Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Is The Right of First Refusal a Good Idea for Your Parenting Agreement?
When divorced parents share custody of children, there are going to be times when the parent who has custody finds themselves in need of childcare in order to work, play,, or away from home for some reason. On these occasions the other co-parent might like to pick up a little extra time with the… Read More »
The Scoop on the 7-Year Itch
We’ve all heard about the 7-year itch—that notorious time when marriages seem to fall apart. So is it all mythology, or is there anything behind it? We could start by asking how long the average first-marriage lasts? The answer is 8.2 years. Some conclude that the seven-year-itch takes its toll, and couples decide to… Read More »
Kevin Costner and the Ironclad Prenup that Wasn’t
It’s a legal fracas for the books: mega-movie star Kevin Costner and estranged wife Christine Baumgartner are fighting tooth and nail despite having a prenuptial agreement that was sold to the couple as being “ironclad.” After nearly two decades together Baumgartner filed for divorce, and is now challenging the prenup and the terms of… Read More »
Social Security for Divorcees
As a senior who’s contemplating divorce, you may be concerned about how you’ll make ends meet when you’re on your own. Grey divorce is becoming more common these days, so there are plenty of people in the same boat. One income source you may not have considered is what you might get from the… Read More »
Making Co-parenting Work
Co-parenting: just the thought is overwhelming! Your kids are your top priority, and it’s tough to give up control of them to the person you couldn’t bear to live with any longer. Even with a fairly decent relationship with your former spouse, co-parenting can bring tough times. For those who have a terrible relationship… Read More »
Divorce: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do
Without question, divorce can be nerve-wracking, but sometimes people make things more difficult than they need to be. So before you move forward with your divorce, consider the what some experts recommend you should and shouldn’t do: You should contact a local lawyer who will represent your interests: Outcomes are generally better when you… Read More »
You’re in for a Custody Battle: What’s on the Table?
In most situations, people agree that children do best when they have a strong relationship with both parents following divorce. Even so, there are cases in which divorcing couples fight over custody issues and one or both feels vehemently that sole custody is the best option. What does the court look at when weighing… Read More »
Is a Home Purchased By One Person Before Marriage Considered Marital Property?
You’re headed for divorce and have real concerns about property division. You’re not sure what constitutes marital property—that which is to be equitably divided—and personal property—that which belongs solely to one individual. In particular, you’re concerned about the house, which was purchased prior to the marriage, has only one person’s name on the deed,… Read More »
Not Sure About Divorce?
Many people have contemplated divorce, unable to decide with certainty whether it’s the right path or not. That’s because divorce is a whopping, usually final, rung on the ladder in one’s marriage. Sometimes it’s difficult to know if and when it’s the right time to move forward with it. If you find yourself wondering… Read More »
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Custody in Divorce
When couples with children divorce in Missouri, the courts generally prefer shared physical and legal custody so that each parent can share equally in decision-making and in the raising of the kids to the largest extent possible. But when there is a history of domestic violence (DV) in families, shared living arrangements and decision-making… Read More »
