Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Creating An Estate Plan “Blueprint”
Thinking about what happens after we die – and what happens to what we leave behind – is one of life’s toughest challenges. Taking those steps and setting up an estate plan requires patience, strength, and strategy. This is a big challenge for many people – only 46% of Americans have a will describing… Read More »
Accounting For Inflation Concerns In Estate Planning
Rising inflation continues to affect economies in the United States and worldwide, with U.S. inflation rates at their highest levels since 1982. Consumer prices across the U.S. economy rose 7.5% in early 2022 as global supply chain issues, and other factors continue to wreak havoc on Americans’ pocketbooks. While the growing costs of gas… Read More »
Estate Planning For Adult Children With Special Needs
Effective estate planning means covering various contingencies and ensuring your assets are set up to pass on to heirs efficiently. Sometimes, we list all adult children as sharing equally in the estate. In many others, it can be more complicated. One of these complications involves planning for children with disabilities and special needs. Families… Read More »
5 Things To Consider When Appointing A Personal Representative For Your Estate
As most people know, estate planning generally starts with creating a will. Wills include a person’s wishes, particularly about how their property, assets, and keepsakes are distributed after death. When it comes time to prepare a will, not everybody has thought about a critical aspect – who, exactly, is going to handle the administration… Read More »
What Is A Lady Bird Deed In Florida, And How Can It Help Your Family?
One of the most common concerns for senior homeowners is how to pass that home to their heirs in a way that avoids probate and saves court and taxes for their loved ones. In Florida, one tool available for estate planners is the “Lady Bird Deed,” a unique property deed that allows a grantor… Read More »
Is A Handwritten Will Valid In Florida?
Thinking about the idea of a will, to many, is a complex and even dreaded subject. Because it means dealing with what happens when we die, it can be tough to approach and discuss with our families and advisors. However, creating a will is a task where the alternative – dying without anything in… Read More »
When And Why To Avoid “Do It Yourself” Estate Planning Services
You may have heard about various companies that promise to deliver legal services for a fraction of the cost of full-time attorneys. “Alternative Legal Service Providers” (“ALSPs”) may be advertised on television or sent straight to your email inbox. These offers are enticing because they promise to help you with much-needed tasks such as… Read More »
5 Common Estate Planning Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Estate planning can be a confusing and challenging process for anyone. This involves setting goals for your well-being – physically and financially – and for your family after you pass on. Adding to the confusion can be the various “dos and don’ts” involved or advice you hear from friends and family. Along with sound… Read More »
Business Succession And Estate Planning: How Can They Work Together?
Planning for succession in any business is one of the most critical decisions a business owner can make. The sustainability of a business in the future depends on decisions that are made now, and some of those decisions include questions such as: Will the business be viable beyond the lifetimes of the current owners?… Read More »
Estate Planning For Millennials: What Younger Adults Should Know About Planning For The Future
Estate planning seems like a far-off concept for those in their 20s and 30s, still trying to build their lives and careers. Creating a will, distributing assets, and planning for guardianships seem like responsibilities for senior citizens, not those with TikTok accounts. Most people under 40 may not feel they have enough property or… Read More »