Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Common Causes Of Beneficiary Disputes
Even with the most thoughtful estate plan, disputes among beneficiaries can still arise after someone passes away. When a person dies without an estate plan, disputes among beneficiaries are even more likely. These disputes can sometimes require probate litigation to resolve, which can be lengthy and deplete the assets within an estate. Below, our… Read More »
What To Do After A Loved One Passes Away
The time after a loved one has passed away is extremely difficult. You will be grieving, trying to move forward with your life, and may be unsure of what steps to take next related to the passing. Below, our St. Petersburg probate administration lawyer outlines what to do next. Make Funeral and Burial Arrangements … Read More »
Things To Know About Transferring Your Homestead To Your Children
Many people wonder if they should transfer their primary residence to their children before they pass away. Generally speaking, the answer to this question is a resounding ‘No!” Your primary residence has a homestead designation in Florida. This homestead is applied to ensure that it provides you with certain benefits, as well as certain… Read More »