Author Archives: Jay Butchko

Can I get a Confidentiality Agreement in my Tennessee Divorce?
A confidentiality agreement, often called a non-disclosure agreement, can be an invaluable tool in your Tennessee divorce. Non-disclosure agreements are used in many situations. In the course of a divorce, a court may grant a petition for a non-disclosure agreement to be implemented in order to ensure that certain information remains private. Non-disclosure agreements… Read More »

Is a Military Divorce Going to be Different?
There are extra hardships and considerations for servicemembers and their families in many aspects of life. It should come as no surprise, then, that there are going to be special considerations in play when it comes to a military divorce vs a civilian divorce. This is for a couple of different reasons. First, service… Read More »

How is Rental Property Divided in Tennessee Divorce?
Real estate has been a hot topic over the past several years. Many individuals have reaped the benefit of snapping up rental properties and utilizing them as an asset. But how does divorce affect this? HGTV star Christina Haack recently made headlines when she accused estranged spouse Joshua Hall of diverting thousands of dollars… Read More »

Terminating Child Support in Tennessee
As parents who exercise primary custody of their child well know – child support payments are not a “boon.” Nor are they superfluous, unnecessary hindrances meant to bog down the child’s other parent. Child support is what the courts see as a necessary financial commitment to ensure that a child has what is required… Read More »

High-Asset Divorce: Streamlining the (Potentially) Long Road
This past year was a record-breaking year for many reasons. One item that flew under the radar was that we saw some of the longest-ever Hollywood divorces finally come to a close. Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan finalized their divorce after six years, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie finally just finalized after eight years,… Read More »

To part is such sweet sorrow: Divorce and Pet Custody in Tennessee
Many people consider pets to be a member of their family. Indeed, many people who do not have children declare that they view and treat their pets – be it dogs, cats, even Komodo dragons – as their children. And while an individual couple may see their pets as paramount to children, Tennessee state… Read More »

Do I Need to Worry About Capital Gains Tax on Family Home in Divorce?
For many divorcing couples, particularly those with young children, thinking of “divorce” largely revolves around thoughts of dividing the family home. But what is a divorcing spouse to expect when a split is finally decided? For example, does a divorcing mom need to worry about paying a capital gains tax related to the family… Read More »

Juvenile Court: Key Concepts You Need to Know
Families who find themselves thrown into dealings with the juvenile court system may often feel overwhelmed with unknown processes and unfamiliar terminology. But there is clarity to be found. This article is meant to help introduce parents to some of the basic tenants of the juvenile court system in Tennessee. For additional information and… Read More »

Why Estate Planning Matters for Seniors
For seniors, estate planning can provide necessary peace of mind, and help to ensure that assets will be distributed according to their wishes after they are gone. A lifetime of saving and investing deserves to be protected by a well-crafted estate plan that can serve the testator and their family. Beyond asset distribution, estate… Read More »

What is Mens Rea and its Types?
A person cannot be found guilty of most crimes unless there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the person had the intent to commit the crime. The concept of a person needing to have bad intent (or an ‘evil mind’) is a legal concept known as “mens rea.” Mens rea is a Latin… Read More »