Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Florida Child Support Laws: Health Insurance and Medical Expenses
It costs a lot of money to raise a child. Health insurance coverage and medical expenses often make up a significant portion of a parent’s overall child-related costs. Both custodial and non-custodial parents have a duty to contribute to these costs. Child support obligations may include additional compensation for health/medical costs. As explained by… Read More »
Four Tips to Help You Minimize Conflict During Divorce
Divorce is a normal part of life. The American Psychological Association reports that 19 percent of marriages end in the first five years and 48 percent of marriages end in the first 20 years. Still, as common as it is, ending a marriage is never easy—and in the worst cases, a divorce could turn… Read More »
Florida Divorce: The Importance of an Accurate Business Valuation
Are you a business owner going through a divorce in Florida? If so, you need to take proactive steps to protect both your personal and professional interests. Business owners face some unique challenges in divorce. The last thing you want is for your marital separation to cause problems for your business. Depending on the… Read More »
What Should I Bring to a Divorce Consultation?
Divorce is stressful and complicated. If you are considering separation, it is entirely normal to feel intimidated and overwhelmed by the gravity of the process. The good news is that you are not alone. Professional guidance and support is available. Generally, it is best to set up an initial consultation to discuss your case… Read More »
What You Need to Know About Step Parent Rights in Florida
Blended families are the norm in the United States. Based on comprehensive research, The Step Family Foundation observes that half nearly half of all U.S. families are either re-married or re-coupled. With approximately 60 million children living with a step parent, this raises an important question: What rights do step parents have? In Florida,… Read More »
An Overview of Florida’s Protective Order Laws
A protective order is a type of restraining order. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 741.30), victims of domestic abuse have the legal right to obtain a restraining order against the perpetrator. That being said, navigating Florida’s domestic violence protection laws can be challenging and confusing. Here, our Clearwater domestic violence lawyers provide a… Read More »
Divorce in Florida: Do You Have to Give the Ring Back?
Engagement rings and wedding rings are notoriously expensive. According to the most recent industry data, Americans now spend an average of $6,000 on rings. Of course, many people spend far more than that—in fact, an engagement ring may be one of the more valuable assets a couple owns. This raises an important question: Do… Read More »
Do Children Ever Testify in Child Custody Proceedings in Florida?
In Florida, courts are highly sensitive to the needs and well-being of young children. As a general rule, courts do not want children to testify in child custody cases or in other family law proceedings. However, there are certain limited circumstances in which a child’s testimony may be deemed necessary and appropriate. Here, our… Read More »
What Can I Expect at a Divorce Mediation?
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that can be especially effective in the family law setting, including in divorce cases. As explained by the Florida Courts, the mediation process is designed to get both sides in the same room, talking to each other in a productive manner and working together with the… Read More »
How Long Does it Take to Get Divorced in Florida?
Are you preparing to file for divorce in Clearwater, Florida? If so, you may be wondering: How long will it take before my divorce case to be finalized? This is a difficult question to answer without knowing more information about your specific situation. How long it takes to get divorced in Florida can vary… Read More »
