Author Archives: Jay Butchko

How Is AI Being Used To Spoof Child Support Payments?
In today’s world, everything is digital. That renders many processes vulnerable to attacks. There is some indication that modern parents are using AI to spoof child support payment receipts and create fake financial documents and requests. There are two ways that AI can be misused in family law. It can be used to: Fabricate… Read More »

Is There Any Benefit To Filing For Divorce First In Florida?
While there is no particular legal advantage to filing for divorce first in Florida, there are some strategic advantages to note. Since Florida is a no-fault divorce state, the order in which the divorce is filed does not influence the court’s decisions on matters such as property division, alimony, or child custody. However, filing… Read More »

What Is The Best Interests Of The Child Standard In Florida?
When deciding issues related to child custody and timesharing, the courts will employ a standard known as the “best interests of the child.” It used to be that mothers were favored during divorce proceedings because of the “tender years doctrine.” The tender years doctrine was replaced by the best interests of the child standard,… Read More »

How Can A Parent Lose Custody Of Their Child In Florida?
A parent’s right to have custody of their child is among the most fundamentally protected rights under the U.S. Constitution—but it isn’t absolute. The courts will revoke custody if it’s in the best interests of the child. There are two contexts in which a parent’s right to retain custody of their child may be… Read More »

At What Age Can A Child Choose Which Parent They Live With?
Navigating child custody is among the most daunting issues that need to be settled in a divorce. When deciding child custody, the courts take several factors into consideration. One of those factors is the preference of the child, if they’re old enough and mature enough to make a decision. Regardless of the child’s preference,… Read More »

What’s The Difference Between A Simplified And Uncontested Divorce In Florida?
While divorce is often portrayed as a courtroom battle on television and in the movies, most divorces never see a courtroom. In fact, most divorce agreements are hammered out in a conference room with the help of a third-party, unbiased mediator. These are known as uncontested divorces. In addition, you can pursue a simplified… Read More »

Is It Legal To Spy On Your Spouse During An Orlando Divorce?
If you suspect your spouse of cheating, withholding assets, or other forms of subterfuge, you may be tempted to spy on them. However, the Florida courts will only consider evidence that is legally obtained. While you won’t be tossed in jail for spying on your spouse, the information you acquire through spying may not… Read More »

What Happens If You Miss A Child Support Payment In Florida?
Nothing good. Florida law requires that both parents contribute to the financial security of their children. Parents are obligated by law to support their children regardless of whether or not they are still married. If you miss one court-ordered child support payment, the collection process begins. The result includes several unpleasant penalties that we’ll… Read More »

How Do Allegations Of Adultery Impact A Divorce In Florida?
The three main reasons people cite for their divorces are money issues, growing apart, and adultery. In the case of adultery, one spouse may feel as if the other spouse is responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. That spouse might feel as though they should be favored during the settlement process. However, whether… Read More »

How Can Social Media Negatively Impact Your Divorce Case?
Social media is the bane of most lawyers’ existence. Our clients routinely post inappropriate and damaging content that could put their case in peril. We always caution them to be very careful about what they post on Facebook, as this content can (and will) be used against you by opposing counsel. In this article,… Read More »