Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Study Shows Risk of Divorce Higher for Those Who Marry in Their Early 30s
The Institute for Family Studies recently published the results of their analysis of data taken from the National Survey of Family Growth between 2006 and 2010. While it is not surprising that those individuals who married young, such as those in their early 20s, faced a heightened risk of divorce, researchers also found that… Read More »
The Challenge of Setting Aside a Divorce Decree
A final judgment is essentially the end of a court proceeding. For dissolution of marriage cases, the final judgment of divorce declares that the parties are legally divorced. It may also divide property, establish custody and grant future support payments. Absent an appeal, the judgment is set in stone and each party is obligated… Read More »
The Termination of Parental Rights in Florida
Outside of very serious circumstances, the state generally does not interfere with an individual’s right to parent their child. However, in certain circumstances, the courts may find it in the best interest of a child to terminate a parent’s rights. This includes the right to make decisions, spend time and determine who can access… Read More »