Author Archives: Jay Butchko

Determining the Value of a Business When Ending a Marriage
Whether a company was brought into the marriage by one spouse or built together during the relationship, business valuation is key to a fair divorce settlement. Divorce is rarely simple, but when one or both spouses own a business, the process becomes even more complex. To achieve a fair outcome during divorce involving business… Read More »

Key Differences Between Mediation and Collaborative Divorce
Two popular alternatives to a long courtroom battle when a marriage comes to an end are mediation and collaborative divorce. While both approaches focus on resolving disputes outside of court, they are not the same. Talk to an Orlando family lawyer about the differences and the similarities of these approaches. Benefits of Mediation and… Read More »

Thoughtful Consideration Matters When Changing a Child’s Name
Petitioning for a minor name change should be done with careful consideration. When going through a divorce, many individuals choose to reclaim a former name as part of moving forward. If you change your name when divorcing, can you also change your child’s name? Changing your own name after divorce is a personal decision…. Read More »

Steps to Preparing Your Finances for a Divorce
Whether you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse are pursuing a collaborative divorce or are headed toward a more contested path, organizing your finances early can save you time, money, and significant stress. The more prepared you are, the smoother the process can be. Taking proactive steps to gather the right financial documents and comprehend your full… Read More »

Managing Anxiety During Divorce Mediation
While mediation is designed to simplify a divorce, going through any marriage dissolution process can stir up powerful emotions. Whether you enter mediation knowing anxiety is something you struggle with or you’re caught off guard by the stress and emotional weight of the experience, you’re not alone. Many individuals are surprised by how intense… Read More »

Can Collaborative Divorce Work for High-Asset Couples?
Divorce can be especially complex for high-asset couples, with significant real estate holdings, business interests, retirement accounts, and other valuable assets on the line. While many assume that high-net-worth divorces must involve courtroom battles, a growing number of couples in Florida are turning to collaborative divorce as a more respectful and efficient alternative. To… Read More »

How Mediation Can Help When One Parent Wants to Relocate with the Kids
Sometimes one parent wants to move with the children post-divorce, whether for a job, family support, or a fresh start. This can significantly affect a parenting plan and the other parent’s ability to maintain a close relationship with the kids. If this is true for you, an Orlando family lawyer can talk to you… Read More »

The Challenge of Holiday Time Sharing in Orlando
Florida is known for its sunshine, beaches, and world-class events, and Orlando sits at the heart of it all. With major theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, as well as festivals, parades, and holiday celebrations throughout the year, Orlando families often find that standard custody arrangements aren’t always enough to… Read More »

Is Mediation Legally Binding?
When couples begin the process of ending a union, many are drawn to mediation as a less adversarial resolution option. Mediation allows both parties to sit down (often with the help of a neutral third party) to work through key divorce issues. But a common question often arises: is mediation legally binding? The answer… Read More »

Investment Properties Can Be a Sticking Point
Even in amicable divorces, some issues can unexpectedly complicate the process. Investment properties are one such sticking point. While both parties may agree on most major decisions, real estate used to generate income can raise legal, financial, and emotional challenges that require careful planning and negotiation. With the right guidance, even tricky issues like… Read More »