Author Archives: Jay Butchko

Third-Party Custody, Part One: Can Someone Other Than a Parent Gain Child Custody in California?
A non-parent might be interested in learning more about pursuing custody of an underage child (or dependent adult) for a number of reasons. Seeking custody may not have anything to do with “bad behavior” taken by the parent – sometimes, it might just be in the best interest of the child for custody to… Read More »

Assets People Commonly Forget to Consider in California Divorces
If you are in the midst of a divorce, odds are you have seven thousand and one things on your mind at the same time. With so much occupying your mind and time it is completely reasonable to want to double check and try to make sure that you are not missing something in… Read More »

4 Tips for Negotiating Spousal Support
One of the items it is possible to come to an agreement to in the midst of a divorce or separation is the issue of spousal support. When money becomes the topic of conversation, it can be easy for both sides to lose their cool and not operate at the level optimum for crafting… Read More »

Does a California DUI Affect Child Custody?
California takes driving under the influence incredibly seriously – so a DUI can be a significant setback for any California parent who receives such a charge while seeking custody of their child. Even one DUI offense can prove to be a monumental hurdle to overcome when going through the process of determining child custody… Read More »

My Ex Earned a Raise – Will This Affect What They Pay in Child Support?
A person’s job prospects and earning potential is a dynamic thing. Just because a person earns a certain amount at the time a divorce is finalized or a child support agreement is put in place, does not mean that the number could not change, significantly, over time. A person working as a bank teller… Read More »

What Does Child Support Cover?
No matter your age, cultural heritage, financial situation or educational accomplishments, all divorced or separating parents can agree on one thing: raising a child costs money. Quite a lot of money. Accordingly, when parents make the decision to dissolve their relationship, the California court systems come in with a baseline expectation that both parents… Read More »

Items to Consider Before Pursuing a High-Asset Divorce
Nearly every couple going through a divorce will have some things in common. At least one side is likely to experience a sense of being wronged, heartbreak, denial – maybe even feel spiteful. While this may be a basic formula in any divorce, special attention should be paid by those individuals who anticipate that… Read More »

Business Valuation Methods In California 101
So you have come to the point where divorce is inevitable. Many couples come to this point, but some lucky few have to deal with the added complication of valuing and dividing their business as an asset. Many are familiar with the concept that California is a community property state. What this works out… Read More »

Business Valuations In Divorce
Divorce is often complicated, and there is no ‘universal handbook.’ Every marriage is different, so every divorce is different. No couple has precisely the same assets, motive, or agenda when divorcing. The uncertainty surrounding divorce and the asset-division portion of divorce, is compounded exponentially when you have a business to consider. Not only are… Read More »

Dividing A Business In Divorce? Beware These Common Errors In Business Valuations
Divorce proceedings have a lot of moving pieces, and a diverse cast of individuals and professionals may need to be brought in to play their part. If your divorce requires that you have a business valuation conducted, you may need to engage with many specialists, including brokers, certified public accountants, financial analysts, etc. It… Read More »