Missouri Child Custody: Is it a “Mother State” or a “Father State”?
Missouri Child Custody: Is it a “Mother State” or a “Father State”? Photo by Brytny.com Short Answer: No . The state of Missouri is neither a “Mother State”, or “Father State”. A frequent question we get at Higher Level Legal from spouses with children, that are going through the divorce…
The Adoption Process in Missouri
The Adoption Process in Missouri: What You Need to Know. Photo by Vitolda Klein When considering adoption you already have a lot questions running through your mind. Most people entering an adoption pursuit are first time adopters, and are in completely unknown territory. It can be a scary process,…
Divorce Settlement vs. Going to Court – What’s Better?
Negotiating the terms of a divorce agreement is almost never easy, but it gets even harder when the two parties are not on good terms. Despite this, settling out of court is usually the best option. Not only can this save you money, but it can also help to avoid a judgment that isn’t in your favor….
Do I Have to Pay Alimony if My Ex is Cohabiting
Alimony refers to court-ordered payments that are awarded to an ex-spouse or former spouse within a divorce agreement. Alimony exists in order to provide financial support to the ex-partner that makes a lower income. In some cases, an ex-spouse may not make any income at all. This is why alimony is…
Divorce Financial Statements – Everything You Need to Know
What is a Divorce Financial Statement? The divorce financial statement is a form that lists all assets and liabilities of each person involved in the divorce. Each person must fill one out their portion and submit it to the court in order to explain their financial situation to the court. Divorce…
7 Reasons You Need Representation from a Family Law Attorney for Divorce
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…
What To Know About Child Custody Evaluations
What To Know About Child Custody Evaluations In all divorce cases where a child is involved, custody – both physical custody and legal custody – 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…
What To Expect During Your Initial Consultation With A Divorce Attorney
Your initial consultation with a divorce attorney is a big step, but also a necessary one. There are a lot of benefits of hiring a divorce by attorney . An experienced family law attorney will save you time and money in the long run. There are a few things you should know and prepare for before…
What Happens to My 401k in a Divorce?
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 to…
What Are the Limitations of a Protection Order in Missouri?
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…