Author Archives: Jay Butchko

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 »

What if My Spouse has a Safety Deposit Box Filled with Cash?
Paper currency existed long before the arrival of digital banking, and it is still used by many spouses in Georgia. Some even prefer to conduct transactions in cash due to habit, traditional mindsets, or even distrust of the modern banking system. But whatever the case may be, paper currency can certainly pose a host… Read More »

Do I Have to Move Out after a Divorce in Georgia?
Many divorcing spouses cannot stand to be near each other after the marriage breaks down, and this usually causes one of them to move out of the family home. There is no automatic, legal obligation to move out of the marital residence, however. In fact, it is relatively common for separated spouses to share… Read More »

How to Deal with an Unexpected Divorce in Georgia
When some marriages end, spouses see it coming from a mile away. In other situations, divorce can appear completely out of the blue. The latter situation can pose various issues for divorcing spouses, as they may suddenly find themselves scrambling to find a lawyer, assess the value of their assets, determine an appropriate parenting… Read More »

When Do Judges Challenge Child Custody and Support Agreements?
Spouses often choose mediation when approaching difficult divorce-related issues such as child support and custody. Mediation offers many advantages, such as allowing parents to resolve their differences and come to agreements in a cost-effective and expedited manner. Although mediated child custody agreements are certainly possible, there is no guarantee that the family courts will… Read More »

Can I Get Charged with Contempt of Court During a Georgia Divorce?
If you are going through a divorce, the process will occur in the civil courts. In other words, it is not a criminal case. However, there are still some situations in which spouses may face legitimate criminal charges for their behavior during the divorce process. One of the most obvious charges in this context… Read More »

What Kind of Training Will My Mediator Bring to the Negotiating Table?
It always makes sense to work with well-trained, qualified individuals when pursuing a divorce in Georgia. Many spouses choose to work with mediators, and they may be wondering what kind of training these individuals receive before assisting with negotiations. While there is no universal answer to this question, there are certain standards and qualifications… Read More »

Can I Get a Restraining Order Even if My Spouse Never Hit Me?
Many spouses live in a state of fear. These victims may feel as though they are one step away from being harmed – perhaps even murdered. This sense of fear can feel like torture – even if your partner never actually lays a hand on you. Can you really get help if your spouse… Read More »