Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Makes a California Prenup Invalid?
It is important to ensure that your prenup is valid. It does not matter how much you like the terms of your prenuptial agreement, if when you go to enforce the agreement, the court deems the prenup unenforceable. Indeed, at that point you may be in a worse situation than you would be had… Read More »
Cohabitation and Spousal Support in California
In divorces, it is not uncommon for one spouse to be ordered to pay some amount of spousal support to the former spouse. The purpose of such support being, in part, to off-set certain costs associated with higher costs of living under their new circumstances. However – what if the spouse receiving spousal support… Read More »
5 Surprising Facts About California Prenuptial Agreements You Should Know
Prenuptial agreements, commonly known as “prenups,” are legal contracts signed between two individuals before marriage that enables them to select and control many of the legal rights they acquire upon marrying, and what happens to their rights if their marriage ends by divorce. More and more couples are opting for prenups, as they are… Read More »
The California Divorce Process: Step by Step
Few couples would ever marry if they foresaw a divorce in their future. However, life is what happens when we are out making other plans. Whether you are considering a divorce and pursuit of a new life, or you have been blindsided by your spouse requesting a divorce, staring down the process can be… Read More »
Mediation in California Divorce
Ariana Grande is once again whipping up controversy. In July of 2023, the singer made headlines when she announced she was divorcing her husband and debuted a relationship with her married co-star, Ethan Slater. Then, Mr. Slater subsequently divorced his wife. All of this happened within a matter of days. Adding to the chaos… Read More »
Obtaining Divorce Papers and Starting the Process: Part 2
In part one of this two-part series, we went over the steps to beginning the divorce process in California and obtaining the required forms. This article will guide readers through the essential elements of where and how to file the divorce papers, and some things to expect in the following weeks. Filing Divorce Papers:… Read More »
Obtaining Divorce Papers and Starting the Process: Part 1
Many do not know what their first steps should really be when they decide that they need to acquire divorce papers and begin the process of divorcing their spouse in California. While the process may seem daunting to those who have never had much court experience outside of a rogue speeding ticket, with effective… Read More »
I Have Sole Physical Custody – Do I Have to Allow Visitation?
If you have sole physical custody of your child, there is likely a very good reason for that. The courts try to promote the child’s best interests in all circumstances. The fact that one parent has been granted sole physical custody of a child says a great deal. For one reason or another, the… Read More »
Top Ways to Defend Against a Custody Modification Request
It is natural to feel uncertain, or anxious, if you hear whispers that your child’s other parent is going to file a motion to modify custody or visitation of your child or children. It is reasonable to feel this way because modifications to custody and visitation arrangements can have a big impact on you,… Read More »
What is a “De Facto” parent in California?
A parent-child relationship is not limited to the bond between a child born to a biological parent. Often, another figure steps into a child’s life and provides as much (or even more) stability and love to a child than that child’s biological parent. Whether this be a grandparent, family friend, sibling, foster parent, adoptive… Read More »
