Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Why Is It Important To Draft A Letter Of Instruction?
There are many important estate planning documents, such as a will or trust, that allow you to plan for your future, as well as the future of your loved ones. After you pass away, your family will have to make difficult decisions and estate planning documents can provide guidance during a very difficult time… Read More »
Common Myths About Estate Planning Busted
Estate planning is an important part of protecting the future for you and your family. Unfortunately, estate planning can become complex and there are many myths about the process, what it entails, and who it is for. Below, our Volusia County estate planning lawyer busts some of the biggest misconceptions we have heard. Small… Read More »
Things To Know About Objections To Probate
While you are trying to move on after losing someone you love, the last thing you want to deal with is the probate court. State law requires that after a person passes away, their estate must go through the probate process. The probate process is necessary to ensure that the assets of a deceased… Read More »
When Is It Time To Update Your Will?
Drafting a will is a very responsible and important step that every adult should take. However, simply creating a will is not enough. Many people think that once a will has been created, the work is over and they do not have to think about it again. This is a mistake. Wills need regular… Read More »
Wills Vs. Trusts: What Is The Difference?
Before a person sits down to write their estate plan, they have usually heard the terms ‘will’ and ‘trust’ before. Still, not everyone knows the differences between these two terms. Wills and trusts are both important legal documents and while they do share some similarities, there are also some differences between the two. Below,… Read More »
How To Find Your Loved One’s Will
Preparing for the death of a loved one is not always easy. In some cases, it is not even possible. Sometimes, a person passes away suddenly and unexpectedly. Even when a person suffers from a long sickness and the death is not as much of a shock, family members still do not know what… Read More »
Is There An Estate Tax In Florida?
No one likes to think about taxes but of all the different types, estate taxes are often overlooked. Estate taxes can be substantial and they are a financial burden for families that are already grieving. There are 12 states in the country, as well as the federal government, that place an estate tax on… Read More »
Frequently Asked Questions After Losing A Parent
Losing a parent is one of the hardest things to experience in life. Even when children become adults and have families of their own, they still often strongly rely on their parents for guidance and support. The time after a parent’s death is very confusing and you will likely have many questions. Below, our… Read More »
3 Common Signs Of Estate Mismanagement
Under state law in Florida, all estates must be managed by a personal representative, also known as an executor or administrator of an estate. The personal representative holds a fiduciary position and as such, they have many responsibilities. Personal representatives have a legal duty to act in the best interests in the best interests… Read More »
Common Errors Made With DIY Wills
All adults in Florida should create a last will and testament, even if they do not use any other estate planning tools. Today, with so many documents found online that you can simply fill out, many people are choosing to save themselves on legal costs by drafting a will on their own. Unfortunately, when… Read More »