Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Cannot Be Included in my Prenuptial Agreement?
Depending on which side you are on, pre-nuptial agreements have often been thought of as the bane – or the hero – of many a divorce action. Pre-nuptial agreements can serve many purposes and often act as heavy-hitters in protecting your estate from certain divisions that would otherwise be required in a divorce action… Read More »
What is “Reasonable” Parenting Time in California?
Custody, also known as “parenting time” in California, is always a hot topic when parents of underage children file for divorce. Frequently, parents put off divorce actions because they do not want to deal with the issue of exchanging custody with their spouse. While many families are able to work out situations that maintain… Read More »
Third-Party Custody, Part Two: Challenges of Third-Party Custody Suits
As discussed in part one of our article series, third-party custody suits are certainly a valid option for several interested parties under certain circumstances. The court’s first and primary objective is to serve the best interests of children. While there is a presumption that the best interests of a child are served by staying… Read More »
Emergency Custody Orders
Divorce is one of the most stressful events that a person can live through. The upheaval of a person’s life is a serious matter – and not one that everyone handles well. Local news anchor Frank Somerville has been making headlines lately as his life has fallen into a series of unfortunate events. As… Read More »
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 »
