Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How Much Faith Should Juries Put In Forensic Evidence?
Any crime drama aficionado can tell you that guilty verdicts often rest on the strength of forensic evidence. The case could be up in the air—until magically a fingerprint or a wayward strand of hair is discovered by a zealous detective. Instantly, it seems, the evidence is analyzed in the lab, proving beyond a… Read More »
Are You Considering A Legal Separation?
If your marriage is on the rocks but you don’t want to get a divorcee at this point, what other options are open to you? Perhaps a legal separation could meet your needs. Basically, this means that the marriage is not officially terminated, but “separate maintenance” is established. It is a good solution for… Read More »
Missouri Divorce Basics
If you’re headed for a divorce, you are likely unsure about what the future holds. Understanding the laws here in Missouri can help you prepare for the divorce itself, as well as life after divorce. Here are some basic things you need to know. Equitable Distribution Obviously, marital property and debt is going to… Read More »
You Have The Right To Remain Silent…
We’ve all seen the movies where a suspect is arrested and read his rights. And unlike the fictional storyline on television, Miranda rights are guaranteed in the Constitution, and if you are unfortunate enough to have a police officer read them to you, it would be worth your while to take advantage of them. … Read More »
The Correlation Between Job Choice And Divorce
Studies have been done taking a look at everything imaginable. When it comes to divorce statistics, there are countless studies looking at the various factors that impact marital satisfaction, and, ultimately, divorce rates. Research has been done examining the impact of age, income, and education on the potential for divorce. It has scrutinized the… Read More »
Silver Divorce: Understanding Rules To Splitting Retirement And Pension Accounts
Aging Missourians who are contemplating divorce often have different concerns than younger couples. While young families with minor children spend much of their time and energy working out family planning arrangements, empty nesters don’t have that challenge. On the other hand, retirement issues are often at the forefront of concerns for those considering divorce… Read More »
Am I Entitled To Social Security Benefits Based On My Former Spouse’s Record?
If you are getting or are already divorced and are looking for a few extra dollars each month, your former spouse’s social security benefits may be the answer. Regardless of whether or not your ex has remarried, there are certain conditions under which you are entitled to benefits based on their work record. Conditions… Read More »
Missouri Alimony Questions Answered
For anyone contemplating divorce, the list of questions about how to proceed and what to expect may seem endless. In particular, concerns about financial arrangements loom because both parties will be affected by them to a rather large extent. When it comes to spousal support, it’s worth understanding Missouri law in order to gauge… Read More »
Can I Get Custody Of My Child If I’m Not Married To The Mother?
Marriage and childbirth don’t always occur in that order. For some couples, marriage is simply not a consideration at all. In these circumstances, what rights do parents have with regard to their children in the event the adult relationship comes to an end? Is custody even an option in such cases? The answer is… Read More »
Spousal Support: Crafting A Fair Deal For Both Sides
One of the greatest concerns many people face as they contemplate divorce is whether they will have the means to live and thrive after the dissolution of the marriage. The higher earner may fear that requirements for spousal support will decimate any chance of a future, while a partner who never worked outside the… Read More »
