Author Archives: Jay Butchko
We are Still Working During COVID-19
Your legal needs don’t stop or pause during the COVID-19 virus. We are continuing to hold client meetings, consultations, mediations, Collaborative Team meetings, and depositions during this time. Our office remains open, however, if ordered to stay home, we will still be working and can assist with meeting your legal needs. Through the use… Read More »
What is a Guardian Ad Litem and Do I Need One in My Case?
In a divorce, modification, or paternity case where the issues concerning a child are highly contested, a Guardian Ad Litem (“GAL”) may be appointed by the Court. The GAL is a neutral person appointed by the Court to represent your child’s best interests. The GAL also assists in investigating allegations and making recommendations to… Read More »
Can I Be Required to Pay Child Support for a Child I Didn’t Know I Had?
Yes, you can. Not knowing you had a child does not negate your obligation to pay child support. If you are served with a Petition to determine Paternity or Child Support for a child you didn’t know you had, there are several things you need to do. Most importantly, do not ignore the papers…. Read More »
6 Things You May Not Know You Can Do in Bankruptcy
Most people know that you can discharge credit card and medical debt in bankruptcy. But, there are other things you may be able to do in your bankruptcy. Let’s look at 6 of those things. Modify student loans. The United States Bankruptcy Court in the Middle District of Florida is the first Bankruptcy Court… Read More »
5 BENEFITS OF MEDIATION
Florida courts require parties who are divorcing to attend mediation before going to trial. You, the other party and your respective attorneys meet with a certified mediator to try to settle the issues pending in your divorce. Our firm may represent you in mediation as your attorney, or you may have Amy Goodblatt mediate… Read More »
SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR DIVORCE
Deciding to divorce and moving forward with it is painful, especially if you feel you are the wronged party. Having your family and friends as a support system is important. But, social media isn’t the place for that support. Those rants about your spouse and sarcastic comments could negatively impact the outcome of your… Read More »
NEW: We can Modify your Student Loan
Goodblatt · Leo is proud to announce that it is now offering to modify student loans through the new Student Loan Modification program (“SLM”). What’s the new Student Loan Modification program? The United States Bankruptcy Court in the Middle District of Florida is the first Bankruptcy Court in the U.S. to offer this program. … Read More »
Why You Need to Consider A Collaborative Divorce Even if You Think You Don’t Need One
You might be thinking that a Collaborative Process is not a process that you need for your divorce. If you and your spouse have agreed to everything concerning your children, the division of assets and liabilities, support, etc., then you probably don’t need the Collaborative Process. If you haven’t resolved all issues, whether a… Read More »
How Do I Prepare for Mediation in My Divorce?
Most counties in Florida require divorce cases to go to mediation before the matter is tried. The hope is that all, or at least some, of the issues will be resolved at mediation without Court intervention. So, how do I prepare for mediation? Work with your attorney to prepare for mediation. Schedule a time… Read More »
What Kind of Mediator is the Best Fit for Your Divorce?
When you divorce through mediation, you choose to work with a neutral third party to reach an appropriate divorce settlement through a series of guided, productive discussions with your spouse. Not all mediators approach these discussions the same way; some are far more “hands on” than others. Whether you and your spouse would benefit… Read More »
