Author Archives: Jay Butchko
The Role of a Guardian ad Litem in California Divorce and Custody Cases
When a Guardian ad Litem is appointed in a California child custody matter, some roles and powers may shift. This is because the presumption of the court is to assume that a minor child’s parents will pursue the child’s best interests. When a Guardian ad Litem becomes involved, however, it is now that person’s… Read More »
Divorce and Social Media: Beware
Social media can be a blessing – but do not forget or underestimate that it can also be a curse. While social media can bring so much good to those who use it – keeping in touch with far-away family, even providing a source of income for many influencers – you should not be… Read More »
Big Pitfalls to Watch for in California Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Kevin Costner and his ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, just finalized their divorce after months of contentious back-and-forth that played out in front of the media. While the divorce was primarily settled back in September of 2023, there were key items that were finally finalized in February of 2024. Some of the most hotly-debated items revolved… Read More »
What to do if a Spouse is Hiding Assets in Divorce
Besides the emotional turmoil that can come so easily in a divorce, many also have to face significant financial consequences of divorce. Whether you are exiting a marriage with more or less than you entered into it with – the division of property in a divorce usually means that the divorcing parties will lose… Read More »
Recognizing Strategies Spouses Use to Attempt to Hide Assets: Part Two
While it is understandable that humans might feel compelled to act selfishly and hide financial assets in order to shore-up their own wellbeing in a divorce, that does not mean that it is an excusable action in the eyes of the court. Hiding financial assets or information can rise to the level of criminal… Read More »
Recognizing Strategies Spouses Use to Hide Assets: Part One
Divorce has been around for a long time. The all-too-human passions of greed, fear, and self-preservation have existed even longer. Part of the turmoil of divorce is emotional, but a large part is also, understandably, due to financial fear and strain. In the best of cases, a divorce will likely mean a change in… Read More »
Relocation and Child Custody
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied have, reportedly, finalized their divorce after a very public scandal rocked their eleven-year marriage. The pair had been married for nearly twelve years, share two children together, and had been living in France. No report has been made of either party seeking to move away from the area in… Read More »
When is a Marriage “Irretrievably Broken”?
Oftentimes, many strategic decisions need to be made in the course of finalizing a divorce. One of the first decisions, after the important decision to file, is to determine the grounds for divorce. As California is a “no fault” state, “irreconcilable differences” is, by far, the most common legal ground stated by parties. A… Read More »
Consequences of Violating a Restraining Orders in California
Restraining orders play an important role and restraining orders can be a valuable tool in high-conflict situations. However, all too often restraining orders ARE violated. These violations can be purposeful, or even accidental. However, whether a person meant to break the terms of a restraining order or not – the terms exist. If they… Read More »
What Happens to Child Custody Orders When Kids Turn 18?
The date that children will no longer be beholden to follow the terms of a custody order is not ALWAYS simply the date that the child turns eighteen and gains the legal protections of their adult status. This article highlights some key things for parents to remember about when and how custody orders might… Read More »
