Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Can I Transfer My Home into a Trust If It’s Part of a Homeowners’ Association (HOA)?
People whose homes are part of a homeowners’ association (HOA) have to follow plenty of rules and regulations. Those rules may limit what a homeowner can and cannot do to their own property, including transferring the home into a trust and making changes to ownership. If you are considering transferring your home into a… Read More »
What Kind of Insurance Do I Need When Buying a House in a Hurricane Zone?
Many people have a dream of buying a house in a coastal area. While the idea of owning a waterfront home may sound incredible, you need to be aware of the risks associated with buying a house in a hurricane zone. You need to understand how hurricane insurance works when purchasing an oceanfront property… Read More »
What to Do if My Homeowners’ Insurance Company is Stalling?
When you purchase a homeowners’ insurance policy, you expect your insurer to fulfill their obligations. You wholeheartedly believe that your insurance company will help you through difficult times and provide peace of mind in the event of natural disasters, accidents, and other incidents. Homeowner’s insurance companies have a duty to act in good faith,… Read More »
When Can I Avoid an Alimony Award in a Florida Divorce?
If you are currently going through a divorce or are contemplating a divorce, you may wonder how it may be possible to avoid an alimony award. Under Florida law, there are five types of spousal support: Bridge-the-gap Temporary Rehabilitation Durational Permanent Alimony is not awarded in 100% of all divorce cases in Florida. That… Read More »
Do I Have a Right to Smoke Cigarettes and Marijuana in My Rental Unit?
Typically, landlords inform tenants of a no-smoking policy or restrictions on smoking cigarettes and marijuana in a rental unit before signing the lease or rental agreement. However, does a no-smoking policy infringe upon your rights as a tenant? Do you actually have a right to smoke cigarettes and weed in your rental apartment despite… Read More »
What Damages Are Available in a Bad Faith Insurance Claim?
Insurance companies have an obligation to handle claims in good faith. It means that insurers must promptly investigate valid claims for damages and provide compensation for a covered loss. Unfortunately, not all insurers act in good faith when handling insurance claims. If you suspect that an insurance company acts in bad faith, you may… Read More »
When Can My Florida Landlord Enter My Apartment?
You have the right to privacy in your apartment. That’s why landlords must follow Florida law when entering the rental unit. Renting a property does not mean that your landlord’s right to enter is more important than your right to privacy. However, as a tenant in Florida, you are also required to follow state… Read More »
How Long Will It Take to Get a Hurricane Insurance Settlement in Florida?
If your home was damaged or destroyed by a hurricane, every passing day might seem like an enormous challenge. Obviously, you want to receive a quick and fair settlement offer from your insurance company, but that’s rarely the case. When filing an insurance claim after your property was damaged by a hurricane, you may… Read More »
How Can I Modify Alimony in Florida?
Circumstances can change unexpectedly in anyone’s life. Florida courts recognize that changes are a normal part of life, which is why they allow ex-spouses to request a modification of alimony when there is a substantial change in circumstances. If you are considering modifying alimony, you should speak with a Tampa family lawyer to help… Read More »
When Can You Bring a Lanham Act Claim Against a Competitor for False Advertising?
If you can prove that your competitor’s advertising is false, untrue, or misleading, you may be able to bring a claim under the Lanham Act. Specifically, you could sue your competitor under 15 U.S. Code § 1125 (the Lanham Act) to: Seek an injunction against the competitor’s false advertising; Recover damages; and In some… Read More »
