Officially establishing paternity with the state is necessary if a man wants to assert his parental rights. Unmarried fathers sometimes have to execute paperwork with the mothers of their children or ask the courts to order genetic tests. Fathers who want a...
St. Charles Family Law Blog
The role of a valuation date when preparing for divorce
People preparing for divorce have a lot of decisions to make. They often need to reach agreements with their spouses on a variety of different issues, including property division. The property division process is rife with opportunities for conflict, as both spouses...
Can a parent plan to move with their kids after a divorce?
Sharing custody is the standard outcome when married parents divorce or unmarried parents begin living separately. Unless there are major issues that justify sole custody, each parent likely has a certain portion of parenting time. The parents see each other...
Factors courts weigh in determining spousal support in Missouri
Spousal support often plays a critical role in helping to ensure financial fairness after a marriage ends. When one spouse may experience a drastic shift in their standard of living post-divorce, the court may award spousal support to alleviate financial hardships....
When can spouses paying maintenance end or reduce their payments?
Spousal maintenance can be one of the biggest issues when couples divorce. Higher-earning spouses may resent the obligation to pay maintenance, while dependent or lower-earning spouses may not be able to live independently without it. People may also call spousal...
3 solutions when addressing home equity during divorce
For many married couples, the home where they live together may be their most valuable asset. They may have saved for several years to afford a down payment and may have made numerous improvements to the property since taking possession of it. The equity they have...
How to navigate protective orders in Missouri
Protective orders, also known as restraining orders, are legal tools designed to protect individuals from abuse, threats or harassment. In Missouri, obtaining a protective order can provide a crucial layer of safety for those in vulnerable situations. These orders aim...
Key factors that Missouri courts consider for spousal support
When Missouri couples decide to part ways, one crucial aspect that may need addressing is spousal support, also known as maintenance or alimony. Spousal support is a financial arrangement designed to assist the lower-earning spouse in maintaining a standard of living...
A parent might damage their co-parent’s bond with their children
Sharing child custody isn't easy. Parents often have a hard time reaching an agreement on how to divide time with their children. It is all too easy for parents to put their children in the middle of the conflicts they have with each other, but they should try to...
3 times one spouse needs an order of protection during a divorce
Some divorces are relatively amicable. Both individuals involved recognize that the relationship is no longer as healthy or happy as it once was. They may cooperate with each other to divide their property and ensure they can meet the needs of their shared children....