Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Steps Personal Representatives Must Take During Probate
It is never easy to lose someone you love. Learning that you have been named personal representative can be even more overwhelming and stressful during this difficult time. Personal representatives have many legal obligations, particularly during the probate process. Understanding the steps involved can help ensure you know what to expect and make the… Read More »
Estate Planning Options For High-Net Worth Individuals
All adults can benefit from a comprehensive estate plan. Still, the more property and assets you own, the more important it becomes to work with a St. Petersburg estate planning lawyer. There are many other considerations, such as tax implications, that impact larger estates and make it even more critical for high-net worth-individuals to… Read More »
How To Choose A Personal Representative For Your Estate
When planning your estate, there are many decisions you will have to make. Namely, you will have to determine how you want your property distributed after your death. Below, one of our St. Petersburg estate planning attorneys explains how to choose a personal representative who is trustworthy and who will ensure your property is… Read More »
What Is A Waiver Of Spousal Rights?
In Florida, when a married individual passes away, their spouse automatically has certain rights. While these rights are intended to protect spouses of a decedent, there are also times when those rights may be waived. Below, our St. Petersburg estate planning attorney outlines the basic rights of spouses in Florida, and what is required… Read More »
Using A Beneficiary Designation To Avoid Probate
When people open a bank account, they complete many forms. These ask for the names of the owners on the account, those with signing authority, and the beneficiaries of the account in the event that the original owner passes away. The person you name on the beneficiary designation form will receive any funds remaining… Read More »
How Missing Or Confusing Documents Can Impact Your Estate Plan
Ideally, after you pass away your estate will be administered and your property distributed without any mistakes or complications. Unfortunately, there are many things that can go wrong during probate administration. If you have been diligent during your lifetime and created estate planning documents, they may be able to help your family avoid disputes… Read More »
What Is Asset Protection?
Asset protection is a very important part of estate planning, as it involves using legal strategies to protect your property from being seized by legal judgments and potential creditors. Many people think that using asset protection strategies is only for the wealthy, but this is not true. Business owners and other individuals who want… Read More »
Succession Planning For Family Businesses
If you have a family business, you likely want its legacy to surpass your lifetime. To ensure the business continues to be prosperous for many years to come, succession planning is of critical importance. Proper succession planning ensures that your business will avoid common pitfalls while also allowing for smooth transitions of leadership and… Read More »
Important Questions To Ask An Estate Planning Lawyer
Just as all adults can benefit from drafting an estate plan, there are also many benefits an estate planning lawyer can offer. Understanding what goes into drafting an estate plan is a collaborative process. Instead of having a lawyer do all of the talking, it is equally important that you get the important answers… Read More »
Important Considerations For Gen Z When Estate Planning
For decades, people have thought of Gen Z as one of the youngest generations in society. Today, though, the oldest members of this generation are 26 years old and many of them are thinking about the future and planning for their estate. Gen Z got its name because they were the first generation to… Read More »