Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Many people confuse the two programs of Medicare and Medicaid – and with such similar names, it’s not surprising! Here’s the difference: Medicare is a program that all Americans are entitled to at the age of 65 (or earlier if disabled). Generally, Medicare does not pay for nursing home care. It will however cover… Read More »
Nursing home care is expensive
As people age, they are often surprised to learn how much nursing homes cost. Nursing home bills often run $85,000 or more annually, and many seniors quickly deplete their life savings trying to pay for the care, treatment and support they need. Because of these, a good estate planning attorney will take into consideration… Read More »
New Health Care Surrogate Form
As of October 1, 2015 the Florida health care surrogate law was revised. This new revision allows the health care surrogate to become effective immediately without needing to prove the signor is incapacitated. This is very important since it can save a lot of time having the health care surrogate accepted. For example, under… Read More »
The truth about will-preparation software
Even people who use software to create their own wills should meet with an estate-planning attorney, according to an article in the New York Times. The author of the Times article used several programs to draft her will, and then she met with an attorney to discuss her drafts—and their errors and potential problems…. Read More »
Do you need a will?
Fewer than half of American adults have wills, according to a survey reported on by the New York Times. “No one likes to think about dying — and that is probably one reason most Americans lack wills,” the article states. Another reason: “I just haven’t gotten around to it.” But this is a dangerous… Read More »
The three most important things when choosing a lawyer:
Find a lawyer whose goal is a fair and equitable result for you. Probably one of the most important aspects of hiring a lawyer is the lawyer’s personality. Is the lawyer interested in obtaining a fair and equitable result for you or simply litigating the case? The former results in a quicker, cheaper divorce… Read More »
Enforcing a final judgment in a divorce
After the parties have a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, it is sometimes necessary to enforce that judgment. It is important to know the rules on enforcement prior to the final hearing because it is useless to ask for help with something that cannot be enforced. A motion for contempt can be used… Read More »
What if you want to appeal your divorce?
If the judge in your case renders a Final Judgment that you do not think follows Florida law, you have the right to appeal. This must be done within 30 days from the entry of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. A notice of appeal is filed, and a filing fee must be… Read More »
What to expect at the final hearing
Once all discovery has been completed, the case is ready to be set for final hearing. Generally, the court will schedule what is known as a “pretrial conference” first. At this conference, you will reveal to the court what the issues are, provide a list of your witnesses and a list of your exhibits,… Read More »
What happens after you file for a domestic violence injunction?
A temporary injunction is only valid for up to 15 days. A hearing will be set within that time period in order to give the other spouse the opportunity to present evidence and testimony that the injunction is not appropriate. A permanent injunction may be entered after that hearing, or it may be dissolved…. Read More »
