Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Understanding False Imprisonment as Domestic Violence
Many people are surprised to learn how many various actions come under the classification of domestic violence. Commonly reported crimes, such as assault or stalking, easily come to mind. But false imprisonment is another act of domestic violence that the victim may not even recognize. Under the Florida Criminal Code, false imprisonment occurs when… Read More »
Is It Time to Reevaluate Your Parenting Plan?
Its back to school season and many students are heading back for the first time as children of divorce. They may be starting a new school due to one parent’s relocation or shuttling back and forth between two households as part of a joint custody arrangement. While the freedom of summer makes custody splitting… Read More »
Pursuing a Claim for Permanent Alimony
The contentious nature of divorce is often driven by the issues of property distribution and alimony. Especially in situations where the spouses are uncooperative, discussions about granting alimony and the determination of an amount can lead to heated disagreements. Under Florida law, spousal support is the financial maintenance that one individual pays to their… Read More »
The New Trend in Marriage Dissolution: The Divorce Selfie
Many divorcing couples are turning to a cultural sign of the times to announce the end of their relationship. Divorce selfies are all over social media. Couples are using these pictures to not only tell the world about their new status, but to also demonstrate their intention to remain cooperative for the well being… Read More »
Paternity and Custody Considerations for the Unmarried Dad
Statistics indicate that by 2016, half of all new births will occur between unwed partners. Many of these instances will involve cohabitating couples who, even though unmarried, plan to raise their children together. However, a significant percentage will involve parents who are not in a monogamous relationship with one another and have no intentions… Read More »
Dating Site Hack May Lead to Divorce Court
The recent hacking of a large dating site may lead to divorce court for many spouses. Ashley Madison is a dating website that reportedly caters to married individuals who are looking for extramarital affairs. According to news reports, the website’s hacking exposed information for millions of registered users. The responsible parties allegedly threatened to… Read More »
Differentiating Between Marital and Non-Marital Assets
One of the most contentious aspects of a divorce is determining how the property gets divided. During the marriage, you spend years amassing your belongings and growing attached to them. When the court makes you give them away, especially to someone who may have betrayed you, it can be a hard pill to swallow…. Read More »
Dealing with a Guardian Ad Litem
Sometimes, in the midst of a custody dispute, a guardian ad litem (GAL) is appointed to represent the best interests of the child or children. This may happen for a variety of reasons, at the request of a parent or at the judge’s discretion. These legal professionals act as an advocate for the minor(s),… Read More »
Domestic Violence by Strangulation
Domestic violence is a painful and horrific crime that affects thousands of Floridians every year. For those who are married to their abusers, leaving is only the first step. All divorces are challenging, but they can become even more taxing when allegations of domestic violence are involved. That is why it’s important to understand… Read More »
Collecting Unpaid Child Support in Florida
The relationship just did not work out. You go to court, establish a custody arrangement and secure a court order for monthly child support payments. Unfortunately, the absent parent is not holding up his or her end of the financial bargain, leaving you with the challenge of raising your child with no monetary assistance…. Read More »