Author Archives: Jay Butchko

Wrongful Death Claims And Probate
If you have tragically lost a loved one, either due to an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, or due to the intentional or malicious conduct of another, you may be overwhelmed by feelings of grief and confusion. The last thing on your mind may be how to litigate a wrongful death claim in… Read More »

Is A Massachusetts Will Invalid If It’s Not Signed?
There are certain requirements that a person’s last will and testament must meet in order to be considered legally valid and enforceable. One of these requirements is that a Will be signed. If your loved one’s Will is not signed or fails to meet other signature requirements, contact an experienced Massachusetts estate attorney as… Read More »

If My Spouse Dies During A Divorce Will it Affect My Inheritance?
The last thing that you were likely expecting to deal with in the midst of an already complicated divorce was the death of your still, legal spouse. However, if you have lost your spouse while in the midst of divorce proceedings, you are not alone. This happens sometimes, and the law knows how to… Read More »

Estate Planning Actions For Everyone
Have you thought about your Last Will and Testament lately? If you are like most people, the answer is probably no. There are some important estate planning actions that every person can and should take. You may be surprised to learn that not all aspects of estate planning are related to finances and plans… Read More »

How Do I Know If My Will Is Legally Valid?
If you have a Massachusetts Last Will and Testament or Will, congratulations, you’re already ahead of the curve. However, just because you have a Will doesn’t mean that it will be enforced in the appropriate probate court. It must also be found legally valid. There are a number of Massachusetts legal requirements for Wills… Read More »

Why You Need A Pour-Over Will
Are you avoiding estate planning? Estate planning can be hard, and creating a comprehensive estate plan can often seem daunting. However, with the help of an experienced estate planning attorney, the process can be quite painless. For many people the hardest part of estate planning is making sure to account for all of your… Read More »

What Happens If A Primary Beneficiary Dies?
Many people like to avoid making a will because they don’t like to think about their own death, let alone the deaths of others. However, when it comes to creating an effective estate plan it’s important to consider what might happen if your beneficiaries do not survive you, so that you can plan for… Read More »

Do I Need A Health Care Proxy For My College Student?
If your college student is heading off to school for the first time this fall, you may have spent most of the summer busy preparing by buying dorm room essentials and textbooks. One thing that might not have made your “To Do” list is executing a Health Care Proxy for them. While legal documents… Read More »

What Does “Intestate” Mean?
The word “intestate” might sound somewhat daunting and foreign, like most vocabulary associated with estate planning, but it is actually a rather straightforward concept. The estate of someone who dies is considered intestate if the person dies without a will. A will is generally used in order for a decedent during his or her… Read More »

Who Gets Paid First From An Estate?
When someone you love passes away, chances are that your inheritance is not the first thing on your mind. However, as the months pass by and you either lack access to assets, such as a home or the sale proceeds from the sale thereof, or financial accounts, and wait to receive a distribution from… Read More »