No one is fully prepared for divorce, and even the most level-headed among us will have a difficult time navigating this lengthy process. Although some couples are able to come to agreements on their own without the help of an attorney, the vast majority of divorcing couples will need to seek out...
In all divorce cases where a child is involved, custody - both physical and legal - must be determined. Typically in Missouri this process is decided upon by the two parents, but in some cases outside professionals and the court step in to make the determination.
There are a number of legal terms you'll need to be familiar with as you progress through a divorce. When the divorcing couple has a child, two things that will need to be determined are legal custody and physical custody. It's important you understand the difference between the two terms and how...
Your initial consultation with a divorce attorney is a big step, but also a necessary one. Working with an experienced attorney will offer relief and reassurance, and it will save you time and money in the long run. There are a few things you should know and prepare for before your consultation.
If you and your spouse are considering getting a divorce, it's a good idea to review all your options and look into the possibility of a legal separation in lieu of an actual divorce. Each legal designation has its own benefits and it's important to understand each fully before you make a decision.
What are the Current Laws in Missouri for Medical Marijuana? After years of aggressive prosecution for the use of marijuana in Missouri, the voting public passed a ballot initiative legalizing medical marijuana in 2018. This ballot initiative allows for the medical use of marijuana when recommen...
Cannabis is more stigmatized than alcohol despite its effects being less severe. This stigma can effect the outcome in custody cases. Although its okay to legally use cannabis, it is still best to refrain if possible due to the stigma associated with it, which may impact your case.
Many people in the U.S. find it a challenge to stay out of debt, even without any emergency or disaster. However, a sudden windstorm or tornado can cause so much damage that families cannot recover financially from the losses. For some families who cannot pay off their bills after a natural disas...
Effective March 16, 2020, the Missouri Supreme Court ordered almost all court activities closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The courts remained open but suspended almost all in-person proceedings, with limited exceptions. Judges and court clerks were encouraged to utilize all available ...
According to Fidelity Investments, the average balance of a 401(k) in March 2019 was $103,700. This number is based on more than 16 million 401(k) account holders in the U.S. The average amount in a 401(k) is generally tied to age. For 20 to 29 year olds, the average balance was $12,000. For 60 t...
Many Americans rely on credit cards to get them through tough times. Unfortunately, this can lead to racking up a lot of high-interest debt. During the COVID-19 outbreak, some people are having to pay more for daily necessities even in the face of reduced income or even unemployment. It is a diff...
A protection order is a court order that is intended to prevent harassment, stalking, and abusive behavior. The order is issued by a judge to prohibit the alleged abuser from contact, harassment, and a number of other limitations. The types of restrictions and timeline of the protection order dep...
More people are continuing to file for unemployment benefits. According to the Department of Labor, last week, 6.6 million filed for unemployment. There are almost 17 million people who have filed for jobless benefits in the past three weeks. With many businesses staying closed and stay-at-home o...
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak is a financial nightmare for many people in Missouri. Individuals and business owners who were staying just above water are ending up deep in debt because of the loss of a job, lack of customers, or paying for medical care for a sick loved one. For those who are...
Many in our community are coming together in our time of need, to look out of elderly parents and neighbors, and provide support for healthcare workers who are on the front lines. However, such a dramatic change in day-to-day life can make dealing with your personal relationships more challenging...
Towns, cities, and states are restricting gatherings and ordering the shut-down of a number of “non-life-sustaining” businesses. The restrictions on movement and operation have severely hit small businesses in Missouri and across the country. Many small business owners do not have the capital or ...
In response to the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic, the Missouri courts have authorized phone and video communication and teleconferencing to provide access to the courts. This important move will allow individuals to access the courts in emergency situations without having to put themselves or othe...
With schools closing and events canceled, there is a lot of confusion for Missouri families sharing custody. Parents may have a lot of questions about child visitation and child custody in light of the COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic. What can parents do if they do not want to send their child t...
In this ever changing time right now, there have been a lot of closures in the entire Missouri Courts' system. We are up-to-date with all court information and closures. Today, the Missouri Supreme Court canceled almost all court activities via Court Order. There are several exceptions. We are...
We are proud to be a forward thinking law firm. We are fully operational and virtual law firm. We are proud to be open for business. We will not stop advocating for our clients during the COVID-19 situation.
Families going through a divorce, child custody hearing, or other sensitive family court matters like to keep their issues private. The U.K. is implementing a plan to livestream family court proceedings to improve public understanding of the judicial system. Would family courts in the U.S. consid...
St. Patrick's Day is coming up on Tuesday, March 17th. This means the weekend before and the day of will likely see a lot of people going out to enjoy some drinks, and maybe hear some traditional Irish music or try some Irish foods. Unfortunately, some of those people will end up behind the wheel...
Child support in Missouri is supposed to provide for the financial needs and resources of the child. Child support considers the child's educational needs and the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the marriage not been dissolved. Generally, parents are expected to financially pr...
After finally deciding it is time to get a divorce, your spouse may still try and do what they can to make the process as difficult for you as possible. This may include avoiding service of the divorce complaint or refusing to sign a divorce agreement. Your spouse may complicate matters and make ...
Child custody is one of the most contentious parts of a divorce or separation. Unlike fights over alimony or property, the disputes involving child custody can continue long after the divorce papers are signed. Parents are often required to interact regularly for years until the child turns 18. W...
If you need assistance or have questions, please call us at (816) 331-9968 to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you through this process.