Author Archives: Jay Butchko
New Electronic Notary Process for Florida in 2020
The beginning of every calendar year brings a range of new laws in Florida, and 2020 is no different. A recent Tampa Bay Times article outlined several measures that became effective on January 1, though one that touches on estate planning may have escaped your notice. Instead of visiting your bank, public office, or… Read More »
Two-Thirds of Floridians Don’t Have This Important Estate Planning Document
Though you may have taken the initiative to execute a will, finance specialists at Forbes report that you might have missed a key estate planning document. According to an article published on December 13, 2019, approximately 66 percent of all Americans have not prepared an Advance Health Care Directive. Many could be operating under… Read More »
Overview of the Child’s Best Interests Standard in Florida Divorce Cases
Your rights and responsibilities as parents remain the same when you go through the divorce process in Florida, even though you will no longer be living under the same roof. Under Florida’s statute on parenting and time-sharing in divorce proceedings, i.e., custody and visitation, it’s still necessary for parents to address the needs of… Read More »
4 Questions to Ask Your Florida Estate Planning Attorney
There are countless reasons you could be putting off making a will and other estate planning arrangements, but you’re not alone in delaying the process. Statistics from AARP indicate that only 40 percent of all American adults – and just over 50 percent of those aged 53-71 years old – have executed basic estate… Read More »
Florida Estate Planning: True or False
Many people have a general awareness about estate planning, especially the importance of executing a will to dictate what happens to real and personal property at death. However, beyond these basic concepts, there are many details under Florida state law that you may not fully understand. As such, you should trust an experienced Dade… Read More »
5 Tips to Handling Divorce When You’re Retired
A wide array of personal circumstances can complicate the divorce process in Florida, and one such factor is retirement of one or both parties. In these “gray” divorces, children aren’t usually at issue because they’re older; however, there can be considerable disputes over property division and alimony. Though Florida’s Dissolution of Marriage statute contains… Read More »
Two Types of Special Needs Planning for Florida Estate Plans
If a loved one in your life suffers from a disabling medical condition, you may already be aware of the advantages of setting up a special needs trust for his or her benefit. There are many advantages to these arrangements, most notable being the fact that the beneficiary is still eligible for Supplemental Security… Read More »
Social Media Before, During, and After Your Florida Divorce Case
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others are interwoven into the fabric of modern life. Statistics on social media usage reveal that 223 million Americans were active on these networks in 2019, which means it’s quite likely that you have at least one account. Regardless of how often you post, your content… Read More »
Are There Any Key Gaps in Your Florida Estate Plan?
When someone asks whether you have an estate plan in place, you’ll probably answer with a confident “YES” if you’ve already executed a will. You might even go a step further by taking the time to review the document and make necessary updates based upon different life events. There may be a crucial flaw,… Read More »
Types of Alimony in Florida Divorce Cases
If you’re considering or going through divorce in Florida, one of the key considerations in your case may be alimony. Whether you could be paying it or receiving it, spousal support can be one of the most hotly contested issues. Still, when you understand the objective of alimony, you’ll see why it might be… Read More »
