Author Archives: Jay Butchko
When Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in Florida?
Parents involved in a Florida divorce or paternity case often ask whether their child can choose which parent to live with. This question usually arises when a child expresses a strong preference for one parent or resists time-sharing with the other. While the concern is understandable, Florida law does not permit a minor child… Read More »
Divorce Due to Mental Incapacity in Florida
If you are planning to file for divorce, you may be wondering if you must state or prove grounds for divorce. While divorce proceedings in the past could be based in fault, all states now have a “no-fault” path to the dissolution of marriage. Under Florida law, nearly all parties who file for divorce… Read More »
Can I File for Divorce in Florida if My Spouse Lives in Another State?
Are you planning to file for divorce in the Tampa area, but you have some concerns because your spouse does not live in Florida? Whether you have recently moved to Florida on your own, or you have lived in the state for a significant period of time, you can file for divorce in Florida… Read More »
Am I Eligible for a Simplified Divorce?
If you or your spouse are considering splitting up, you may know from friends or family members that going through a divorce can be an emotionally exhausting process, not to mention an expensive one for many families. You may be wondering if there is a way to make your divorce easier and simplified, especially… Read More »
What is a Gray Divorce in Florida?
If you are considering divorce in Florida, you may have come across the term “gray divorce” in doing some basic internet research about the process you should expect, or in discussing your plans with friends or family members. But what is a gray divorce, and does this term apply to you? In short, the… Read More »
Will My Prenuptial Agreement Be Enforced in My Florida Divorce?
Are you planning for a divorce but have a prenuptial agreement? If so, you may be wondering if the prenuptial agreement will be enforced in your Florida divorce. You may want to be assured that the prenuptial agreement will be enforced because it is beneficial to you. Or, on the flip side, you may… Read More »
Does Florida Recognize Pet Custody in Divorces?
Many Tampa residents own pets, and for pet owners, those pets are part of the family. According to data from the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 45 percent of US households own dogs, and more than 32 percent of US households own cats. In total, more than 100 million households in the country… Read More »
How Is Alimony Calculated in a Florida Divorce?
When alimony is awarded in a Florida divorce, how is the amount calculated? Whether you are planning to seek alimony in your divorce (and thus ultimately to receive it), or you expect that the court may order you to pay some form of alimony as part of your divorce case, it is important to… Read More »
Can a Final Judgment in a Divorce Be Amended?
Going through a divorce in the Tampa area will likely be among the more difficult experiences you will go through in your life, even if your divorce is uncontested. It is emotionally complicated to end a marriage, and to move into a new phase of your life. Once a divorce is finalized, most spouses… Read More »
Can I Choose Annulment Instead of Divorce?
When a marriage in the Tampa area is not working, one or both of the spouses may be considering their options for ending their legal relationship. For a wide variety of reasons, married couples often want to know if they can have their marriage annulled rather than going through the divorce process. In some… Read More »