Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Arguing for Parental Fitness for Transgender Parents
Custody disputes are nothing new. For transgender parents, however, the battles can become especially imbalanced, and even downright vile. The fact that a parent has transitioned becomes an issue raised as a reason to limit custody and/or visitation rights all too often. And judges may incorrectly believe that a transgender parent could have a… Read More »
Avoid this Costly Mistake in Your Divorce
You and your spouse don’t see eye to eye, which has ultimately led you to conclude that divorce is the best option moving forward. But splitting up means more than simply going your separate ways: you’re also going to have to divide up assets, bills, and time with the kids. You two can choose… Read More »
Keeping the Best Interests of the Child in Mind
As families split up and decisions are made about children, it’s important, from both an ethical and a legal standpoint, to consider the best interests of the children. While individuals may differ on what, precisely, that means, the law has some constructs with which to consider the matter. One of the key issues to… Read More »
Dealing With Dirty Divorce Tactics
If you’re headed for a tough divorce, you should be aware of the fact that sometimes divorce can be a series of dreadful confrontations, underhanded antics, and unpleasant surprises. If you happen to be unlucky enough to be in the middle of a divorce from someone who is very angry and spiteful, you may… Read More »
Does Pregnancy Impact Divorce in Florida?
Divorce is complicated enough without having to address the myriad issues associated with a pregnancy during the split. That’s why, even though there’s no specific law on the books banning divorce during pregnancy, judges generally refuse to finalize one’s dissolution of marriage until after the baby is born. What’s Behind the Practice If people… Read More »
Alimony Payments May be Modified by Retirement
If you are forking over a huge alimony payment every month and it’s causing you to question whether you can afford to retire, you will be happy to know that the Florida legislature has made spousal maintenance modification an option for you at retirement age. While there are a number of factors that must… Read More »
Getting a Nice Tax Refund? Now You Can Get that Divorce You‘ve Been Wanting
If divorce is something you’ve been mulling for some time, but you couldn’t figure out how you’d be able to pay the legal fees, a tax refund may be just what the doctor ordered. Across the nation, couples are finding that splitting up is worth every penny of the tax refund coming from Uncle… Read More »
What Will a Gray Divorce Mean for You?
According to recent research, the standard of living for men typically declines by roughly 21 percent in a gray divorce, whereas women’s standard of living nosedives by 45 percent. Wealth declines by half for both partners. Even so, divorce rates for older Americans have been climbing since the early 90’s, actually doubling for couples… Read More »
When Alimony Modification is in Order
You’ve been making your alimony payments regularly for years, but now you’re feeling the squeeze because things have changed. Is there any chance you can modify those payments? When is a Modification in Order? Sometimes changing circumstances justify a change in court-ordered spousal maintenance. If your ex wins a $10 million lottery, for example,… Read More »
I Need to Change the Custody Agreement I Have with my Ex
You and your spouse settled on a custody agreement and visitation plan at the time of your divorce, but things have changed, and the original agreement just isn’t the right fit anymore. The parenting plan itself is problematic and you think the entire custody agreement needs to be revamped. What options do you have… Read More »