Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What is a Guardian Ad Litem?
Divorce is a challenging process, especially when children are involved. Ensuring the best interests of the child often becomes the central focus, which could involve engaging with professionals to provide objective insights into the child’s welfare. One such professional is a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL). A GAL is a court-appointed expert responsible for advocating… Read More »
Alimony Changes and Net Income
In 2023, state law regarding alimony was reformed. Previously, alimony decisions were largely at the discretion of the judge, who would consider various factors to decide on the amount and duration of support. The new laws aim to standardize these decisions, so permanent alimony has been eliminated and reviewing net income is now part… Read More »
Can I Make All Parenting Decisions?
As a parent moving toward divorce, you may have questions about who will make decisions about your child’s upbringing moving forward. While courts throughout Florida favor shared parental responsibility, there are situations where one parent may be granted complete authority to make calls on education, healthcare, and other child rearing decisions. Talk to a… Read More »
Florida Fathers and Parental Rights
The role of fathers in their children’s lives is recognized as key to their well-being and development. In the past, mothers were given status as primary caregivers in the event of a divorce, but contemporary research and evolving societal norms emphasizes the importance of an active and engaged father. Today, Florida’s legal landscape supports… Read More »
Questions to Expect from an Attorney
When thinking about ending a marriage, many want to connect with an attorney but aren’t sure how to select the right family lawyer. If this is true for you, know that your first meeting with a family lawyer is a moment that can set the tone for the entirety of your divorce process. Being… Read More »
Life Shifts and Child Support Changes in Florida
Child support ensures the well-being of children whose parents are no longer together. While a support award amount may be fair at the time it is set, life is dynamic, and circumstances can change, necessitating modifications to existing child support agreements. If you are wondering how to seek a modification, recognize that not all… Read More »
Disbelief and Divorce
A journey that is often fraught with challenges, divorce can lead to a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, and even disbelief. In the midst of such turmoil, it’s crucial to recognize that grieving the loss of a marriage is a natural part of the process. Families in Florida facing the difficult… Read More »
Social Media Issues When Ending a Marriage
For many in Florida and around the world, social media is an integral part of daily life. From building personal contacts to sharing life updates with old friends, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn have revolutionized how we communicate. While all of this communication can bring a lot of joy, during the divorce process… Read More »
Educational and Religious Provisions in Florida Parenting Agreements
For some families, crafting a comprehensive parenting plan involves much more than just determining custody and visitation schedules. As you move through the process, it’s essential to consider all aspects of a child’s upbringing that are important in your family, including education preferences and religious beliefs. Outlining expectations and ensuring that both parents have… Read More »
Reasons for Court Divorces and Other Resolution Paths
While many Florida couples strive to settle their divorces amicably outside of court, certain circumstances may necessitate litigation to reach a resolution. If you want to learn more about why some divorces end up in Florida courts and ways to avoid court involvement, such as mediation, connect with a West Palm Beach family attorney…. Read More »
Divorce Judgments the Economics of Uncontested Divorces
Disputes can prolong the process of ending a marriage, so many look into the possibility of an uncontested divorce. For many, an uncontested dissolution of marriage emerges as a beacon of hope because they offer couples an expedited, less contentious path. Reduced emotional strain and significant cost-saving advantages could be in reach if you… Read More »
Easing Stress for Kids During Divorce
Divorce is a challenging journey for all involved, and it can be especially tough on children. From emotional distress to behavioral changes, children are often impacted by their parents’ disputes. But there are ways parents can minimize the stress kids experience and support them through this life transition. By prioritizing conflict resolution, creating a… Read More »
Coping with Unemployment and Child Support Obligations
Losing a job is not easy, especially when you have a lot of financial obligations. The strain coupled with the financial responsibilities, including child support payments, can be overwhelming, but it’s important to understand that regardless of your employment status child support obligations don’t vanish. To learn more about what steps you can take… Read More »
Grandparent Visits and Florida Family Law
In some families, the connection between grandparents and grandchildren is prioritized. But in other families, this is not possible. Sometimes there isn’t communication between grandparents and grandkids because family dynamics are strained, which could be the case in situations where parents are going through a divorce or separation. While parents make the rules for… Read More »
Top Things to Keep in Mind When Divorcing
Divorce can be a tumultuous process, but there are things you can do if you want to avoid some of the upsetting highs and lows. Beyond addressing legal matters, it is important to prioritize your emotional well-being and future goals as you move to dissolve a union. When you talk to a seasoned West… Read More »
Tax Questions When Co-Parenting
Individuals, businesses, and estates are required to pay their fair share of income taxes. And while divorce is a challenging life transition, financial matters need to be dealt with amidst the emotional and logistical complexities. For parents, one issue that can arise is determining who can claim the children on taxes after a divorce…. Read More »
Why Am I No Longer Receiving Child Support Payments?
When you are relying on child support payments to meet your household budget, it can be incredibly stressful when those payments cease. While child support is typically ordered until the child reaches the age of majority or graduates from high school, life can be messy, and there are various circumstances that can lead to… Read More »
Advantages to Approaching Divorce with Common Goals
Amidst the waves of emotion when ending a marriage, there are strategies that can ease the process. For instance, an effective approach to separation and divorce is, when possible, to focus on common goals. Shared objectives can be transformative, leading to divorce negotiations that are more amicable and less costly. Talk to a West… Read More »
Protecting Inheritances in West Palm Beach County
When it comes to safeguarding a child’s inheritance, strategic planning is paramount, and there are professionals who can help. For example, a West Palm Beach family attorney can play a crucial role in making sure there are legal documents in place to protect assets earmarked for children. Actions for Parents Concerned About Inheritances Cracks… Read More »
Changing Dynamics Favor Involved Dads
In recent years, in Florida and throughout the country, the landscape of family law has evolved away from the old notion of dads being granted mere visitation rights. Today, many parents are embracing a collaborative approach and transition from spouses to co-parents. To learn more about your rights as a father in Florida, have… Read More »
