Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Common Mistakes In Estate Planning
Estate planning is something many people put off doing. Even when people are responsible and create an estate plan, they sometimes make mistakes that essentially undo all of their hard work. If you are thinking about creating an estate plan, it is critical to work with a St. Petersburg estate planning lawyer who can… Read More »
Benefits Of Gifting An Early Inheritance
As people start to accumulate wealth and assets, they often also begin to think about who they want to receive it after they pass away. While leaving a legacy for your family has many benefits, there are also many advantages to giving your loved ones their inheritance early through gifts. One of the biggest… Read More »
Mistakes To Avoid When Designating A Life Insurance Beneficiary
There are many important components of estate planning and investing in a life insurance policy is certainly one of them. You can name a beneficiary on a life insurance policy who will receive the proceeds without the need to go through probate. Unfortunately, many people make some common mistakes when naming these beneficiaries. Below,… Read More »
Important Estate Planning Considerations For Single Parents
Life for single parents is extremely busy. You have to go to work, take care of your children, attend school activities, and maintain your home all on your own. All of these are huge responsibilities, even for those who co-parent with another person, and especially for those who do not. Creating an estate plan… Read More »
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate In Florida
Probate is a court-supervised process that involves administering the property of a deceased person. Many people have heard of the probate process, but they are unsure of everything it entails, how long it will take, and the costs associated with it. Below, our St. Petersburg probate and trust administration lawyer answers some of the… Read More »
Avoid These Mistakes When Writing A Living Trust
A living trust is a legal document established by the grantor during their lifetime to protect their assets and direct the distribution of their assets upon their death. The beneficiary of a trust is the person for whom the trust is created and who generally may receive the property from the trust after the… Read More »
What Duties Does A Personal Representative Have In Florida?
A personal representative, also known as an executor, is a person named in a will or appointed by the court to handle the administration of an estate. While many states use the term ‘executor,’ Florida refers to this person as a personal representative. Personal representatives have many duties under Florida law. Below, our St…. Read More »
Do You Need A Lawyer To Draft A Will In Florida?
All adults in Florida should have a last will and testament to ensure that their final wishes are respected. You are not required to work with a lawyer to prepare a will. However, the help of an attorney is invaluable when creating these legal documents. Below, our St. Petersburg wills lawyer outlines a few… Read More »
How To Contest A Will In Florida
When a person creates a will, they outline their last wishes so they can be fulfilled after their passing. Still, there are times when certain people can contest, or challenge, the will. When contesting a will, you essentially ask the probate court to deem it void, throwing out a certain provision or the entire… Read More »
Mistakes To Avoid When Estate Planning
Everyone should create an estate plan so their final wishes are respected and their loved ones are cared for after they pass away. When creating a plan, it is just as important that you avoid some of the most common mistakes people make. Even the slightest mistake can delay probate proceedings for surviving family… Read More »