Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Child Custody FAQs
If you are in the middle of a child custody dispute, you are likely very worried about the possible outcome. Of all the different types of disputes that can arise within a family, those involving child custody are some of the most emotional and complex. These disputes are also governed by many different laws… Read More »
What is the Average Child Support Payment in Orlando?
Every parent in Orlando, and throughout all of Florida, is expected to financially support their children until a child turns 18 years old. Child support can be extended until a child’s 19th birthday if they turn 18 and are still in high school. During a divorce, the court will typically award child support to… Read More »
What to Include in Your Prenuptial Agreement
If you are planning to get married, having a prenuptial agreement in place can offer a great deal of protection and reassurance. If you and your fiancé have already talked about drafting this type of legal contract, you have already made great strides in making sure your future is protected. If you have already… Read More »
The Stepparent Adoption Process in Orlando
Stepparent adoptions are very special, and they are a blessing for the entire family. Adoptions involving stepparents give both the stepparent and the biological parent equal parenting rights. Legally, a stepparent adoption makes it as though both parties are the child’s biological parents. After the adoption, changes to the birth certificate will reflect the… Read More »
What Happens if You Refuse to Sign Divorce Papers?
All divorce cases start when one party officially files for dissolution of the marriage, either through their divorce lawyer or directly at the courthouse. After the petition is filed, the other spouse is served with divorce papers. The sheriff or a process server can serve the papers on the other spouse. The spouse who… Read More »
Common Mistakes Made in Parenting Plans and How to Avoid Them
There are many issues you will have to resolve with your spouse throughout the divorce process. If you and your spouse have children together, you will have to make decisions about time-sharing and creating a parenting plan. If you and your spouse cannot make these decisions on your own, you will have to go… Read More »
How to Get a Quick Divorce in Florida
When many people think of divorce, they imagine a long and bitter battle in the courtroom. Fortunately, few divorce cases today end in trial. While there really is no such thing as a ‘quick’ divorce, it is possible to move forward in your newly single life in just a matter of months, or even… Read More »
Is Divorce Mediation Mandatory in Florida?
Divorce trials are not as common as they once were. At one time, the majority of divorce cases had to go to trial, which has led many people to imagine a long bitter courtroom battle. However, Florida has established different alternative dispute resolution methods over the past several years. Legislation passed in 1987 gave… Read More »
Are Recipients of Alimony Required to Look for Work?
There are many reasons the family courts in Florida order one spouse, usually the higher earner, to pay the other alimony during divorce. Often, alimony is awarded when one spouse becomes financially dependent on the other during the marriage. Spousal support is then meant to provide for the dependent spouse until they can support… Read More »
Why is the Divorce Rate in Florida So High?
At 13 percent, Florida has one of the highest divorce rates in the United States. This fact is nothing new. The divorce rate in Florida has been relatively the same, and one of the highest in the country, over the past decade. So, why are people so much more likely to end their marriage… Read More »
