Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Can I File for Florida Divorce Without a Spouse?
If you want to get a divorce in Florida, but your spouse refuses to sign papers or cannot be located, you may wonder, “Can I file for divorce without my spouse?” The short answer is, “Yes, you can.” As long as you meet residency requirements, and you wish to file for a no-fault divorce… Read More »
Can Your Driver’s License Be Suspended for Not Paying Child Support?
If you were ordered to pay child support but failed to meet the legal obligation to provide payments to the obligee, you may face serious penalties. In the state of Florida, possible penalties for not paying child support include wage garnishment, fines, driver’s license suspension, and even jail time. If you are behind in… Read More »
Could I be Accused of ‘Kidnapping’ My Own Child in Florida?
If you are wondering, “How could I possibly kidnap my own child if I’m their parent?” the answer is, “You could!”. In the state of Florida, it is possible to kidnap your own child, and doing so could result in the termination of your parental rights. If you do not want to lose your… Read More »
What to Do if I Cannot Pay Child Support?
If you were ordered to pay child support to the other parent of your child but can no longer afford the monthly payments, the worst thing you can do is just stop paying. Once a Florida court ordered you to pay child support, making these payments is not optional. You cannot just stop making… Read More »
How Are Pension and Retirement Accounts Divided in a Florida Divorce?
As the number of gray divorces across Florida and the United States keeps rising, people aged 50 or older are now more likely to get divorced. If you are an older adult or have been in a long-term marriage, pension and retirement benefits could account for a significant portion of marital assets. It is… Read More »
Is a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) Right for Your Florida Divorce?
Contrary to popular belief, ending a marriage is not always a lengthy, costly, and adversarial process. While these divorces are not uncommon, you may be able to resolve your divorce case quickly and reduce the cost of the process if you opt for a marital settlement agreement (MSA). A marital settlement agreement can be… Read More »
What Documents Do You Need for Your Divorce in Florida?
Divorce is a complicated process because it is an emotionally draining experience that involves many legal formalities. It is important to consult with a divorce lawyer to ensure that all the necessary documents are in place to initiate the divorce process. Documents Needed for a Florida Divorce The complexity of a divorce case depends… Read More »
How Can You Seal Public Divorce Records in Florida?
As you may know, divorce records – like any other court records – are available to the public in Florida. Anyone who wants to obtain your divorce records will be able to request them from the court clerk in the county where you divorced. But can you seal your divorce records in the state… Read More »
5 Things to Consider Before Signing a Prenuptial Agreement in Florida
A prenuptial agreement, commonly referred to as a prenup, is a critical legal document signed between two people before they get married. The agreement covers a variety of issues regarding the parties’ assets and property rights. What You Need to Consider Before Signing a Prenup Basically, a prenup determines who gets what if the… Read More »
Can You Appeal a Divorce Decree or Child Custody Order in Florida?
A divorce decree or child custody order can significantly impact the parties involved for the rest of their lives. For this reason, judges have a responsibility to consider all the facts and evidence available prior to making a final decision. However, because judges are only humans, they may make procedural mistakes, while others may… Read More »