Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Happens if I Miss a Child Support Payment?
The State of Florida takes a parent’s obligation to their child very seriously. It has numerous ways to compel a parent to pay child support, with or without the parent’s willing consent. For this reason, missing a payment is much worse than missing a car payment. In this article, the Tampa, FL child support… Read More »
Common Issues That Arise From Child Relocation Cases
After divorce, a parent may choose to relocate to another area or state for numerous reasons. They may want to be closer to extended family, get a new job, or simply want to start fresh. If a parent has custody of children and wants to relocate, this can create a number of problems. This… Read More »
Who Makes Educational and Healthcare Decisions for the Child After a Divorce?
Child custody is among the most contentious issues raised in a divorce. In Florida, we use the terms parental responsibility to describe custody or legal decision-making power over the child and timesharing to describe the visitation schedule. The term “parental responsibility” describes which parent has the right to make legal decisions on the child’s… Read More »
What is an Uncontested Divorce in Florida?
If you’re considering getting a divorce in Tampa, FL, you may have run across the term “uncontested divorce.” But what exactly does it mean and how does it fit into the broader category of divorce in Florida? An uncontested divorce is when you and your soon-to-be former spouse agree on all aspects of your… Read More »
What is Parental Alienation and How Can It Impact My Child Custody Case?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent attempts to turn the child against the other parent without good reason. It’s important to understand that parental alienation is an intentional act aimed at undermining or damaging the child’s relationship with the parent. Florida is very egalitarian when it comes to child custody matters. Not only does… Read More »
50/50 Options for Co-Parenting Schedules
Recent changes to Florida law have made it easier for fathers to get shared custody and 50/50 time-sharing schedules with their children. In fact, there is a presumption under the law that shared custody and 50/50 timesharing is in the best interests of the children. When the court makes child custody decisions, it does… Read More »
What are the Grounds for Terminating Alimony in Florida?
Alimony, or spousal support, is a periodic payment made by one spouse to the other. The purpose of alimony is to help the spouse maintain their standard of living after the divorce has been finalized or during the divorce process. If you are the payer of alimony and concerned that it’s impacting your finances,… Read More »
Understanding the Different Types of Custody in Florida
Child custody matters are some of the most contentious issues brought up during divorce in Florida. Understanding the different types of child custody and how they function is important for preparing yourself for your divorce case. In this article, the Tampa, FL child custody attorneys at Westchase Law, P.A. will discuss the different types… Read More »
Can I Receive Child Support if My Co-Parent is a 1099 Worker?
As of October 1, 2021, all Florida businesses that hire 1099 workers (independent contractors) are required to report these payments to the Florida Department of Revenue to ensure that parents receive child support payments. Prior to the passage of this law, it was difficult to track down 1099 workers’ income. A worker could avoid… Read More »
Am I Responsible for My Spouse’s Student Loan Debt if We Divorce?
In order to successfully answer this question, you have to understand the concept of the marital estate. That is what gets divided in the event of a Florida divorce. The marital estate begins the moment you get married and ends when your divorce petition is filed. If the student loans were accrued during the… Read More »