Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What is a Mutual Consent Divorce in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, there are two main types of divorce: contested and uncontested divorce. A contested divorce occurs when the two spouses cannot agree on all aspects of their divorce. Outstanding issues could include child custody, asset distribution, alimony, child support, and more. A mutual consent divorce occurs when the parties can agree to all… Read More »
Does the Child’s Preference Factor into a Court’s Decision When It Comes to Child Custody?
If you are currently in a custody dispute with your former spouse, you may wonder whether or not your child’s preference factors into the court’s decision to award custody to one spouse or the other. Is a child allowed to tell the court which parent they would prefer to live with? The answer is… Read More »
What You Need to Know About Child Custody Relocation
Pennsylvania residents with a child custody order in place and who are considering moving need to be aware of Pennsylvania law. The matter is not as simple as packing up and moving. Whether you are considering moving to a new state or another county in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania’s relocation statute establishes several requirements that must… Read More »
What is a Mid-Nuptial Agreement?
You’ve heard of prenuptial agreements. But have you heard of mid-nuptial agreements? Probably not. But it’s becoming more popular among couples for a variety of reasons. Prenuptial agreements involve terms for settling the divorce estate before the marriage is finalized. Midnuptial agreements, on the other hand, occur during the marriage. In some cases, a… Read More »
Equitable Distribution During a Pennsylvania Divorce
Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state. This stands in contradistinction to community property states in which the marital estate is divided 50/50. Equitable distribution states consider a variety of other factors when dividing a marital estate. While in many cases, an estate may be divided 50/50, equitable distribution states consider the disposition of both… Read More »
When Should I Sue for Sole Custody of the Children?
Custody battles in divorce are among the most contentious issues. In making decisions, the courts will always consider the best interests of the children. Pennsylvania courts default on the premise that having both parents in the child’s life is preferable to only having one parent. That means that if a spouse is attempting to… Read More »
What Will Happen to My Pets During a Divorce?
Today, it is becoming more and more common for couples to forestall having children until they are financially able to afford them. The birth rate has declined in recent years for this reason. The need to nurture, on the other hand, is intrinsic to the human condition. Many couples will purchase “fur babies” that… Read More »
The Benefits of Mediating Child Custody Disputes
There are several ways to handle a divorce case in Philadelphia. You can mediate the case, choose a collaborative divorce, or litigate. You can also file for an uncontested divorce if you and your spouse can agree on all issues related to the divorce settlement. Mediation, aside from an uncontested divorce, is the quickest… Read More »
How to Negotiate Child Custody Arrangements in a Philadelphia Divorce
One of the most important and often contentious issues in a Philadelphia divorce is negotiating custody and visitation arrangements concerning your children. The process tends to be very difficult because both parents love their children and want to be able to spend time with them. In Pennsylvania, you can either create a custody agreement… Read More »
Understanding Alimony in a Pennsylvania Divorce
One of the most contentious issues in divorce is alimony or spousal support. Spousal support is paid by one spouse to the other and is different from child support payments. Divorce can be a financial strain on anyone. You likely wonder whether or not you’ll be able to afford to keep your home, how… Read More »