Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Step Parent Adoption In California
In family law, very few issues are simply cut and dry. Our Attorneys have been practicing long enough to recognize that often what is a “win” or improvement in one person’s life feels like a loss to another. This concept is never truer than when it comes to relationships, time, and influence with our… Read More »
How Do California Courts Decide On Spousal Support?
The issue of spousal support, also commonly referred to as “alimony,” is not unique to California. Every state in the U.S. deals with divorce cases involving the question of spousal support or alimony every day. However, while the issue itself is not unique, you should be aware of the unique rules and regulations enacted… Read More »
Tips For Minimizing Conflict In Divorce
Most people do not come out of a divorce action with a great relationship with their ex. Sure, it CAN happen, but most divorce actions grow contentious at one point or another. Stakes are high, your entire world is changing, and people often feel completely out of control of their life. With emotions at… Read More »
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 »