Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Three Ways to Avoid Probate
Probate is a court-supervised process that is often necessary when a person passes away. The probate process administers the estate of the deceased, which involves addressing creditor claims, proving the will, taking inventory of the deceased’s estate, and more. Probate can take a long time, and become very expensive. The costs can quickly use… Read More »
Different Types of Trusts in Florida
Trusts are an important part of many estate plans and they can ensure you can manage your property, both during your lifetime and after you pass away. Trusts are legal entities that are created to hold property for the benefit of certain individuals and entities. When you create a trust, you are known as… Read More »
What are Grounds for Eviction in Florida?
Owning rental property can be a very lucrative opportunity. Unfortunately, there are times when tenants become a problem and landlords want to evict them. Landlords, though, cannot evict a tenant simply because they are a nuisance or because the landlord has a personal issue with the renter. In Florida, there are very specific grounds… Read More »
Legal Requirements for Wills in Florida
Every state has laws that must be followed in order for last wills and testaments to be considered valid and legally binding and Florida is no different. Testators, or people who create wills, must follow these when creating or modifying their will to ensure that their last wishes are respected and upheld. Below, our… Read More »
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 »
Can I Change My Tenant’s Locks if They Did Not Pay Rent?
As inflation around the country continues to make things more expensive for consumers, and as interest rates remain relatively high, more and more tenants are finding it difficult to pay their rent. Even the most sympathetic landlords can become frustrated by this, as many heavily rely on that rental income to support themselves and… 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 »
