Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Needing a Divorce in the Time of the Coronavirus: How to Protect Yourself
There is no question that the coronavirus quarantine is placing a strain on a number of relationships, and has made some realize that divorce is their only option for moving forward with their life. One of the main stressors involves people losing their jobs and/or a percentage of their net worth as a result… Read More »
Businesses Gear Up for Wave of Insurance Bad Faith Litigation Over Coronavirus-Related Claims
The issue of the coronavirus potentially causing business losses and a number of U.S. companies thinking that their insurance policies cover this loss of revenue due to the outbreak will likely be a significant source of insurance bad faith litigation as we face more and more losses due to the virus. According to the… Read More »
Preparing for A Divorce Deposition
When you are in the process of going through a divorce you may receive a notice that your deposition will be taken by your spouse’s attorney. Lawyers take depositions in order to discover information, find out more about what a potential witness might say, and preserve testimony for trial. This can not only help… Read More »
Legal Battles in Florida Over Displaying Flags in Homeowners’ Associations
Battles over decorations between residents and homeowners’ associations is a common issue that both associations and property managers face on a regular basis here in Florida. This is one reason why you want to make sure that, as an association, you work with an experienced homeowners’ association attorney in creating association documents or amendments,… Read More »
Jury Awards RV Owner Almost $8.5 Million, Most of Which Is Punitive Damages, After Insurance Company Denies Claim
In February, a jury awarded one plaintiff almost $8.5 million verdict, which included eight million dollars in punitive damages, as a result of an insurance bad faith litigation claim brought against insurance company National General. The case is one that all insurance companies should be aware of in terms of what it means to… Read More »
Proposed Legislation in Florida Would Alter Requirements for Commercial Landlords When It Comes to Emotional Support Animals
Florida lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would affect a number of commercial landlord and tenant issues by addressing the ability for tenants to keep emotional support animals. Specifically, while it would prohibit landlords from charging more for emotional support animals, it would also allow them to ask for proof and hold a… Read More »
Latest Trends in Insurance Litigation
According to the latest statistics, in 2018, almost one in 20 S&P 500 companies was hit with a securities class-action lawsuit. The latest trends indicate that air crashes, concert shootings, data breaches, opioids, sexual misconduct, and wildfires now drive large, event-driven lawsuits that are costing insurance companies millions. Derivative Lawsuits In addition, these events… Read More »
Where Unpaid Homeowners’ Association Dues & Foreclosure Meet
As Florida attorneys who provide legal representation to homeowners’ associations (HOA), while also representing those affected by a foreclosure proceeding, the issue of homeowners’ associations foreclosing on homes over unpaid fees can be a challenging one that affects more people than you realize; especially since some 30 to 40 percent of the country lives… Read More »
Understanding CAM Charges Is Essential for Florida Commercial Landlords
As commercial landlord and tenant attorneys who help ensure that landlords have enforceable commercial leases and experienced counsel to help with any disputes, one of the issues that we frequently assist landlords with here in Florida are common area maintenance, or “CAM” charges. These charges have a significant impact on the property’s net operating… Read More »
Avoiding Costly Legal Battles Later On by Addressing Pets in A Prenuptial Agreement
An article recently featured in TIME magazine highlights why it is so important for couples to address certain issues in pre-and post-nuptial agreements, including pet custody issues, in order to avoid expensive, lengthy court battles later on. The article highlights just how important pets are becoming to us and how one individual spent close… Read More »
