Author Archives: Jay Butchko
My Partner and I are Getting Divorced – Who Gets to Keep the Dog?
If you and your partner own a pet and you have decided to file for divorce, who will retain “custody” of the animal has undoubtedly already crossed your mind. If so, you are not alone. For divorcing couples, deciding who gets to keep the family pet can be challenging and highly emotional. To help… Read More »
Is a 50/50 Split of Marital Property During Divorce Always Fair?
Many Florida couples who decide to divorce initiate the process while under the assumption that all of their marital assets will be split down the middle. This, however, doesn’t always end up being the case. Unlike community property states, which require that divorcing couples split their assets 50/50, Florida adheres to an equitable division… Read More »
Unmarried Parents Still Owe Child Support
Just because two parents are unmarried does not mean that one or both cannot be ordered to pay child support by a Florida judge. This is because under state law, parents not only have parental rights, like the right to visitation with their child, but also parental obligations, which includes the duty to financially… Read More »
Job Loss Could Affect Your Florida Child Support Obligation
In Florida, parents are expected to financially support their children, regardless of whether those parents are in an ongoing romantic relationship. For many, this means that one of the parents will be required to pay child support to the other on a monthly basis once the couple is no longer together. Child support orders… Read More »
What are the Different Types of Alimony in Florida
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a payment made from one spouse to another to help that spouse support themselves after the divorce is finalized. Whether you are petitioning the court for alimony or worried that you might have to pay it, knowing what options are out there is crucial to preparing yourself… Read More »
Navigating the Florida Divorce Mediation Process
Legally ending a marriage doesn’t require drawn-out and contentious courtroom disputes. In fact, many couples are able to resolve their issues through divorce mediation in an out-of-court setting, which is not only more efficient and less stressful, but generally less expensive and more amicable. Understanding Divorce Mediation Divorce mediation is a process in which… Read More »
When to Consider Taking Your Florida Divorce to Court
Although it’s possible for many couples to resolve their divorces amicably through mediation and negotiation, such resolutions are not always possible. There are, for instance, times when a court’s intervention is not only preferable, but is actually essential to safeguard one of the party’s rights or safety. If you are facing any of the… Read More »
Am I Ineligible for Alimony?
Alimony, or spousal maintenance, often ends up being a critical component of divorce proceedings. This is a type of payment made by a higher-earning spouse to a lower-earning spouse after a divorce is finalized to help the latter maintain the same standard of living that the parties enjoyed during the marriage. It’s important to… Read More »
The Financial Benefits of Uncontested Divorce in Florida
Not all Florida divorces require contentious court battles. In fact, many couples opt for an uncontested divorce, which can be settled relatively simply and also ease the financial burden of legally ending a marriage. Read on to learn more about some of the financial benefits of pursuing an uncontested divorce in Florida. Uncontested Divorce… Read More »
What are the Penalties for Violating a Florida Parenting Plan?
In Florida, couples who share children are only able to finalize their divorces when they have created a parenting plan (or the court has done so on their behalf). These plans contain all the details involved in sharing custody from a visitation schedule and information about how holidays will be shared to directions on… Read More »
