Author Archives: Jay Butchko

Fault Vs. No-Fault Divorce In Alabama
If you are considering a divorce in Alabama, you may be wondering what the next steps are. Sometimes people worry about having to divulge too much private information by explaining the reason for their divorce, and other times people really want their day in court and to hold their spouse accountable for the damage… Read More »

Why You Should Bring A Lawyer To A Divorce Mediation
Divorce is never easy. Even when both parties are on the same page, negotiating and working through some of the most sensitive and triggering issues, such as finances and children, can be incredibly emotional. It can be difficult for both parties to navigate the process calmly and equitably. If you and your spouse wish… Read More »

Can I Divorce My Military Spouse While They Are Deployed?
Divorce, under normal circumstances, can be complicated and hard to navigate. Adding a deployment and certain military protections into the mix can really add to the complexity. However, while your spouse being deployed does complicate the divorce process, it does not prevent it. If you are interested in pursuing a divorce and your spouse… Read More »

Can I Make Post-Divorce Modifications To Custody And Child Support Agreements
As part of divorce proceedings, child support payment and custody agreements must be reached with regard to any minor children of the divorcing couple. These agreements are court-ordered and agreed to by both parties, so they may seem set in stone, but luckily, they are not. While these agreements must be honored until they… Read More »

Can I Get A Legal Separation In Alabama?
Changing the structure of your marriage is a deeply personal decision. Some people are intimidated by the stigmas associated with divorce, or may be looking for an option that is less permanent, in case they are able to reconcile their differences with their spouse. In any case, if you have reached an impasse in… Read More »

Can I Adopt My Spouse’s Child?
Families come together in many ways and marriage is one of them. It’s completely understandable that a stepparent would want to legally codify their relationship to their step-child (or children) by legally adopting them. Legally adopting your stepchild gives you all the rights and privileges of a biological or legal parent. This can make… Read More »

How Does Custody Work For Unmarried Parents In Alabama?
Often, child custody comes up in the context of a divorce. However, child custody agreements are relevant whenever parents share custody of a child, regardless of their marital status. While most custody laws in Alabama cater to situations in which a child was born inside of a marriage, a family law attorney can help… Read More »

What Can I Do If My Spouse Won’t Sign Divorce Papers?
Getting a divorce is difficult even in the best of circumstances. It is not an easy decision to dissolve a marriage, and even when both spouses agree that it is the best decision, it can bring up a lot of complicated emotions and reactions that can make even an amicable divorce rocky. However, when… Read More »

What Happens To A Business In A Divorce?
It can take years of investing energy, time, and money to build a business. For this reason, businesses can often be the biggest source of anxiety when considering divorce. Weighing the decision to leave an unhappy marriage against being able to protect and continue your business is not a position that anyone wants to… Read More »

Do Alabama Grandparents Have Visitation Rights?
Diverse family structures can be as rewarding as they are complex. Grandparents can play an integral role in the emotional development and well-being of children, even when the children have an otherwise stable and healthy family structure. However, sometimes one or both parents decide to prohibit grandparents from accessing their grandchildren, or a change… Read More »