Author Archives: Jay Butchko
When Might Child Support Increase in Atlanta?
Although an initial child support agreement typically sets out a specific monthly sum that one parent must pay per month, these payments may increase over time. There are a number of situations that could lead to increases in child support, and it is helpful to learn more as you approach a potential child support… Read More »
What Are Family Law Appeals in Georgia?
The word “appeal” stems from the Latin verb “appellare,” which means “to address.” In the legal world, people “appeal” decisions when they wish to address errors. In other words, you might want to file a family law appeal to make the court aware of a mistake. When a decision doesn’t go your way, you… Read More »
Sleep Divorce: Is It a Pointless Trend or a Legitimate Form of Marriage Therapy?
According to a recent study, over 50 percent of couples in Georgia engage in something called “sleep divorce.” The concept is quite simple: Instead of breaking up or divorcing, couples simply decide to sleep in different rooms. It might seem straightforward, but does it actually work? Does it help fix marriages that are on… Read More »
Will I Have a Jury Trial for My Family Law Case in Georgia?
Having your case decided by a jury of your peers is a cornerstone of the American legal system. But will your family law case be heard by a jury in Georgia? This is a question that many spouses and parents have in Georgia. Is Your Family Law Case “Contested?” If you and the person… Read More »
What Is the Burden of Proof for Divorces in Georgia?
The “burden of proof” is a common concept used in the legal world – and it also applies to divorces. The burden of proof is a legal concept regarding who has the obligation how to prove something and by what standard it needs to be proved. Understanding the burden of proof can help you… Read More »
How Do You Prove Substance Abuse in a Georgia Divorce?
One of Georgia’s “grounds for divorce” is “habitual drug addiction,” and this is becoming a common issue in many divorces throughout the state. According to the latest statistics, about 6.5% of Georgia residents use illicit drugs. Both overdoses and excessive drinking kills thousands of people each year in the State of Georgia, and these… Read More »
Mediation as an Alternative to Custody Litigation in Georgia: Does It Work?
A custody battle can be extremely challenging for the entire family in Georgia. Putting aside the cost, time, and stress, litigation can also be very difficult for minor children involved. Faced with these challenging issues, many parents may attempt to create custody plans behind closed doors. This is indeed possible in Georgia, and mediation… Read More »
What Happens if We Never Actually Get Divorced in Georgia?
Many spouses in Georgia end their relationships without formally dissolving their marriages, and this can lead to a range of issues. The concept of becoming “estranged” from your former spouse is not a new concept, and some couples maintain this state of limbo for many decades. Some even go their entire lives without actually… Read More »
What to Do if Your Ex is Destroying Property Before Divorce
Divorce can cause spouses to do all kinds of highly emotional, illogical things – and the destruction of marital property is just one example. Whether the property has high sentimental value or high monetary value, it always makes sense to protect your fair share as you approach your divorce. But what happens if your… Read More »
How to Convince Your Ex to Try a Mediated Divorce
Mediation offers numerous advantages for divorcing spouses in Georgia, but sometimes it can be tricky to convince your ex of these benefits. Due to the turbulent emotions associated with the average divorce, spouses often struggle to spend more than five minutes together in the same room. If you believe that mediation is the right… Read More »
