Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How To Choose A Personal Representative For Your Estate
When planning your estate, there are many decisions you must make. The majority of these will determine how your assets are distributed after you pass away. Choosing a personal representative is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your estate. Below, our St. Petersburg wills lawyer explains the role of… Read More »
Should You Draft A Will Or Trust?
There are many tools available that will help you properly plan for your estate. Among these, wills and trusts are some of the most popular but they are largely misunderstood. Many people think drafting a will only causes hardship for their loved ones, as any assets contained within one must go through the probate… Read More »
How To Object To Probate
When you are grieving the loss of a loved one, the last thing you want to do is deal with the court system. However, the law in Florida requires a decedent’s estate to pass through probate, which is a process that distributes the assets of the decedent. Sometimes, disputes can arise regarding the assets… Read More »
Is It Possible To Modify An Irrevocable Trust?
As their name suggests, irrevocable trusts are legal documents that cannot generally be revoked or modified after it has been created and the trust has been funded. However, there are certain exceptions to this that may make it possible to make changes at some point. Below, our St. Petersburg trust planning lawyer explains further…. Read More »
Estate Planning Checklist
Estate planning is an important and responsible thing to do. However, there are many steps involved and it can become complex. To make it easier, our St. Petersburg estate planning lawyer has created a checklist to ensure that nothing gets missed in yours. Outline Your Goals You should start outlining your goals by first… Read More »
FAQs About Probate In Florida
When a person passes away, all or a portion of their estate must go through the probate process. Probate is a court-supervised process and it is one that is not always easily understood. To clear up any confusion, our St. Petersburg probate and trust administration lawyer outlines some of the most frequently asked questions… Read More »
How To Choose A Personal Representative For Your Will
When it is time to plan your estate, choosing the right executor for your Will is a decision that requires careful consideration. In Florida, the executor is referred to as the personal representative and this person plays a pivotal role in handling the administration of your estate and carrying out your wishes. When choosing… Read More »
In Florida, There Are Three Types Of Probate
Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things you will ever go through. During this difficult time, you should not have to worry about navigating the legal process for administering the estate they left behind. In Florida, the probate process can quickly become complex. For example, many people do not know that… Read More »
The Risks Of Omitting Your Spouse From Your Will
According to a recent survey, two out of three adult Americans have not yet created an estate plan. Failing to have a plan in place can leave you and your family unprotected in the event that the unexpected happens. However, failing to fully consider the law when creating your plan is equally harmful. Deciding… Read More »
Differences Between Beneficiaries And Heirs
The terms ‘heir’ and ‘beneficiary’ are often used interchangeably, but there are important differences between the two. It is important to understand these differences when creating your estate plan. If you do not, it could cause unnecessary complications and confusion among your family members and other loved ones in the future. Below, our St…. Read More »