Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Top 7 Reasons You Need a FL Divorce Attorney
Having the right legal support is crucial if you are exiting a marital union in the state of Florida. After all, a seasoned West Palm Beach family attorney not only provides you with guidance throughout the divorce process but also ensures your rights are protected. With an attorney’s support, you can secure the optimal… Read More »
What to Do When a Spouse is Delaying the Divorce Process
Rarely an easy journey, Florida divorces can become even more difficult when a spouse actively delays the process. Should you be in a situation where you believe your spouse is dragging their heels, share your concerns with a West Palm Beach family attorney. Legal professionals are available to discuss strategies to get the process… Read More »
Does It Matter Who Files for Divorce?
When a marriage reaches its end, you may wonder if it matters who initiates the divorce process. In Florida, the legal implications of filing first are minimal, but there are strategic and emotional considerations to weigh. Whether you are collaborating with your spouse or facing significant conflict, talk to a West Palm Beach family… Read More »
Protecting Your Credit Score During a Life Change
Major life changes, like divorce, can jeopardize your credit if not managed carefully. Which is important to recognize, because your credit score impacts your financial health, influencing access to loans, housing, and employment. Talk to a West Palm Beach family attorney about how to safeguard your financial future when ending a marriage. What Is… Read More »
Legal Guidelines for Kinship Adoptions
Creating a forever home for a child in need is a life-changing decision. While most people associate the Florida adoption process with situations involving non-relatives, a significant number of adoptions involve family members. This type of adoption is commonly referred to as a kinship adoption. Kinship arrangements offer unique advantages but they also come… Read More »
A Range of Supports to Lean On When Divorcing
Divorce is a life-altering event that can disrupt many aspects of a person’s life, from emotional well-being to financial stability. It’s common to feel overwhelmed when facing the end of a marriage, as the process involves not only untangling a life built together but also making crucial decisions about the future. Know that you… Read More »
Wills, Trusts, and Updating Important Documents After Divorce
Going through a significant life transition means it’s time to update your legal documents. This means wills, trusts, and other vital records need to be revisited to reflect your new circumstances when you are going through a separation and divorce. Failing to update documents can lead to unintended consequences, such as your ex-spouse retaining… Read More »
Voluntary and Involuntary Paternity in Florida
In Florida, paternity can be established voluntarily or involuntarily, and doing so can be part of determining child support, custody, and visitation rights. To learn more about when it’s necessary to establish paternity and what it entails, consult with a West Palm Beach family attorney. Voluntary vs. Involuntary Paternity If the parents of a… Read More »
Penalties for Not Making Child Support Payments
A legal obligation, child support payments are awarded to help ensure children receive the financial support they need from both parents. In Florida, parents who fail to meet their payment obligations face penalties, as the state is committed to enforcing these rules to protect children. If you’re struggling to make child support payments, talk… Read More »
When It Is Necessary to Prove Paternity Through DNA Testing
Establishing paternity is sometimes necessary to ensure a child’s rights and well-being are protected. To learn more about the process, talk to a seasoned West Palm Beach family attorney about when DNA testing is helpful and how the data could assist you in navigating a complex legal matter. Situations Involving DNA Testing There are… Read More »
How a Family Lawyer Can Help With Adoption
Adoption is one of the most rewarding ways to grow a family, but it is also a legal process. For those considering adopting in Florida, working with an experienced West Palm Beach family attorney can make the journey smoother, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and potential challenges are navigated. Choosing the Right… Read More »
Is My Reason for a Child Support Increase Valid?
To ensure that the needs of children are met, support payments are put in place when parents divorce or separate. While sometimes the amount remains the same over time, other times circumstances change and the amount of support initially ordered no longer feels sufficient to the receiving parent. When considering pursuing a child support… Read More »
Unhappiness and Deciding It’s Time for a Change
Every union experiences moments of joy as well as challenges. Marriage is full of ups and downs. Yet for some Florida couples, the difficult times may outweigh the good, leading to feelings of unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Deciding to separate or pursue a divorce is a deeply personal choice and often comes after much reflection… Read More »
Common Law Unions in the Sunshine State
A concept that often creates confusion, common law is a term that refers to couples who are not formally married but do live together as partners. While some states recognize common law unions and provide certain legal protections to these couples, Florida is not one of them. Have a conversation with a West Palm… Read More »
Specific Concerns for Teenagers When Their Parents Separate
As teenagers navigate their identity and social pressures, the added stress of a parental separation can be incredibly upsetting. A West Palm Beach family attorney can assist parents in navigating the legal and emotional complexities of a divorce, including the specific needs of teenagers. How Divorce Affects Teenagers Differently Teenagers are more aware of… Read More »
Mom or Dad Relocation and Custody
When a parent in Florida needs to relocate, whether for a job, family, or personal reasons, the move can have a significant impact on existing child custody arrangements. Florida law recognizes that maintaining a stable environment for children is important, and as a result, moving, especially a long-distance move, can require adjustments to the… Read More »
Civil Cover Sheets and Other Important Paperwork
To secure the divorce outcome you are seeking, paying meticulous attention to legal paperwork is key. Understanding the various documents involved in ending a marriage is part of making informed decisions. From civil cover sheets to financial affidavits, each piece of paperwork serves a specific purpose in ensuring the process is completed correctly and… Read More »
More Lows Than Highs, When It’s Time to Consider Separation
Every marriage has its ups and downs, but when the lows start to outweigh the highs, it may be time to consider a separation. If you find yourself in a situation where communication has broken down or unhappiness has become a constant companion, you’re not alone. Deciding to end a marriage is never easy,… Read More »
Can I Put Custody Rules in a Prenuptial Agreement?
Couples considering prenuptial agreements often focus on protecting assets, defining financial responsibilities, and setting alimony terms. But each family is unique, and some parents wonder if they can address child custody in their prenup. The short answer is no, child custody cannot be predetermined in a premarital agreement. Talking to a West Palm Beach… Read More »
What Equitable Distribution Means in the Sunshine State
When a marriage ends in the state of Florida, the principle of equitable distribution governs how property and debts are divided between spouses. Equitable distribution refers to the fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital property and debts. Essential, equitable means just and reasonable, and in order for these determinations to be made… Read More »
