Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Shared Parental Decision-Making
Just because two parents decide to separate does not mean that they automatically give up their parental rights and obligations. How those rights and obligations are shared will, however, depend on the family’s particular situation. Generally, custody is divided into two categories: time-sharing, or physical custody and parental responsibility, or parental decision-making. Even if… Read More »
Why Determining Paternity Can Be Beneficial
Establishing paternity can seem like an uncomfortable and intimidating process. And while it’s true that doing so can come with certain complications, there are also a number of benefits, both short and long-term, to determining paternity. Read on, to learn more about how establishing paternity could be beneficial for your own family. A Well-Rounded… Read More »
Do I Still Need To Pay Child Support If We Share Custody Equally?
Although it would perhaps be easier for divorced parents if each were responsible for exactly 50 percent of their child’s finances and no court order were required, this rarely happens. Instead, most child custody arrangements involve a more complicated division of time and responsibilities. However, couples who are able to reach such an agreement,… Read More »
The Role Of Communication Records In Divorce
Couples who are unable to resolve divorce-related issues in an out-of-court setting will need to go through official court proceedings to legally end their marriage. These proceedings tend to be exhaustive and potentially draining, with both parties required to provide the court with ample paperwork regarding income, shared assets, and their children. Often, a… Read More »
Florida Couples May Need To Attend A Parenting Course Prior To Divorce
In Florida, most couples with minor children who decide to get divorced must complete a parenting class before that divorce can be finalized. Intended to help educate and assist parents in minimizing the emotional impact that divorce can have on children, this course, which is known as the Parent Education and Family Stabilization class,… Read More »
Designating Pick-Up And Drop-Off Responsibilities In Your Parenting Plan
Before a family law judge finalizes a divorce where a couple share children, the parents of those children will be required to submit a parenting plan to the court. This plan details how parenting time will be divided between the parties, as well as how parents will share decision-making responsibility about things like religion,… Read More »
The Penalties For Missing Child Support Payments
Parents who separate or divorce are still obligated to support their children. This often takes the form of a legal order, requiring one parent to pay child support to the other. While situations can change and a parent may find him or herself unable or unwilling to pay those amounts, they should be aware… Read More »
Your Divorce Checklist
Ending a marriage can be both legally and emotionally complicated. One of the best ways to make this process go as smoothly as possible is to have a plan in place when setting out. We’ve included a few steps that can help you when preparing for your own divorce, but if you still need… Read More »
What Happens If I Can’t Pay Child Support?
Child support payments are court ordered and legally obligate a child’s parent to financially support that child. Most awards are decided during divorce hearings, or at the end of a romantic relationship and will need to be paid on a fixed schedule until a child turns 18 years old. A person’s financial situation, however,… Read More »
Recent Attempts At Alimony Reform In Florida
A comprehensive alimony reform measure was recently adopted by Florida lawmakers in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, although the bill has yet to be signed by the governor. If enacted, this law could have significant repercussions for divorcing couples across the state. To learn more about the changes made by these… Read More »
