Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How Does Domestic Violence Impact Child Custody?
Going through a divorce is an overwhelming and emotional situation to be in, which can be made even more painful if there is domestic violence involved. Domestic violence is a serious offense in Florida and there are options to protect yourself and your family from the abuser having parental rights. At The Law Office… Read More »
What Are The “Best Interests Of The Child?”
The phrase “Best Interests of the Child” is probably the single most important legal standard in any family law proceeding that involves a child. In any custody related matter, “best interests of the child” is the legal standard that is employed by the Judge in practically all determinations that are made concerning the child,… Read More »
Virtual Visitation/Electronic Communication
Upon separation or after a divorce, living separately from your children can be very difficult for both the parent and the child. A partial solution to this unfortunate problem is the use of Virtual Visitation through the wide range of modern technologies that are currently available. While Virtual Visitation is not a perfect substitute… Read More »
How Are Assets and Liabilities Divided In A Florida Divorce?
Asset division is the moment during divorce proceedings when even the most civil pair of soon-to-be ex-spouses can begin to argue, especially if the marriage has lasted for a long time. Florida law requires “equitable distribution” of marital assets, but this can sometimes be a difficult concept to define, and it can be very… Read More »
Are the Court’s Closed Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Many people are under the misconception that the courts have shut down because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The courthouses remain open and the judges still are hard at work handling essential matters, which includes divorces, child support issues, modification of timesharing and alimony, domestic violence injunctions, and other family law related cases. When social… Read More »
Can I Modify My Child Support Amount Because Of COVID-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown many families into financial crisis as employers have been forced to close their doors, have laid off workers, severely reduced employee hours, and/or placed others on furlough. America is facing record unemployment claims. Despite the economic hardship you may be suffering as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, your… Read More »
UPDATE TO – DO I HAVE TO EXCHANGE MY CHILD FOR TIMESHARING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?
In an effort to address the uncertainty that arises with shared parenting and timesharing in the face of the COVID-19 Pandemic, courts across Florida have begun to adopt uniform parenting procedures. For instance, effective April 15, 2020, for Family Law Cases in Hillsborough County, the Chief Judge issued Administrative Order s-2020-023, that in part… Read More »
Do I Have to Exchange My Child For Timesharing During the Safer At Home Order?
The number one call that I have received since the Safer at Home Executive Order has gone into effect is… “Do I have to continue to follow my parenting plan schedule and exchange my child for timesharing with my ex-spouse?” Generally speaking, the answer is yes. Normally, parenting plans are drafted with sufficient detail… Read More »
What is the Difference Between a Contested and an Uncontested Divorce?
If you are considering a divorce in the Tampa Bay area, it is important to learn more about the divorce process and to gain an understanding of what your own divorce process may look like in the coming weeks and months. We often work with clients who want to know more about the difference… Read More »