Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Child Support After Paternity Is Established in Florida
Establishing paternity is an important legal step for unmarried parents in Florida. Once fatherhood is legally established, the court gains authority to address issues involving child support, parenting plans, time-sharing, and parental responsibility. Many parents are surprised to learn that paternity cases often involve far more than simply placing a father’s name on a… Read More »
Same-Sex Divorce and Parentage Disputes Involving Assisted Reproductive Technology in Florida
Same-sex divorce cases can involve legal and emotional issues that extend far beyond property division and financial support. Families created through assisted reproductive technology often face additional concerns involving parental rights, donor arrangements, surrogacy agreements, and the legal recognition of parent-child relationships after the marriage ends. Parentage disputes can quickly become among the most… Read More »
Military Benefits After Divorce and What Former Spouses May Still Be Entitled to Receive
Military divorces often involve issues that do not arise in civilian family law cases. In addition to property division, support obligations, and parenting plans, military families frequently face questions involving healthcare coverage, retirement benefits, survivor protections, and continued access to military-related privileges after the marriage ends. Questions involving continued healthcare coverage, retirement benefits, and… Read More »
Child Custody Battles in Divorce Trials and How Florida Judges Evaluate Parenting Plans
Few parts of a divorce create more tension than disagreements involving children. When parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the case may ultimately proceed to trial, placing decisions about time-sharing and parental responsibility in the hands of a Florida judge. Custody litigation often becomes emotionally charged because each parent believes they are acting… Read More »
Key Employee Retention During Divorce: Protecting Business Continuity
Divorce can affect more than personal finances, especially when a closely held business is involved. For business owners, one of the most immediate concerns is stability. Changes in ownership, uncertainty around decision-making, and internal tension can quickly reach the workplace. When that happens, employees, especially those in leadership or operational roles, often feel it… Read More »
Digital Abuse and Surveillance in Modern Relationships: How Florida Courts Are Responding
Domestic violence is not always physical. In many relationships, control and intimidation take place through phones, apps, and online accounts. Tracking someone’s location, monitoring messages, or accessing private accounts without permission can create the same sense of pressure and fear as more traditional forms of abuse. These behaviors are often described as digital abuse,… Read More »
Imputing Income in Florida Alimony Cases: When Courts Look Beyond Actual Earnings
Alimony decisions in Florida are not based solely on what a spouse currently earns. In some situations, the court may look beyond reported income and consider what a person has the ability to earn. This concept, known as imputing income, can play an important role in how alimony is determined and whether the outcome… Read More »
Can I Modify My Divorce Court Order in Florida? When and How to Seek a Change
Life does not stand still after a divorce is finalized. Over time, circumstances can shift in ways that make the original court order difficult to follow or no longer appropriate. A change in income, a new job, or evolving family needs can all raise the same question: can a divorce order be updated to… Read More »
Enforcing Child Support Across State Lines: What Florida Parents Need to Know
When a parent moves out of state, child support does not simply go away. Still, for many families, enforcing support across state lines can feel confusing and, at times, overwhelming. Questions often come up about which court has authority, how payments are collected, and what steps can be taken when support stops or falls… Read More »
Hidden Assets in Divorce: What to Do If You Suspect Financial Deception
Divorce requires both parties to be open and honest about their finances. In Florida, each spouse is expected to fully disclose income, assets, debts, and financial accounts so that property can be divided fairly. When one spouse suspects that the other is hiding money or property, it can create uncertainty and raise serious concerns… Read More »