Wesley Chapel Family Law Attorney | Butash Law Group

Florida courts use the term 'time-sharing' rather than custody and base decisions on the best interests of the child under Florida Statute §61.13. Judges in Pasco County consider factors such as each parent's ability to meet the child's needs, the child's relationship with each parent, and the stability of each home environment. A detailed parenting plan outlining the time-sharing schedule and decision-making responsibilities is required in all cases. An experienced family law attorney can help you build a parenting plan that protects your relationship with your children.

Florida imposes a mandatory 20-day waiting period after a divorce petition is filed before a final judgment can be entered. In practice, contested divorces involving disputed assets, custody, or support issues often take considerably longer to resolve through negotiation or litigation in Pasco County Circuit Court. Uncontested divorces where both spouses agree on all terms can sometimes be finalized more quickly. An attorney can help you understand a realistic timeline based on the specific facts of your case.

Florida's alimony statute, significantly revised in 2023, eliminated permanent alimony and established durational limits tied to the length of the marriage. Courts consider factors including each spouse's financial resources, earning capacity, standard of living during the marriage, and contributions made by each party. There is no fixed formula, so the outcome depends heavily on the specific facts presented and how effectively your attorney advocates for your position. Butash Law Group evaluates each client's circumstances carefully to pursue a fair result.

Yes. Florida law allows either parent to seek a modification of a child support or time-sharing order when there has been a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Common grounds include a significant change in income, relocation, or a shift in the child's needs. The requesting party must demonstrate the change through proper legal proceedings in Pasco County Circuit Court. Our attorneys can assess whether your situation meets the legal threshold and guide you through the modification process.

Equitable distribution is Florida's legal framework for dividing marital assets and liabilities in a divorce, governed by Florida Statute §61.075. Florida begins with a presumption of equal division but allows courts to deviate based on factors such as each spouse's economic circumstances, contributions to the marriage, and any intentional dissipation of assets. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property brought into the marriage may be excluded. Identifying, valuing, and properly classifying assets is a critical step where experienced legal counsel makes a significant difference.

While Florida law does not require an attorney for an uncontested divorce, having one review your settlement agreement before it is finalized can prevent costly mistakes. Agreements that appear straightforward may contain gaps regarding retirement accounts, real property, or future modifications that create legal problems later. An attorney can also ensure that required documents are properly prepared and filed with the Pasco County Clerk of Court. A brief consultation with Butash Law Group - offered at no charge - can help you determine the level of assistance your situation warrants.