Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Protecting Your Assets From The Cost Of Long-Term Care
Long-term care is very expensive for those who need it. In Florida, the average cost of care is between $90,000 and $100,000 every year. With figures like that, it is easy to see why so many people have to invest the savings they worked their entire life for just to pay for their care…. Read More »
Requirements For Wills In Florida
Many people draft wills in Florida thinking that it will help their loved ones avoid the probate process after they pass away. Unfortunately, this is not true. Unless a will is self-proving, it will have to be proved by the oath of one of the witnesses. The court will also validate a will shortly… Read More »
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 »