Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Common Challenges to Prenups in California
Prenuptial agreements are specifically designed to offer a couple clarity and protection as they move forward into their unknown marital future. However, not every prenuptial agreement is ironclad. A valid prenuptial agreement is a binding contract and will be adhered to. However, flaws in how a prenuptial agreement was created or executed can make… Read More »
What Are the Benefits of Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce in California can offer litigants lots of benefits. While unrealistic for some, those couples who are looking to end their marriages efficiently and amicably could save a lot of time, money, and unnecessary emotional turmoil if they pursue the cooperative approach of an uncontested divorce. It provides more control over the… Read More »
Three Reasons to Hire a Forensic Accountant if You are Getting Divorced
Divorce is a lot about money and when finances are involved, things can quickly become complicated especially for larger estates. It is not uncommon for one spouse to have more financial knowledge or control than the other. Sometimes a spouse could attempt to hide, obfuscate, even steal assets, if they are fearful that after… Read More »
Tracing Separate Property in Divorce
When going through a divorce you in California’s community property state, much of what you have built together will be split except separate property. Knowing how to identify separate property can make a significant difference in what you walk away with. That is where property tracing comes to play. Tracing is the process of… Read More »
Transferring Custody Jurisdiction from California Under the UCCJEA
Following the Court’s decision in C.T. v. Superior Court (2025), Californians were reminded that jurisdiction over a child custody case does not automatically shift when a child and their parents relocate. In C.T., the child’s father moved to Denmark with the child for work, while the Mother resided in Utah. The father argued that… Read More »
How to deal with a Stonewalling Spouse in Divorce
Divorce is typically challenging. It can become even more challenging when one spouse refuses to engage or communicate in the process. This behavior is often called “stonewalling.” It can be one of the most frustrating obstacles in a divorce. However, there are strategies for dealing with stonewalling. With the guidance of an experienced divorce… Read More »
Back-to-School: School Choice, Schedules, and Logistics
The end of summer means a return to school. Separated or divorce parents often face unique challenges in ensuring that their children transition into the school year smoothly. From determining who is doing what, where school and extracurriculars will take place, whose work schedule may need to shift – it’s a lot to manage…. Read More »
How to Prepare to Take the First Steps in Divorce
Just as there are many steps that lead to marriage, there are many steps when it comes to ending one. The reason many divorces are so complicated is because marriage is a complex thing – two people have built a life together that needs to be unraveled. This unraveling is often not straightforward, and… Read More »
Working with a Guardian Ad Litem
In child custody cases, the court’s duty and focus is to protect the children’s best interests. When a child custody suit is particularly complex, contentious, or there are serious allegations or concerns, extra steps might be taken to safeguard the children’s best interests. This article is meant to help parents understand the role of… Read More »
Making Medical Decisions for Children After Divorce: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Divorce does not end parenting. When children are involved, it means ex-spouses must continue working together to raise them even when opinions differ. With the rare exception, most parents will be granted joint legal custody of their children. This means both parents will be responsible to make decisions regarding the child’s welfare, which includes… Read More »
