Author Archives: Jay Butchko

‘Should I Stay in the Marital Home During the Divorce Proceedings in Florida?’
When considering filing for divorce in Florida, this question will inevitably come up at one point or another. Deciding who will stay in the marital home during and after the divorce can become a contested issue as both spouses may be reluctant to move. But since residing in the marital home under the same… Read More »

Situations in Which a Parent Can Surrender Certain Parental Rights in Florida
It is not easy to be a parent, especially if you are a divorced parent sharing custody with your former spouse. Certain situations and events in life may affect your custody and timesharing arrangement. In some cases, a parent may feel the need to surrender certain parental rights to others, including their own parent…. Read More »

Dating After Divorce in Florida: When Is It the Right Time?
Getting divorced is never an easy process. A divorce can be an emotionally-draining and heart-breaking experience. While you may not be ready to begin dating yet, the idea of finding a new romantic partner will not be as bizarre when your wounds heal. For many divorced people, reentering the dating world after divorce feels… Read More »

Is Child Support Awarded When Both Parents Share Custody 50/50 in Florida?
One of the most common misconceptions about child support in Florida is that a judge may only order support if one parent has more custody than their former spouse. That’s not how child support works in Florida. To answer the question: yes, child support may be awarded when both parents split physical custody 50/50…. Read More »

5 Options to Consider When Collaborative Divorce Doesn’t Work in Florida
An increasing number of couples opt for a collaborative divorce as an alternative to litigation. Florida’s collaborative law presents a less adversarial approach to divorce, but what to do if collaborative divorce does not work? Unlike in traditional divorce litigation, spouses involved in a collaborative divorce have the freedom to agree upon a mutually… Read More »

Can Text Messages Be Used as Evidence in a Florida Divorce?
Many people who go through a divorce wonder what kind of evidence can be used during the proceedings. Often, text messages with your spouse are the first thing that comes to mind. But can text messages be used as admissible evidence in court in Florida? Typically, spouses want to present text messages in a… Read More »

When Can a Child Choose Who to Live with in a Florida Child Custody Case?
Getting divorced is a difficult decision on its own. However, if you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse have minor children, your divorce case can get even more complicated as you will have to make major decisions regarding custody. But how old does your child have to be to be able to choose who he or she… Read More »

Is Your Spouse Entitled to the Funds in Your Separate Bank Account in a Florida Divorce?
For the purposes of dividing property between spouses in a divorce, the name on a bank account does not necessarily mean that the spouse whose name is listed on the account will receive 100% of the funds. Thus, your spouse might be entitled to your separate bank account during the equitable division of property…. Read More »

What if the Other Parent Refuses or Fails to Take the Kids to School?
If your ex-spouse refuses to take your child to school, you might be dealing with a possible case of contempt. It can be frustrating to see the other parent fail to adhere to their responsibilities and commitments outlined in a parenting plan. Regardless of whether your former spouse refuses to take your children to… Read More »

What to Do if You Are a Victim of Financial Abuse in a Marriage?
When people think of domestic violence, physical abuse is the first thing that comes to mind. However, there are other forms of abuse in a marriage, including emotional and financial abuse, which will be the focus of our discussion today. Many people overlook the seriousness of financial abuse, while others do not realize that… Read More »