Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Do I Have To Go To Court To Finalize My Divorce?
You’re probably used to seeing litigated divorces on television or at the movies. These are highly contentious divorces that are being dramatized for the sake of maximizing the amount of conflict between the characters. Such divorces are not representative of the way that actual divorces are handled. In most cases, divorces can be finalized… Read More »
Am I Responsible For My Spouse’s Student Loans?
It’s not uncommon for couples to marry while they’re finishing up college. Many couples meet in college and then marry after they graduate with an undergraduate degree. However, more couples are waiting until later in life to marry and that could have certain advantages when it comes to student loans. Technically speaking, the marital… Read More »
What Can Stop Alimony Payments In Florida?
If you’ve been awarded alimony during your Florida divorce, then you should know that these payments will not last forever. Further, they can be terminated at any time so long as the paying spouse petitions the court to stop the alimony payments. The question then becomes: will the courts grant their request? That depends… Read More »
What Is A Collaborative Divorce In Florida?
Traditionally, divorces are either mediated or litigated. Mediated divorces are those in which the participants hire a neutral third party to facilitate an agreement between the two spouses. Mediation is largely considered the cheapest and fastest way to end a marriage. But not all participants in mediation resolve their issues and sometimes, they’re so… Read More »
The Greatest Predictors Of Divorce: Lack Of Commitment, Infidelity, And Domestic Abuse
With the dockets full of divorce cases, a number of research universities and sociologists have conducted various studies on divorce giving us some prime indicators of when and why it occurs. According to a study conducted by Samantha Joel et al. in 2020, a spouse’s relationship satisfaction can be measured by how committed we… Read More »
How Are Debts Divided In A Florida Divorce?
Our attorneys often field questions from clients concerning the division of marital property and specifically, how debts get divided in a divorce. To understand the issue, you must understand the concept of the marital estate. The marital estate is created on the day of your marriage and it ends when you are served with… Read More »
Steps To Take After Receiving Divorce Papers
Receiving divorce papers can be a demoralizing experience. Some folks are in shock while others saw it coming. In either event, it’s no fun to be served with divorce papers. Your life is about to change dramatically. You may be overwhelmed by the impending changes. You’re going to need to gather your wits because… Read More »
Unwed Father’s Rights In Florida
On July 1, 2023, a new law went into effect. Florida legislators passed a revised procedure for unmarried fathers to establish paternity, child support, and visitation. The new legislation made it possible for unmarried fathers to receive parental rights that were previously exclusive to the mother of the newborn child. Under the old law,… Read More »
Child Custody And Florida’s Relocation Statute
The Florida courts craft custody and visitation arrangements on the principle that the child benefits from having continued relationships with both parents. However, circumstances change. One parent may decide to move to another state or even across the country. This can create numerous problems. Court intervention may be needed to resolve them. In Florida,… Read More »
How Do Florida Courts Determine Parenting Time After Divorce?
Divorce is a challenging time, particularly for children. The courts understand this and seek to install arrangements that are in the best interests of the children. In fact, the law requires the courts to make decisions that are in the best interests of the children at all times. The courts presume that having both… Read More »