Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Does It Really Matter Who Files a Divorce First?
When people are considering a divorce, that is one of the questions that is often asked. “Does it really matter who files the divorce first?” The short answer is often yes, but really it depends on what you want the outcome of the divorce to be. Below is an overview of what could happen… Read More »
Tax Implications of Divorce
Selling the family home or deciding who will remain with the custody of the children are not the only aspects in which a couple that is going to divorce should take into consideration. Another important aspect of divorce to think about are the tax implications that often come with divorce. Here we want to… Read More »
What You Need to Know About Texas Common Law Marriage
You’ve probably heard of common law marriage before. A couple that claims to be married, but didn’t actually go to the court house, get a license, and have a marriage ceremony. Is it a real, legal marriage? What is Common Law Marriage? The legal definition of a common marriage varies from state to state… Read More »
I Was Served Divorce Papers – Now What?
It can be intimidating to be served with divorce papers, even if you knew they were coming. Although we most commonly think of divorce papers as the list of allegations and requests your spouse is making of you, this petition is only one part of the papers you have been served. Other documents included… Read More »
Child Support Limit Increased In Texas
Child support is one of the most important considerations for children across the globe. Each state in the United States has its own set of child support calculations and limits. Before we get into the details, what does child support actually refer to? Essentially, it is a mandate by the government dictating support to… Read More »
Child Custody Basics
Texas law favors awarding joint custody whenever possible. Generally, this means that the custodial parent will have the child most of the time, while the non-custodial parent will have the child on first, third, and fifth weekends with an agreed upon holiday and summer schedule. You may also work out your own custody schedule… Read More »
Is Your Vacation Within the Boundaries of Your Child Custody Agreement?
Summer is a time of family vacations, but if you have a child custody agreement that governs where your children are supposed to be you need to ensure that you are handling your vacations, summer time or not, in the proper manner. Before you head out on your next excursion, be sure to take… Read More »
Is There Such a Thing as Common Law Marriage in Texas?
There are nine states, as well as the District of Columbia, that fully recognize a common law marriage. Texas is one of those nine states. In each of those states there are certain requirements for a marriage to be considered valid. Once those requirements are met, then a common law marriage has the same… Read More »
Interference with Child Custody Orders in Texas
One of the hardest and most complex issues of nearly every Texas divorce is child custody, called conservatorship. Understandably, each parent will want to keep a strong relationship with their child, but this can be very difficult when there are arguments over how child custody should take place and what time each parent should… Read More »
Summer Break and Child Custody
Texas family law focuses on ensuring that children are able to spend time with both parents while still maintaining a stable home and school environment. Therefore, the custodial parent will spend the vast majority of the school year with the child, with the exception of every other weekend. Summer visit arrangements are designed to… Read More »
