Author Archives: Jay Butchko
False Domestic Violence Claims in Divorce
False accusations of domestic violence does happen in divorce cases and are raised for a quick issuance of restraining orders that instantly affect custody rights and even force someone out of the home. Even when proven false, the damage to reputation and relationships can linger. Why People Lie About Domestic Violence Because domestic violence… Read More »
School Reports and Child Welfare Services
Understanding how child welfare services (CWS) interact with educators is key for families in California. All too often, parents receive a shocking, dread-inducing call; someone from your child’s school has contacted CWS and reported suspected abuse or neglect. How does this happen? Has there been a mistake? What triggered a report being filed? What… Read More »
Do I Really Need a “High-Net-Worth” Divorce Attorney?
High net worth divorces often involve substantial assets, intricate financial portfolios, high-profile individuals, and business valuations, that require unique investigation and special management. If your individual circumstance requires a nuanced approach, it is important to engage with legal counsel who know how to manage high-net-worth divorces in order to ensure that your divorce is… Read More »
Dividing Retirement Accounts in Divorce: Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Retirement accounts may be in one spouse’s name, but in California, community property rules apply not only to physical assets such as cars and homes, but to 401(k)s, pensions, and other retirement accounts as well. This means that divorcing couples should expect that these assets will be divided between the couple, and this should… Read More »
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 »
