Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Happens After a Domestic Violence Restraining Order Hearing?
Going through a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) hearing is an emotionally charged experience. But once the judge issues a ruling, many people are left wondering: now what? Whether the court granted or denied the order, the outcome of that hearing sets off a chain of legal consequences that can touch nearly every corner… Read More »
What to Include in a California Parenting Plan
Putting together a parenting plan can feel like trying to predict the future while juggling school schedules, holiday traditions, and your child’s emotional needs all at once. The good news? You don’t have to get it perfect on the first try, but you do need to cover the right ground. So, what actually belongs… Read More »
When Can Spousal Support Be Modified or Terminated in California?
If you’re paying or receiving spousal support in California, you’ve probably wondered whether that order is set in stone. It isn’t, at least not usually. Life has a way of throwing curveballs: job losses, retirements, remarriages, and unexpected windfalls can all shift the financial picture that the original support order was built on. So,… Read More »
How Cryptocurrency Is Handled in California Divorce
Cryptocurrency has become a significant financial asset for many California residents holding bitcoin, ethereum, solana, cardano, ripple, and other digital currencies as part of their investment portfolios. For couples going through a divorce, however, cryptocurrency is considered property and is subject to division. Unlike a traditional checking or retirement account, cryptocurrency can be difficult… Read More »
Making Co-Parenting Actually Work After a California Divorce
Divorce ends a marriage, but if you share children, it does not end your partnership in raising them. That can feel like an odd contradiction. You are no longer spouses, yet you are still teammates when it comes to raising your children. So how do you build a working relationship with someone you just… Read More »
How Community Property Shapes Your California Divorce
“Community property” is one of those terms you hear almost immediately when divorcing in California. California is one of only a handful of community property states, and the rules here can surprise people who assume “fair” means “equal” in every sense. So, what actually happens to the house, the retirement account, and that car… Read More »
How to Obtain a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in California
Domestic violence is not always a single act of abuse or violence. Sometimes it is a pattern of repeated threats, unwanted contact, physical harm, stalking, intimidation, property destruction, or behavior designed to undermine another person’s sense of safety. In California, a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) can provide legal protection by ordering an abusive… Read More »
Mediation or the Courtroom? Choosing the Right Path for Your California Divorce
During divorce, one of the biggest decisions is not just “what” you will negotiate, but it is “how” you will do so. California law gives couples flexibility here, and the choice between mediation and litigation can shape not just the outcome of a divorce but how much it costs, how long it takes, and… Read More »
How Artificial Intelligence and Digital Evidence Are Affecting Divorce Cases
Divorce cases have always relied on evidence to resolve disputes over property, custody, and support. Today, however, the nature of that evidence is rapidly evolving. With the rise of artificial intelligence and digital technology, courts are seeing more data-driven information than ever before. From text messages to social media activity, digital footprints can play… Read More »
Can Teenagers Choose Which Parent to Live With in California?
It is a common question for parents going through custody disputes in California. Many assume that once a child reaches a certain age, they can simply choose which parent they want to live with. While a teenager’s preference does matter, the law does not give them absolute authority to decide. California courts focus on… Read More »
