Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Happens to a Family Business in a Missouri Divorce?
If you and your spouse own a business together, or if one of you built a business during your marriage, you are probably wondering what happens to it if you get divorced. A family business can be one of the most valuable and most complicated assets to deal with in a divorce. The answer… Read More »
Can Teenagers Choose Which Parent to Live With in Missouri?
If your family is going through a divorce or custody dispute, you may be wondering whether your teenager has any say in where they live. It’s one of the most common questions parents, and teenagers, ask. The short answer is: a teen’s preference matters, but it doesn’t control the outcome. Missouri courts have the… Read More »
When Divorce Mediation May Be Better Than Court in Missouri
Picture two paths out of a marriage. One winds through a courtroom, complete with motions, hearings, and a judge who has never met you deciding the outcome of your life. The other is a quiet conference room where you and your spouse, with help from a neutral mediator, hash things out on your own… Read More »
That Post Might Cost You More Than Likes: Social Media’s Role in Your Missouri Divorce
Ever wonder who is actually reading your Instagram story? During a divorce, the answer might be your spouse’s attorney. It feels harmless to vent online, post a vacation photo, or check in at a new restaurant with friends. But in a Missouri divorce case, those small digital moments can turn into big legal headaches…. Read More »
When Child Support Can Be Modified in Missouri
Child support orders in Missouri are not always permanent. Courts recognize that financial circumstances and the needs of children can change over time. When a substantial change in circumstances occurs, a parent may be able to request a modification of an existing child support order. Understanding when a modification is allowed is important for… Read More »
How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation in Missouri
Divorce mediation in Missouri is a process in which spouses work with a neutral third party to resolve issues such as property division, child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance without going to trial. Missouri courts often encourage mediation because it can reduce conflict and help parties reach agreements more efficiently. Under Missouri law,… Read More »
Can Text Messages Be Used as Evidence in Missouri Divorce Cases?
In today’s digital world, text messages often play a central role in personal communication. As a result, they are increasingly relevant in divorce litigation. In Missouri, courts do permit the use of text messages as evidence, provided that certain legal standards are satisfied. These communications can be powerful in establishing key facts related to… Read More »
What Happens to Credit Card Debt During Divorce in Missouri?
Divorce often raises tough financial questions. One of the most common concerns people have is about credit card debt. Who is responsible for paying it? Does it get split evenly? If you are going through a divorce in Missouri, understanding how debt is handled can help you prepare for what comes next. Understanding Marital… Read More »
Temporary Child Support During Divorce in Missouri
If you are going through a divorce in Missouri, you may be wondering how day-to-day expenses will be handled before everything is finalized. Divorce cases can take months, and sometimes longer. During that time, children still need food, housing, medical care, and stability. This is where temporary child support, often called “pendente lite” support,… Read More »
Who Gets the Family Pet in a Missouri Divorce?
If you are going through a divorce, one of the most emotional questions may be this: who gets the family pet? For many people, a dog or cat is not just property. It is part of the family. However, under Missouri law, pets are generally treated as marital property rather than as dependents. Missouri… Read More »
