Author Archives: Jay Butchko
At What Age Can A Minor Choose Which Parent To Live With In Florida?
The Florida courts consider several elements when it comes to determining custody of a minor child. One of those elements is the child’s own preference, if the child is old enough to make a wise decision. But when is the child wise enough to make that decision? That’s precisely the question that the Orlando,… Read More »
What’s The Difference Between An Uncontested And Contested Divorce In Florida?
Divorces can be divided into two types: Uncontested and contested. Each type of divorce follows its own path and presents its own challenges. In this article, the Orlando divorce lawyers at Greater Orlando Family Law will discuss the key differences between contested and uncontested divorces, and hopefully, you’ll have a better sense of which… Read More »
What Is Temporary Custody And How Does It Work In Florida?
Temporary custody is a legal arrangement in which a court grants an individual custody of a child for a specific period of time. Such an arrangement is often used to address the immediate needs of a child whose living situation must stabilize quickly. Unlike permanent custody, temporary custody does not establish long-term legal rights… Read More »
Paternity Fraud In Florida: What It Is And How It Works
Paternity fraud occurs when a man is wrongly identified as the biological father of the child. This often leads the man to provide emotional and financial support to the child under false pretenses. This often occurs due to misrepresentation, mistakes on birth certificates, or the deliberate deception of the mother. Paternity fraud is a… Read More »
What Is Collaborative Divorce In Florida?
In the past, divorces were litigated in front of a judge. Each side battled it out against the other to address issues like equitable distribution, spousal support (alimony), child custody, and child support. Ultimately, these divorces clogged up the courtrooms, and mediation was introduced to help take some pressure off of the courts. Today,… Read More »
50/50 Options For Co-Parenting Schedules
Recent changes to Florida law have made it simpler for fathers to get shared custody and 50/50 time-sharing schedules with their children. In fact, there’s a presumption under the law that 50/50 time-sharing is in the best interest of the children. When the court makes child custody decisions, it does so under the presumption… Read More »
Allegations Of Alcohol And Drug Abuse In A Florida Custody Case
Recent changes to Florida’s family law rules presume that parents should be allotted 50/50 timesharing. This is the default arrangement ordered by the courts. However, the Florida courts also use “the best interest of the child standard” to determine whether or not that presumption is workable. For instance, if one parent is determined to… Read More »
What Is A Status Quo Order In A Florida Divorce Case?
A status quo order is a court order that is issued in family law cases to maintain the existing conditions or arrangements between the parties while their legal dispute is occurring. In Florida, such orders are most commonly seen in family law or child custody cases where they aim to prevent sudden changes initiated… Read More »
Is Adultery A Factor In Whether The Courts Award Alimony?
Most people wouldn’t want to pay alimony to a cheating spouse. You may feel as though that spouse caused the breakdown of your marriage by cheating, and they don’t deserve to be paid for an extended period of time for their conduct. It’s perfectly reasonable to feel that way. Florida Statutes § 61.08 provides… Read More »
What Is Alimony Pendente Lite?
Divorce requires that several important issues be decided before the actual divorce is finalized. These can include issues such as child visitation schedules and alimony. In terms of alimony, alimony decisions can arise before the divorce is even finalized. In particular, the court can order alimony pendente lite while a divorce is in process…. Read More »