Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Decisions Florida Law Makes For You When You Die Without A Will
The list of reasons people avoid making a will or estate plan is long, but some will probably sound familiar. Procrastination, financial considerations, and viewing estate planning as a morbid topic are often cited for not preparing a will. Whatever your reasons may be, it is essential to know what happens when you do… Read More »
Comparing Florida Collaborative Divorce To Mediation
Except in cases of extreme animosity or domestic violence, most couples going through divorce in Florida will have three options for resolving the key issues: Collaborative divorce in Florida, a process parties voluntarily undertake; and, Mediation, which the parties could choose – or which the court could order under suitable circumstances. A trial before… Read More »
Deviations From Child Support Guidelines In Florida
While parties to a divorce case can be creative when working out details regarding asset division and alimony, Florida laws on child support do not allow for much flexibility. Parents cannot agree that one party will not pay child support even if the parties equally divide timesharing. Florida child support guidelines use an equation… Read More »
Debunking Myths About Powers Of Attorney
Powers of attorney are a fundamental component of any estate plan, but many Floridians do not fully grasp their role and function. A power of attorney is a document executed by a person, known as the principal, who names a another person to serve as agent and handle decision-making under specifically designated circumstances. These… Read More »
4 Questions To Ask A Florida Elder Law Attorney About COLA 2022
Cost-of-Living (COLA) adjustments have been automatic since July 1975, but few increases in the percentage have attracted as much attention as the upcoming COLA 2022. The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that benefits for more than 70 million recipients would rise 5.9 percent. To put this figure into perspective, the COLA increase in January… Read More »
Summary Administration Under Florida’s Probate Code
Probate is the legal process of handling a person’s final affairs upon death, and it is usually necessary regardless of whether the decedent had a will or not. When there is a will, the document dictates who has the power to act, how assets are distributed, and other details; if the deceased did not… Read More »
How Does Cryptocurrency Work In A Florida Divorce Case?
Since the birth of the industry with the launch of Bitcoin in 2009, cryptocurrency has grown to a global market capitalization of $2.21 trillion according to December 2021 figures. Additional industry statistics indicate that approximately one-third of small businesses in the US accept this form of electronic payment and 27 percent of Americans approve… Read More »
Benefits Of Mediation In Florida Family Law Cases
While divorce and issues related to minor children do involve official legal proceedings, it is not always necessary for every decision in a family law case to be decided in the courtroom. The parties might choose to resolve their differences through mediation, and Florida law requires mediation under most circumstances. In short, the process… Read More »
Types Of Florida Estate Litigation You Avoid With A Will
Most people will do all they can to avoid litigation during their lifetimes, but you might not expect that legal action could even arise after your passing. Though your estate may be in the position to sue or defend claims, some of the most common lawsuits involve administration of the estate itself. The best… Read More »
How To Collect Florida Child Support From An Out-Of-State Parent
You expect that your child’s other parent will comply with a child support order pursuant to divorce or paternity proceedings, so it can be frustrating to think that you may need to take legal action. To learn that the non-paying parent has left Florida to avoid child support obligations is downright infuriating. Regardless of… Read More »
