Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Does A Personal Representative Do?
Being appointed as the personal representative of an estate is a big responsibility. Hopefully, the person who designated you to oversee their estate has spoken to you about it before they passed away. Regardless of whether you were aware of the designation or not, seeking legal advice is important to ensure nothing is overlooked… Read More »
What Are Electronic Wills In Florida?
As of July 2020, Florida law has allowed electronic wills, which are drafted, signed, witnessed, and stored entirely electronically. Now, Floridians can create a will without ever leaving the comfort of their own home. While the process is vastly different from traditional wills, electronic wills serve the same purpose. Below, our St. Petersburg wills… Read More »
When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
If you have accumulated property in your lifetime, you have likely given some thought about how you would like it distributed after you pass away. You may have even created an estate plan to ensure that your family is cared for. However, creating an estate plan is usually not enough. You also must review… Read More »
Common Misconceptions About Your Estate After You Pass Away
When it comes to the law, particularly estate planning, there are many misconceptions that have formed over the years. Believing these myths when creating your estate plan may result in your loved ones not having the protection you intended for them after you pass away. Below, our St. Petersburg estate planning lawyer outlines the… Read More »
What Happens If Probate Is Not Filed In Florida?
After a person passes away, their estate must go through the probate process. While many people take certain steps to help their loved ones avoid the probate process, it is still quite often necessary. There are many important steps in probate, including validating the deceased’s will and distributing property to the beneficiaries. After a… Read More »
How To Fund A Revocable Trust
One of the main reasons people create revocable trusts is to help their loved ones avoid the probate process when they pass away. Probate is a time-consuming and expensive process and many people want to protect their loved ones from it. Revocable trusts are one of the best ways to do this, but if… Read More »
Advantages And Drawbacks Of A Durable Power Of Attorney
In Florida, a durable power of attorney is an important estate planning tool. This legal document will allow you, as the principal, to designate another person, who will become your agent, to manage your legal and financial affairs in the event that you cannot manage them on your own. While these legal documents are… Read More »
Estate Planning Tips For New Parents
Welcoming a new child into your life is one of life’s biggest blessings. While a child brings immense joy, it also has a host of responsibilities and these require careful planning. As a new parent, estate planning is one of the most important things you can do today to protect yourself, and the rest… Read More »
A Checklist For Business Succession Planning
As a business owner, a business succession plan is critical for a seamless transition if you ever decide to leave the business. If you do not have a business succession plan, your family and co-owners may not know how to act if you become disabled, retire, or pass away. Without a business succession plan,… Read More »
What Is A Pour-Over Will And A Trust?
Drafting a living trust as the foundation of your estate plan has multiple benefits for many people. One of the biggest advantages is that when a living trust is properly executed and funded, it can help your loved ones avoid the probate process. Probate is a court-supervised process that can create delays for your… Read More »