Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Understanding Final Judgments in Florida Divorce Cases: What Does the Court Order Really Mean?
For many people going through a divorce in Florida, the day the judge signs the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage feels like a finish line. After months, sometimes years, of legal filings, hearings, emotional strain, and negotiation, the court’s ruling represents closure. But while a final judgment does officially end the marriage, it… Read More »
Protecting Inherited Wealth and Family Assets During Divorce in Florida
Divorce can be a highly emotional and financially uncertain time, especially when significant family wealth or inherited property is at stake. If you’ve received an inheritance or hold family assets passed down through generations, you may be wondering what will happen to that property when your marriage ends. Can your spouse claim a share?… Read More »
Prenuptial Agreements and Complex Divorce: Can the Contract Hold Up in Court?
For many couples entering marriage, especially those with significant assets, business interests, or children from prior relationships, a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement offers a sense of security. These contracts are designed to define how finances and property will be handled in the event of divorce, potentially reducing future conflict. But what happens when divorce… Read More »
When One Spouse Controls the Finances: How to Protect Yourself in Divorce
In many marriages, one spouse takes the lead in managing the household finances. This can be a practical division of labor, especially if one person is more comfortable with budgeting, paying bills, or handling investments. But when a marriage ends, financial control can quickly become a point of vulnerability, particularly for the spouse who… Read More »
What Makes a Divorce “Complex” Under Florida Law? Key Factors That Complicate the Process
Not all divorces are created equal. Some separations, while emotionally difficult, proceed through the legal system with minimal complications. Others, however, involve intricate legal, financial, and personal dynamics that make the process far more demanding. In Florida, these are often referred to as complex divorces. Understanding what makes a divorce “complex” can help you… Read More »
Preparing for an Interview with the Guardian ad Litem: Guidance for Parents
When parents are involved in a custody dispute in Florida, especially one that involves serious conflict or concerns about the child’s wellbeing, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to represent the best interests of the child. For many parents, receiving notice of this appointment can bring anxiety and uncertainty. What will… Read More »
How Florida Courts Handle Parental Alienation in Custody Disputes
When parents separate or divorce, emotions often run high—especially when it comes to the wellbeing of their children. In some cases, those emotions lead to one parent attempting to undermine or damage the child’s relationship with the other parent. This behavior, known as parental alienation, is taken seriously by Florida courts because of the… Read More »
Parental Alienation vs. Estrangement: Understanding the Difference
When a child begins to pull away from a parent during or after a divorce, it can be deeply painful and confusing. The parent on the receiving end may wonder, “What happened to our bond?” or “Why won’t my child speak to me anymore?” In family law, this type of parent-child disconnection often sparks… Read More »
Can You Challenge a Guardian ad Litem’s Report in a Custody Case?
In Florida custody cases, especially those marked by significant conflict, courts often appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to represent the best interests of the child. The GAL’s role is investigative: they speak with the child, parents, teachers, therapists, and other involved individuals, observe interactions, and compile their findings and recommendations in a written… Read More »
Protecting the Parent-Child Bond in High-Conflict Divorces
Divorce is never easy, but when conflict between parents becomes intense, the fallout can deeply affect children. In high-conflict divorces, children often become caught in the middle—exposed to arguments, loyalty struggles, and emotional instability. One of the most serious risks in these cases is the deterioration of a parent-child relationship, especially when one parent… Read More »