The article describes the 2008 settlement entered into by Goldman Sachs (Goldman), which was required for the part it played… Read More »
Long-Term Estate Medicaid Planning
As attorneys who practice estate planning here in Florida, we frequently receive questions about the connection between estate planning and access to benefits and programs people may need as they age, such as Medicaid. Many people have questions about how Medicaid will treat their assets in terms of determining whether they qualify for assistance,… Read More »
Florida Company Caught Selling Consumers Bleach Chemicals as Cure for Coronavirus
Another serious Florida consumer fraud and protection issue related to the coronavirus has recently plagued both the market and consumers. On April 16, a federal judge ordered “Genesis II Church of Health and Healing” and its associates to stop selling its “Miracle Mineral Solution,” (also known as “Miracle Mineral Supplement,” “Chlorine Dioxide Protocol,” “Water… Read More »
Figuring Out HOA Dues & Rights During Pandemic
When news of the coronavirus initially emerged, we discussed some of the initial disputes that often came up between residents and their Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) here in Florida; namely, disputes involving how far HOAs could go (legally speaking) in restricting residents’ rights in order to protect the safety of the community as a whole…. Read More »
Why Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts Could Transfer Significant Wealth to Beneficiaries If Set Up Right Now
In the wake of the coronavirus, a number of Americans are looking into whether a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) makes sense for them and their estate planning in order to allow them to pass the most onto the next generation without also passing on any estate or gift taxes. The conditions surrounding the… Read More »
Do Not Underestimate the Power of Beneficiary Designations, And The Importance of Keeping Them Updated
As estate planning attorneys who regularly help clients with wills and probate here in Florida, we regularly discuss the importance of not only having a will in place, but a complete estate plan, which also includes beneficiary designations linked to important accounts such as your 401(k), IRAs, life insurance, annuities, etc. These forms are… Read More »
The Coronavirus Crisis & Estate Planning: Are You Prepared?
The coronavirus outbreak and panic that is present in Florida and the entire country has many who put off estate planning now wondering what they should do, quickly, in order to make sure that everything is in order; should the unthinkable happen, especially if they have young children. Indeed, as estate planning attorneys who… Read More »
Dealing with COVID-19 And Potential Homeowners’ Association Disputes in Florida
There have been a number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 in Florida, leading Governor DeSantis to declare a State of Emergency. At this point, there is an increased risk for everyone, especially those with underlying autoimmune and respiratory issues and the elderly. As a result, we have received several legal questions and… Read More »