Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Can I Have a Common Law Marriage in Tennessee?
There are many reasons to be legally married – beyond the romantic notions of love and family, there are significant legal and financial benefits that might be had as well. But for others, getting a legal marriage is not a top priority. They are happy to live together as though they were married, without… Read More »
Kevin Costner’s Alleged Prenuptial Agreement Terms Upheld in Court – What Can be Included in a Premarital Agreement in TN?
The judge overseeing the divorce of Kevin Costner and his soon-to-be ex-wife Christine Baumgartner delivered a consequential ruling this week. The recent headlines highlight the potential impact of crafting a valid prenuptial agreement. This article aims to highlight the case at hand and discuss several items that you can include in a prenuptial agreement… Read More »
Enforcing a Court Order After a Tennessee Divorce
It comes as no surprise to anyone that divorce is often a long, messy, uncomfortable process. By the time you reach a final divorce decree both you and your ex-spouse are likely relieved, and looking forward to moving forward in your respective lives. However, divorcing spouses should be aware that things do not always… Read More »
Impermanency and Permanent Parenting Plans in Tennessee
Many families operate while utilizing a permanent parenting plan. This means that if you are in a situation where you need or want to change something about your current parenting plan – you are not alone, nor are you the first parent to walk down this road. This article aims to help you get… Read More »
Military Service and Child Custody
The U.S. owes a lot to its servicemen and women. Many of these service members and their families sacrifice a lot in the name of their country. To honor and protect these members, U.S. Federal law has developed in numerous ways that aim to grant special protections to service members. One way that active… Read More »
Military Relocation: Does Tennessee Have Jurisdiction in my Child Custody Case?
As every military family knows, when the U.S. Government tells you to move: you move. Military families have somewhat of a reputation for their transient nature. The requirement to be okay with picking up and moving every few years is simply a reality for so many service members and their families. This requirement to… Read More »
Tips for Navigating Back-to-School for the Newly Divorced
You have just gone through a divorce: there was a total upheaval of what “norma” looked like in your household. You may not even still reside in the SAME household. But regardless of whatever turmoil you, your ex, and your kids have gone through, you probably viewed the divorce and custody agreement as the… Read More »
Custodial Interference in Tennessee
The dissolution of a relationship is tough. The dissolution of a relationship that involves underage kids can often be even tougher, since both partners are usually required to continue to cooperate in order to co-parent. Custody arrangements rarely give each parent precisely what they want. This is particularly true when it is a judge… Read More »
Understanding Domestic Assault Under Tennessee Law
There are many crimes that fit under the umbrella of “domestic violence.” An action does not need to be premeditated in order to be considered a violation of the domestic violence laws and standards of Tennessee. Domestic violence does not stem from one particular set of circumstances either – it can, and often does,… Read More »
Importance of Estate Planning for Young Families
Many families with young kids will have been exposed to the Saturday-morning-cartoon version of wealth. Things like reclusive ducks swimming in oceans of gold coins, and mega mansions sprawled on top of a tiny emerald-green hill. When we compare this to our own, more realistic estate and possessions it might be easy to feel… Read More »
