Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How to Respond to a Notice of Administration in Florida
So you just received a Notice of Administration in the mail. Maybe you were expecting it. Maybe it showed up out of nowhere and now you are standing there wondering what exactly it is and what you are supposed to do with it. Either way, it is not something to toss on the kitchen… Read More »
Strategies for Resolving Estate Disputes Without Trial in Florida
Nobody sits around thinking, “You know what would make grieving my loved one even better? A courtroom battle with my family.” And yet, estate disputes happen all the time, and they have a way of turning even close-knit families into opposing camps. The good news is that going to trial is not the only… Read More »
How to Remove a Personal Representative in Fort Lauderdale
Probate is supposed to bring order to a difficult time. But what happens when the person in charge of the estate is not doing their job properly? It is a frustrating situation, and one that comes up more often than you might think in Fort Lauderdale probate cases. If you are dealing with concerns… Read More »
Breach of Fiduciary Duty in Fort Lauderdale Probate Cases Explained
Probate can already feel overwhelming. Add in disputes over how an estate is being handled, and things can get complicated quickly. One issue that sometimes comes up in Fort Lauderdale probate cases is a breach of fiduciary duty. If you have heard that phrase and wondered what it really means, you are not alone…. Read More »
How to Hold a Personal Representative Accountable in Florida
When someone passes away, the person named to handle their estate takes on a serious legal responsibility. That person, called a personal representative (sometimes referred to as an executor in other states), is supposed to manage and distribute the estate honestly and carefully. But what happens when they are not doing that? If you… Read More »
Trustee Mismanagement in Fort Lauderdale: Warning Signs
Being named a beneficiary of a trust should bring some peace of mind. Someone took the time to create a legal plan to protect assets and look out for you. But what happens when the person responsible for managing that trust is not doing their job, or worse, is actively misusing their position? Trustee… Read More »
How to Prove a Trustee Breach in Florida
If you are a trust beneficiary and something feels off about the way the trustee is handling things, you are right to pay attention. Trustees have real responsibilities under Florida law, and when they fall short, beneficiaries have options. But what does it actually take to prove a trustee breach? Here is what you… Read More »
How to Handle Contested Estates in Fort Lauderdale
Dealing with a loved one’s death is hard enough. When family members or other interested parties start disagreeing about how the estate should be handled, things can get complicated fast. Contested estates are more common than people think, and if you are caught in the middle of one, it helps to understand what you… Read More »
What is a Probate Sale?
When a person dies, their estate may have debts. There may be a mortgage, credit card debt, personal loans, taxes, and other financial issues to take care of. Taking care of creditors is often done during the probate process, so what happens when there is not enough money to pay all these debts? A… Read More »
Why You Should Talk to Your Children About Your Estate Plan
So you have taken a big step and created an estate plan. You are now prepared in case something happens to you, right? Technically yes, but it is also a good idea to let loved ones know about your after-death plans. Having a conversation with your children about your estate plan can be one… Read More »