Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Understanding The Best Interests Of The Child Standard Under Florida Law
When it comes to child custody matters, Florida judges are required to make decisions that reflect the best interests of the children. This standard is employed in every state across the country. The best interest of the child’s standard is applied in virtually all important legal decisions regarding the life of the child. This… Read More »
What Happens When One Parent Violates A Parenting Plan In Florida?
During divorce, you have to determine issues of child custody. This means deciding which parent the child will live with, which parent has decision-making authority over the child, and a visitation schedule that allows the child access to both parents. Once the court approves a parenting plan, it can be difficult to modify. If… Read More »
How Is Child Custody Decided During A Florida Divorce?
Couples with minor children have to decide matters related to custody, timesharing, parenting time, and child support. Both parents might fight to gain custody of the children. In some cases, nervous parents ask us which parent is more likely to gain custody during a Florida divorce. Many believe that mothers are more likely to… Read More »
How To Prove Parental Abuse, Neglect, Or Alienation In A Family Law Case
The Florida court’s default position is that it’s in the best interest of the child to have both parents in the child’s life. The courts will deviate from this position only when one parent brings allegations of parental abuse, neglect, or alienation. This would include situations involving domestic violence or allegations that one parent… Read More »
When Can The Florida Courts Terminate The Rights Of A Parent Over Their Child?
Terminating the parents’ parental rights over a child is not a decision that the Florida courts take lightly. It goes without saying that the Florida courts default on giving parental rights to the child’s biological parents. In legal terms, custody is defined as physical residence with the parents and the decision-making power to make… Read More »
What Happens At A Domestic Violence Injunction Hearing In Florida?
The State of Florida takes domestic violence very seriously and has several mechanisms in place to help abused spouses protect themselves. This includes domestic violence injunctions, which are a type of restraining order. In Orlando, we have two types of domestic violence injunctions: temporary orders and permanent orders. As a result, two types of… Read More »
Stepparent Adoption In The State Of Florida
A stepparent is legally allowed to adopt a child from a previous marriage in Florida. There are several reasons why a parent would be interested in doing this. The parent may want to formalize their parental rights over the children to ensure that their relationship with them is legally binding. Parents have specific rights… Read More »
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 »