Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Pets as Family
Approximately 68 percent of households in the United States own at least one pet. Many people consider their pets to be part of the family, and it shows. Pets are making their way into family photo shoots, weddings, and even birth announcements. This close bond with pets can make determining pet ownership in case… Read More »
What Issues Does Past Due Child Support Create?
Under Texas law, the parent without primary custody, usually referred to as the non-custodial parent, will be the one paying child support. The amount of that support payment is based on the non-custodial parent’s income. Parents cannot agree to a lower support amount than that recommended by the state, although parents can agree on… Read More »
What You Need to Know About Changing Your Name as an Adult
Most people are aware that if you want to change your name as an adult, you can. Many times, people choose to change their name after they have been married or gotten a divorce. After getting married, your last name can be changed by using your marriage license. When you get a divorce, paperwork… Read More »
Texas Divorce and Special Needs Children
Texas law allows residents to divorce for a variety of reasons, but in all cases, a 60-day waiting period after filing applies. The waiting period begins after the initial divorce petition is filed, which requires that the couple reach an agreement or that the court rules on such issues as: Grounds for divorce; Division… Read More »
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Divorce
Given the potential expense of divorce, it is no surprise that many couples attempt to complete their divorce paperwork themselves. While this do-it-yourself plan may seem straightforward if the couple agrees to a no-fault divorce and has little property to divide, issues can arise at any point which may leave you wishing you had… Read More »
Texas Custody Agreements and How They Limit Your Ability to Relocate
If you are the custodial parent and would like to move out of state, you’ll need a judge’s permission in most cases. This is because Texas typically limits where the custodial parent can move to, if they wish to take the child with them. Even if the original custody agreement does not limit relocation… Read More »
Divorce Capital of Texas
Bonham, Texas, has the dubious honor of holding the highest divorce rate percentage in Texas, and among the highest in the nation, at nearly 19 percent. This divorce rate was a five-year average and included only couples whose divorce had become final at the time of the study. Splitting Assets Texas law declares any… Read More »
How the New Tax Laws Will Affect Your Divorce
When Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, they made changes that went into effect this year. With that said, there are a few additional things that you need to take into consideration if you are thinking about getting a divorce. This is particularly true if you think that alimony will… Read More »
When Can Child Support Be Modified in Texas?
Orders for child support are only allowed to be changed by getting a new order from the court. Informal agreements between the parties involved cannot change the child support that is ordered by the court. Although the parties may agree to the change, unless it is written in an order and signed by the… Read More »
How Can Parental Alienation Affect A Child Custody Battle?
Child custody cases are never easy, but they can be exceptionally bad if one parent tries to use the children against the other parent. The Texas courts will always try to act in the best interests of the child and often try to be sure that both parents are involved with the children. However,… Read More »
