Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Facebook as an Alternative Service Method?
People use Facebook for a lot of reasons, including keeping up with family and friends, promoting businesses and finding old classmates. A New York judge recently approved a new use for the social media site that could potentially spread to divorce proceedings nationwide. The Washington Post is reporting about a Manhattan Supreme Court judge… Read More »
Divorces on the Decline in Florida
Marriages are on the increase in Florida, while divorces continue to decline. This is according to a recent report by the Florida Department of Health. Several news outlets are reporting that a 10 year decline in marriage appears to be ending, with more people marrying in 2014 than in 2013. Marriage advocates see these… Read More »
Who Pays the Tuition for Private School
Your children have attended private school since their first day of kindergarten. They are well adapted and progressing within their grades. Most of their friends attend the same school and they enthusiastically participate in various extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, the happy marriage that was in place when the private schooling began has fallen by the… Read More »
Can a Mentally Incapacitated Person Obtain a Divorce?
A recent case addresses the mental capacity necessary for filing a divorce action in the state of Florida. The details sound like a soap opera plot, complete with million dollar estates and controversial prenuptial agreements. At its center is a Florida family statute that has never been analyzed under these particular circumstances. The Case… Read More »
Splitting Retirement Benefits when Divorcing Later in Life
Retirement benefits are usually considered during divorce procedures, but they are especially important when divorces occur later in life. When parties choose to dissolve a marriage after the age of 50, retirement plans can be drastically impacted. It is vitally important that you consider all benefits held by you and your spouse, so that… Read More »
The Protective Order as a Tool against Domestic Abuse
Though domestic violence continues to plague our society, countless victims boldly take steps towards survival on a daily basis. Risking their safety and even their lives, these brave souls gather the strength to ask for help. Yet, some professionals assert that as these individuals survive their painful situations only to face rejection from the… Read More »
The Impact of the Supreme Court Ruling on Floridians
Recently, the United States Supreme Court made history when it handed down one of the most monumental decisions to ever affect the laws of domestic relations. In a 5-4 ruling, the court determined that all same sex marriage bans are unconstitutional. For decades, proponents and opponents battled over this controversial issue. Over the last… Read More »
Summer Vacation Can Prove Difficult for a Child of Divorce
It’s summertime and school is out. Children across Florida are brimming with excitement about summer camps, sporting events, vacations and lazy afternoons by the neighborhood pool. But for some children, summertime creates feelings of anxiety as they struggle to cope with the changing dynamics of a family divorce. For these children, summer may mean… Read More »
Florida Court Rules that Same-Sex Couples May Get Divorced
A lesbian couple in Tampa, Florida will be allowed to divorce, according to the 2nd District Court of Appeal ruling. The order referred to another same-sex divorce case from Lee County, Florida in which the appellate court ordered in April 2015 that a divorce be granted, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The Court, in… Read More »
Obtaining Temporary Relief in Florida
If you are in the process of getting divorced, the bills and monthly financial obligations do not stop. The mortgage still has to be paid. Enter temporary relief. Temporary relief can be pursued while your divorce is pending. There are different ways to access this relief. You and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse can simply agree to… Read More »