Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate in Florida
The probate process is one that is often required after a person passes away. Probate is court supervised and the process is often complex, particularly when large estates are involved. It is natural to have many questions if you have to go through it, or want to help your loved ones avoid it. Below,… Read More »
What is a Partition Action in Florida?
When people think of co-owning property, they typically imagine owning property with someone they love, such as a spouse. However, there are times when people co-own property with someone they do not get along with. If you have a conflict about a home, a plot of land, or other real property, you may want… Read More »
Paul Messina is recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® for 2025
Congratulations to Paul Messina of Messina Law Group for having been selected by his peers for inclusion in the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for your expertise in: Banking and Finance Law Litigation – Bankruptcy Litigation – Real Estate Using our peer review methodology, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch… Read More »
The Different Types of Trusts in Florida
Many people create a trust as part of the estate planning process. A trust is a legal document into which property is transferred. Trusts also have beneficiaries, who are the people who will inherit the property in the future. Trusts are separate legal entities from the people who create them and so, they are… Read More »
How to Obtain a Loan Modification in Florida
If you are behind on mortgage payments and your lender has threatened to foreclose on your home, it is important that you do not panic. You do have legal options that can help you remedy the situation and even stay in the property. One of these is a loan modification. A loan modification can… Read More »
What are the Different Types of Deeds in Florida?
As in all states, Florida law requires a deed to transfer ownership of a property, including vacant land as well as buildings and structures. Generally speaking, there are five different types of deeds in Florida law, and each serves a different purpose. Below, our Tampa deeds lawyer outlines what these are as well as… Read More »
What Types of Advance Directives Should You Draft?
Advance directives are used to outline your wishes in the event that you are ever unable to make decisions for yourself. There are many different types of advance directives and the ones you choose to draft will depend on your own preferences as well as your personal situation. Below, our Tampa advance directives lawyer… Read More »
What Happens During Formal Administration?
Formal administration is the most common type of probate and it involves the administration of a decedent’s estate under court supervision. As its name suggests, formal administration has many rules, deadlines, and procedures requiring strict compliance. Below, our Tampa formal estate administration lawyer explains what these are and what to expect throughout the process…. Read More »
What is Ancillary Administration in Florida?
It is not uncommon for people to own a vacation home or other property in Florida so they can head south for the winter. The lifestyle of the snowbirds has become increasingly popular over recent years, but it can also cause problems when someone passes away and owns property in different states. In these… Read More »
The Pros and Cons of Seller Financing
Seller financing is an agreement between buyers and sellers of real estate. Instead of buyers obtaining a mortgage from a traditional lender, such as a bank, the seller of the real estate finances it for the buyer. Seller financing has many benefits for both buyers and sellers, particularly when the conditions of the real… Read More »
