Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Trust Administration vs. Trust Execution in St. Petersburg
If you’re researching trusts in St. Petersburg, you might have come across the terms “trust administration” and “trust execution.” What exactly is the difference between these two concepts? How does one “execute” a trust? These are questions you might want to ask during an initial consultation with an experienced estate planning attorney. Trust Execution… Read More »
Someone Put a Lien on the Family Home During a Divorce: What Now?
Property division in Florida is complex enough without the added complexity of liens. If you’re going through a divorce and a creditor has put a lien on your family home, you may need to take specific steps to address this issue. A real estate lawyer in St. Petersburg may be able to help. Can… Read More »
Florida Could Increase Homestead Exemptions: How Does This Affect Estate Planning?
In late May of 2026, Governor DeSantis announced a new proposal to drastically cut property taxes in the Sunshine State. The measure would increase property tax exemptions to such an extent that many homeowners could completely forget about this financial burden. If this bill passes into law, it may have major implications for estate… Read More »
Lesser-Known Types of Irrevocable Trusts in St. Petersburg
Irrevocable trusts in St. Petersburg are immensely popular, and people appreciate the flexibility of these estate planning tools. But while irrevocable trusts share many common features, there are many different types to consider. Consider discussing your options with an estate planning lawyer in St. Petersburg to ensure you choose the right irrevocable trust. The… Read More »
How Much Cash Should I Set Aside in My Florida Revocable Living Trust?
A revocable living trust is a highly effective estate planning tool for numerous Florida residents. When you pass away, your beneficiaries may need to immediately access cash to pay for urgent expenses. How much cash should you set aside for this purpose? Is this really necessary, or should you go “all in” on stocks… Read More »
Estate Planning Steps in Florida You Need to Take Before Your Teen Turns 18
Many parents are excited to see their teens reach legal adulthood. Perhaps your young adult is about to head to college, enter military service, or start full-time work after graduating from high school. Although this is an exciting time, legal adulthood also carries numerous legal implications that can affect estate planning. For more information… Read More »
How to Preserve Florida’s Homestead Exemption With an Out-of-State Trust
Florida’s homestead exemption is one of the strongest in the nation, and it can form the foundation of many effective estate planning strategies. However, the presence of an out-of-state trust could negate these benefits, and this might be an issue if you have recently relocated to Florida. To learn more about this issue, consider… Read More »
Purchasing a House for Your Child Without Losing Control of the Investment
Housing unaffordability has made it extremely difficult for younger people (specifically zoomers and millennials) to purchase real estate. If you’re an older family member watching from the sidelines, it can be incredibly difficult to witness your child or grandchild struggle to save enough for a down payment. If you want to lend a helping… Read More »
How Do You Know if a Trustee Will Follow Your Instructions After You’re Gone?
Trusts are popular in Florida for various reasons, including probate avoidance and asset protection. But as the name implies, this estate planning strategy relies on a foundation of trust. How do you know whether your trustee will actually follow your instructions after you’re gone? Will they act in the best interests of your beneficiaries?… Read More »
How Do Personal Representatives Work With Probate Lawyers in Florida?
In Florida, the “personal representative” is the person responsible for overseeing the probate process after a decedent passes away. Probate can be quite complicated, and this is why many personal representatives choose to work alongside probate lawyers in St. Petersburg. How exactly is a personal representative supposed to collaborate with a probate lawyer? Probate… Read More »