Family Law Attorneys Serving Cass County, Missouri
When it’s time to go your separate ways, even if you agree on everything, you should have an attorney represent your interests to ensure your rights aren’t being violated.
- 25+ Years of Combined Experience
- Family Law & Criminal Defense
- Schedule a Consultation
Josh and Brady of Higher Level Legal, trusted advocates serving Cass County and Kansas City metro families with clarity, compassion, and courtroom strength. They represent clients in Raymore, Belton, Harrisonville, Lee’s Summit and the surrounding communities. They regularly appear before the Family Law Court in Cass County and know its filing procedures well. They also represent Bates County families and appear before the Family Law Court in Bates County. They also represent families in Warrensburg and appear before the Family Law Court in Warrensburg.
Family law matters are rarely as simple as they seem, because you’re essentially unwinding a contract, the one you entered into with your spouse when you said your vows. It can feel unfeeling to look at a marriage that way, but treating it as a contract is exactly what makes the process easier to understand, even when both of you agree on everything.
Equitable Distribution
Missouri is an equitable distribution state, which means property isn't necessarily divided equally. The court weighs several factors when allocating assets and liabilities to each spouse. If both incomes are roughly equal, the split tends to land closer to even, unless factors like alimony, children, or special circumstances come into play.
"No Fault" Divorce in Missouri
Missouri is a limited "no fault" state, meaning you don't have to prove any allegations to get divorced. In most cases, a plea of irreconcilable differences is all that's needed in the petition for dissolution of marriage.
Property Division
All property is divided between spouses, with the court using its judgment to equitably divide assets, including real estate, based on income and any outside assets. Because some things, like a house or certain retirement accounts, can't easily be liquidated, one party may receive more of a different asset type so the other can keep the house or retirement account.
Alimony / Spousal Support
Spousal support may or may not be awarded. The court has significant discretion here. The requesting spouse must show a genuine need, and the court weighs factors including length of marriage, how assets were divided, whether children are involved, and conduct during the marriage.
Mediation
If you file a contested divorce, you may be required to attend mediation. It's worthwhile even if you only reach a partial agreement. It makes the process less stressful since the court won't need to rule on anything you've already resolved.
Post-Decree Modification
If your spouse doesn't abide by the final judgment or settlement agreement, you can return to court for an order directing compliance. You can also petition for new terms if life circumstances have genuinely changed since the original agreement.
Contact Higher Level Legal
Whether you’re filing for divorce, have been served with divorce papers, or need to file or respond to a post-decree modification, contact Higher Level Legal™ in Raymore, MO for a consultation.
Explore Every Family Law Topic We Handle
Divorce and Separation
Child Custody and Support
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Joint and Sole Legal Custody
- Joint and Sole Physical Custody
- Parenting Plans and Custody Agreements
- Emergency Child Custody
- Interstate Custody Issues
- Interference with Child Custody
- Child Visitation Laws in Missouri
- Visitation and Custody Mediation
- Changing Child Support After a Change in Income
- Traveling with a Child After Divorce
- Child Custody Matters in Raymore, MO
Family Protection and Common Questions
- Paternity
- Emancipation
- Abandonment
- Grandparent Rights
- Orders of Protection
- Contempt
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders
- Marital Misconduct
- Document Preparation During a Divorce
- Are Divorce Court Records Public?
- Does Adultery Affect a Missouri Divorce?
- Divorce FAQs
- Divorce and Immigration Status
- Coping with Divorce Stress
- Changing Your Mind About Divorce
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Office Location
Higher Level Legal™
- 309 South Washington Street Raymore, MO 64083
- 816.331.9968
- 816.331.9967 (fax)
Don't hesitate, contact us today.
If you have questions or need legal assistance, reach out to schedule a consultation. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
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