If you are thinking about refusing a court-ordered paternity test, doubt may be behind that decision. In Missouri, a court order is a legal directive, not a suggestion. Missouri courts operate under the Uniform Parentage Act, which gives judges broad authority when a...
St. Charles Family Law Blog
How are private club memberships divided in Missouri divorces?
Your private club membership is more than just a social perk. It is a valuable marital asset that courts consider during a Missouri divorce. However, deciding who keeps it or what happens to it can be far more nuanced than many couples anticipate. Thus, understanding...
Pensions, QDROs and what divorce can mean for your retirement
Dividing retirement benefits in a divorce is not just about splitting what is in the bank. Pensions are future income that could take decades to pay out. Savings, investments and home equity, on the other hand, are cash you can use right away. These differences create...
Can a Guardian ad Litem help in alienation cases?
After a divorce, parents may struggle to stay calm and respectful, even when they both care about their child. In situations like this, a neutral third person can help keep the focus on what your child needs most. What a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) does? A Guardian ad...
How is property divided in a Missouri divorce?
Going through a divorce is hard. While this decision may be the best choice for you, it can still cause feelings of grief that can affect your mental health as you navigate your case’s proceedings in Missouri. However, when you become familiar with the state’s legal...
4 valuation disputes that stall business owner divorces
Owning a business during a divorce makes valuation a major pressure point. You may expect the numbers to be technical and neutral. In Missouri divorces, they often require close scrutiny. Business valuation affects settlement leverage, taxes and case length. Judges...
The 401(k) separate property trap
If you started your 401(k) before marriage, it is easy to assume the account stays “yours” in a divorce. In St. Charles County, that assumption can cost you real money. The problem is commingling. Once marital contributions mix with premarital funds, the burden shifts...
What are the top conflict areas in high-asset divorces?
High-asset divorces in St. Charles County, Missouri come with the extra pressure of property division. The process is costly and takes a long time, resulting in clashes between former spouses. Knowing the most common sources of disputes can help you resolve the...
Dividing a business in divorce: 3 things to know
Divorce is difficult and can feel overwhelming, especially when a family business is involved. Deciding who keeps what can stir strong emotions. Knowing these three factors that shape business divisions can clarify the process and help protect both your livelihood and...
Who gets to keep the family heirlooms after a divorce?
During a divorce, you may find it difficult to decide who keeps an item that carries so much sentimental value. Understanding how Missouri courts treat family heirlooms in property division can help you protect them while working toward a fair outcome for both sides....


