Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Mediation Vs Arbitration In Divorce
When thinking of divorce, most people’s minds automatically jump to sitting in court before a judge and participating in a kind of trial. While this is a reality for many, many people going through a divorce, there are alternative forms of dispute resolution that you can pursue. The two most common are arbitration, and… Read More »
Dividing Retirement Funds In A California Divorce
You have likely already heard the phrase “California is a community property state.” However, too often people hear the phrase and, not knowing what it really means, let it go in one ear and out the other without really considering its ramifications on various items – such as retirement accounts. Yes, that’s right –… Read More »
Post-Judgement Modifications In California Divorce
Couples fight hard to get to the finish line of a divorce. It is rare indeed when someone can say they left a divorce settlement with everything they could have ever wanted and are completely happy – but invariably, even the most contentious divorces eventually come to an end. When that final divorce judgment… Read More »
Filing First, Filing Right: Child Custody And California Jurisdiction
Child custody and support issues are usually the most hotly contested items in any divorce action. But what about when you have a choice of which court system you process claims through, and that choice could affect the outcome of your case? Some families’ circumstances are such that more than one state’s court system… Read More »
Standard Of Proof In California Domestic Violence Charges
The United States may be the “land of the free and the home of the brave,” but even the staunchest stout-hearted American is sure to become discouraged now and then with the rampant news stories surrounding violence. With the abundance of negative news stories out there, it can be a relief to laugh. And… Read More »
Common Mistakes You Can Avoid In Your Divorce
While going through a divorce can feel very overwhelming and isolating, those couples going through it should take comfort from knowing that millions of others actually HAVE walked down this same path. There are many lessons we can take from those divorce cases that preceded us. An error is really only a mistake if… Read More »
So You’ve Received A Petition And Summons (FL-100 And FL-110)…Now What?
For many people, the court system is a total enigma. Many people do not regularly operate within a court or legal system. Indeed, many people’s first exposure to the court system is when they find themselves involved in a divorce or separation action. This can make all of the various forms and filing requirements… Read More »
Different Types Of Child Visitation Rights Granted In California
When a couple is going through a divorce there are a lot of issues to sort out. You may be dealing with complicated issues concerning division of property, spousal support, the separation of finances…the list goes on and on. But frequently the most important issue fought over by parents in a divorce is time… Read More »
Suicidal Ideation And Child Custody
Suicidal ideation, and actual suicide attempts, are real. It is a very concerning, very stark reality that many parents who are dissolving their relationship are also dealing with an ex-partner who has suicidal ideation or has made a suicide attempt. When you share minor children with a person suffering this level of depression parents… Read More »
Grandparent Visitation Rights In California
Life is often a collection of contradictions. A very common saying in the United States is “it takes a village to raise a child.” Many parents of young children know this to be very true. Both children and parents often benefit from having a number of adults form a support community around them. However,… Read More »
