Author Archives: Jay Butchko
New Study Shows that Married and Unmarried Individuals Are Equally Healthy
While previous studies have indicated that divorced and unmarried individuals experience more health problems than married individuals, a new study out of London finds differently. Past studies pointed to loneliness and isolation as adversely affecting the later-life health of the unmarried, and resulting in an earlier death for these individuals. London Study Finds that… Read More »
Essential Steps to Preparing for Divorce
While every family situation is different, and every divorce case is unique, there are some general guidelines that you should follow if you are considering filing for divorce or legal separation from your spouse or partner. Although there is never a guarantee as to what your divorce will be like, taking these steps now… Read More »
Will My Spouse Have to Pay My Attorney’s Fees in My Divorce?
While it is possible that your spouse will be ordered to pay your attorney’s fees in your divorce case, you should not rely on that possibility. It is just as possible that you will be ordered to pay your own attorney’s fees. A divorce judge has flexibility to both divide property equitably and order… Read More »
Establishing Paternity Under Florida Law
It may come as no surprise that the birth rate of children born to unmarried parents has skyrocketed in recent years. This trend has resulted in more complicated parent-child relationships and the need to legally establish paternity in accordance with Florida law. Paternity laws allow unmarried parents to formally establish a parental relationship between… Read More »
Who Pays for Children’s Medical Expenses After a Divorce?
Child support can include both direct payments of cash, or indirect benefits, such as the payment of medical or dental expenses. There are two major issues regarding children’s medical expenses after a couple separates or gets divorced. First, one or both parents may be ordered to provide health insurance coverage for the child, normally… Read More »
Can I Modify My Florida Child Support Order?
A child support order is modifiable under Florida law when there has been an involuntary change in a parent’s circumstances that makes the current order no longer reasonable, given your circumstances. A good example of a situation that might justify a modification would be one in which a parent is laid off from his… Read More »
Can I Move to Another City or State if I Have Custody of My Children?
Many people move to the state of Florida from other locations, perhaps seeking a warmer climate or more laid-back way of life. However, these same people often leave family and friends in other cities or states, to whom they wish to return at some point. A new job prospect or a new relationship might… Read More »
Bill Seeks to Amend Florida Law on Alimony and Custody
For the third time since 2013, Florida State Senator Tom Lee has introduced a bill that would significantly overhaul Florida law with respect to alimony, custody, and divorces. SB 250 is a 41-page bill that impact many different areas of Florida family law, including the following: – Requiring divorce judges to justify the relevant… Read More »
Do You Need to Consult an Accountant in Your Divorce?
While it is always recommended that you seek legal advice and guidance from a Florida divorce attorney in a divorce, you may wish to consult with other professionals, as well. Individuals in divorces that involve significant assets, property, or businesses should always consider using the services of an accountant, for example. An accountant can… Read More »
Florida Supreme Court Approves Broad Reading of Prenuptial Agreement
An increasing number of couples are entering into prenuptial agreements prior to marriage. While some of these agreements specifically outline how property will get divided if the parties divorce, many prenuptial agreements are very broad in nature. In a decision dated September 10, 2015, the Florida Supreme Court departed from its previous rulings, in… Read More »