Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Planning For Special Needs Trusts In Florida
For most people, qualifying for Medicaid and SSI can be painstaking and complex, as these “means-tested” programs require an individual to fall below a certain income threshold. These income standards are very low. Anything over essentially poverty-level income can disqualify a person from receiving critical Medicaid or SSI benefits that cover healthcare expenses and… Read More »
Durable Powers Of Attorney And Estate Planning In Tampa, Florida
You are probably familiar with the idea of wills and trusts when it comes to estate planning. After all, we usually frame the concept of estate planning is what happens to our property when we pass on. However, just as important is what happens in the months and years leading up to the distribution… Read More »
Revocable V. Irrevocable Trusts In Florida: What Are The Differences?
In addition to wills, trusts can effectively transfer assets and achieve specific goals for your beneficiaries. Unlike a will, trusts do not need to pass through the probate process, and their assets can reach your beneficiaries quickly and cost-effectively. Trusts also have certain benefits for tax and asset protection that other estate planning methods… Read More »
How Do You Get Started On A Living Will?
Assess Your Goals Near the End of Life This is a problematic roadblock for most of us since it requires us to consider terrible “what-if” scenarios such as: You can no longer think or speak clearly You can no longer recognize or interact with family or friends You are in severe pain that high… Read More »
Living Wills In Florida – Where To Begin And What Steps To Take
When making financial considerations as part of your estate plan, you also want to consider healthcare issues and end-of-life care to make that process easier for you and your family. These health considerations are covered under an advanced healthcare directive, commonly known as a living will. What is a Living Will? A living will… Read More »
Whom Should You Choose As Your Personal Representative?
Your personal representative will play a critical role in the probate process once you die and, for this reason, must be selected with care. Choosing the wrong personal representative can be disastrous for you and your family. This person could not only fail to pay off claims but could endanger your estate by not… Read More »
4 Common Trust Mistakes
Trusts are terrific estate planning vehicles that provide many advantages to our clients. Our clients can protect their privacy, avoid probate, and lower their estate taxes with the right trust. However, a trust is not a DIY project, even for the most sophisticated person. Many mistakes derail even a carefully created estate plan, leaving… Read More »
Why Should Your Tampa Estate Plan Include A Healthcare Power Of Attorney And A Living Will?
You created your will and purchased a life insurance policy. Why do you need a living will if you already drafted a last will and testament? Why would you need a healthcare power of attorney if you do not have a chronic condition? What is a Living Will? A living will is a legal… Read More »
What Are Some Pitfalls Of Handwriting Your Will In Tampa?
Jason and his wife Sandra both handwrote their wills on lined paper over 10 years ago. Since then, Jason and Sandra have both retired. They also moved two times, selling, and purchasing property each time. Neither of them updated their handwritten will. The couple were parents to three adult children, who had never discussed… Read More »
Is A Lifetime Bypass Trust Right For Your Family?
Margie worked hard all her life to put something aside for her grandchildren. She inherited nothing and did not want her kids and grandkids to struggle. Now she is the proud owner of multiple residential properties and a venture capitalist. She has substantial net worth she wants to pass on to her loved ones,… Read More »