Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Is Florida’s Collaborative Divorce Process the Right Fit?
There are multiple ways to resolve financial and legal issues in divorce, and you will probably be happy to learn that not all of them involve a heated battle in court. Several options concentrate on different ways to reach agreement on divorce issues, including informal settlement discussions and mediation. However, you might consider whether… Read More »
Tips for Communicating with a Loved One Who Has Dementia
If you have a loved one with dementia or memory loss, you may already be familiar with the disturbing statistics on these disorders. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 elderly people die with dementia, though the actual death is due to other causes. There are currently more than 6 million people living… Read More »
Benefits of Powers of Attorney You Did Not Expect
A durable power of attorney is one of the most effective estate planning documents for dealing with incapacity, because you are putting into place a strategy for managing your property if you cannot do so yourself. In a POA, you appoint an agent to handle real estate, personal assets, legal matters, and financial considerations…. Read More »
What is the Florida Child Support Guideline Model?
It is well-established that both parents have a duty to support the children they have in common, and that the obligation is usually owed by the parent who does not have primary residential custody. However, you might not realize that US states have different child support guideline models that are used to calculate the… Read More »
Florida Ends Permanent Alimony: Facts to Know
After a few attempts to reform spousal support laws in Florida were vetoed in recent years, lawmakers successfully passed a measure that ends permanent alimony. Senate Bill 1416 was signed into law by the governor on June 30, 2023, and affects cases pending or filed after July 1, 2023. By terminating permanent alimony, the… Read More »
How Probate Works for a Florida Intestate Estate
Even though people are aware that creating a will is an extremely important estate planning task, many either do not get around to it or mistakenly decide they do not need it. Under the circumstances, Florida’s statute on intestate estates applies. Essentially, these laws create a will where one does not exist, because the… Read More »
Facts to Know Before Filing a Restraining Order in Florida
Domestic violence remains a top concern in the US, but you might not realize the prevalence of violent acts by members of the family or household. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), around 10 million people suffer physical violence from an intimate partner every year, at a rate of nearly 20… Read More »
Florida Family Law Overview for Unmarried Couples
There was a time when marriage was the traditional way of starting and growing a family, with financial and socioeconomic factors driving the trend. Today, many couples live together and enjoy healthy, thriving relationships without ever getting married. The US Census Bureau reports that the number of unmarried partners living together almost tripled from… Read More »
Mistakes People Make When Creating a Will in Florida
To start, the first, most impactful error with preparing a will is not doing it at all. According to Senior Living magazine, older Americans are expected to transfer more than $36 trillion in assets to loved ones, charities, and other beneficiaries. Unfortunately, approximately one-half of these individuals do not have a will, despite knowing… Read More »
Possible Changes Coming For Florida’s Alimony Statute
Alimony can be a contentious subject in a Florida divorce, and lawmakers have recently approved legislation that if signed by the Governor, could result in considerable changes to how the process works. The Florida Senate bill and the House version will overhaul key aspects of the existing statute. In general, the legislation eliminates some… Read More »
