Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Notice of Administration in Florida Probate: What It Means
If you have recently received something called a Notice of Administration, you are probably wondering what it actually means and what you are supposed to do next. It can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you have never been involved in a probate case before. The short answer is that this document… Read More »
How Probate Litigation Can Impact Estate Value
Probate is already a process that takes time and money. But what happens when disputes arise and things turn into litigation? That is where costs can grow quickly and estate value can start to shrink. If you are involved in a probate dispute, you might be wondering how much of an impact it really… Read More »
What Happens When a Personal Representative Fails to Act?
When someone passes away, the personal representative is supposed to step in and handle the estate. This includes things like gathering assets, paying debts, and making sure beneficiaries receive what they are entitled to. It is an important role, and it comes with real responsibilities. But what happens if that person simply does not… Read More »
Are No Contest Clauses Enforceable in Florida Wills?
If you have ever looked into estate planning, you might have come across the idea of a no contest clause. It sounds pretty serious, right? Basically, this type of clause tries to discourage beneficiaries from challenging a will. The idea is simple. If someone contests the will and loses, they could lose their inheritance… Read More »
Heirs vs. Beneficiaries in Florida Probate
Dealing with a loved one’s death can be a devastating situation. This is especially true if you are the executor of the estate. Whether or not there is a will involved, you will likely have to go through probate. Florida probate laws determine who inherits property after someone passes away. Understanding the difference between… Read More »
What to Know About Notices During the Probate Process
After a loved one’s death, you may have to oversee the probate process. The probate process can be lengthy, involving many steps. One of the most important parts of probate is providing proper notice. Early in the process, the executor must notify certain individuals and entities that the estate is being administered. There are… Read More »
What Does a Probate Examiner Do?
The probate process involves several important steps, and if you have been named the executor of an estate, it is essential to follow each one carefully. This may include tasks like submitting the will to probate, notifying creditors, and distributing assets to heirs. Along the way, it also helps to understand the different individuals… Read More »
Proceeding With Probate When an Heir or Beneficiary is Missing
When someone passes away, the executor is responsible for locating and notifying all heirs and beneficiaries. However, situations sometimes arise where an heir cannot be found. This can complicate the process but it does not necessarily stop probate from moving forward. If an heir or beneficiary is missing, the executor is still required to… Read More »