Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Understanding the Financial Impact of Divorce: Part II
As laid out in part I of this article, it is important for anyone contemplating a divorce to understand the financial impact that divorce will have on your life. The more you understand what to look out for, the more you can protect your own interests and help to ensure that you take the… Read More »
Understanding the Financial Impact of Divorce: Part I
Divorce affects everything. It is an emotional challenge, a psychological challenge, and a financial challenge. Somehow, all rolled into one. Many going through a divorce are simultaneously balancing concerns around maintaining important family relationships, getting through the day to day, and planning for a future that suddenly feels less certain and defined. This is… Read More »
Missteps That Can Hurt Child Custody Cases
At the best of times, family life can be contentious. There is a reason the holidays are known for wonder, happiness, cheer – and dread, messy family drama, depression, etc. If family matters can be this complicated at the best of times, imagine what it is like to try to piece together a functioning… Read More »
Divorce Appeals in California: What You Need to Know
Navigating the aftermath of a divorce can be challenging, especially if you believe the court’s decision was unjust. In California, the legal system has developed to provide a way for individuals to contest certain court decisions that they believe to be unjust, through an appeals process. This article aims to offer a brief overview… Read More »
Custody Modification: What If Your Kids Hate Living with Your Ex? Part II
Part I in this two-part series introduced readers to the basics of custody and when the courts will agree to implement a custody change to an established court-ordered custody agreement. While modifying a child custody agreement is a decision that should not be taken lightly, depending on the circumstances it is an important endeavor…. Read More »
Custody Modification: What If Your Kids Hate Living with Your Ex? Part I
Child custody battles during divorce often become heated and contentious. After a divorce decree and child custody agreement are finalized, it’s not as though those contentious months suddenly never happened. A divorce may mean a clean slate as far as your spousal and romantic relationship is concerned – but if you have children, a… Read More »
Can I Get a Confidentiality Agreement During My Divorce?
No one wants details of their private life shared with the public without their consent. Everything that is filed with the public court is available to the public unless the filing is confidential, automatically by law or requested and granted by the court. Additionally, court hearing in family court are public. If you own… Read More »
What to Do When They Stop Paying Child Support
If your co-parent stops paying child support that was court ordered, there are several steps to take to ensure you receive the support you need to provide for your child. In many circumstances, a good starting point might be to reach out to your former partner and let them know you have not received… Read More »
Is Divorce Handled Differently If a Spouse is in the Military?
There are special considerations in play when a spouse is divorcing a spouse in the military. This article will briefly discuss some important topics you need to think about if you are considering a military divorce. This is NOT an exhaustive list – it merely scratches the surface. For more information and to discuss… Read More »
Dividing Rental Income in Divorce
Investment rental properties are subject to the same community property division rules as any other asset. In California, this means that the asset is to be equally divided between the spouses, unless the rental property falls under “separate property” rules. (This may be the case if, for instance, the property was purchased by one… Read More »