When you think about getting divorced, do you imagine not having to talk to your spouse anymore? Do you think about having a clean separation where neither of you have to interact in the future? If you do, then the idea of having to pay alimony may be one that you...
St. Charles Family Law Blog
How do you talk to your children about your decision to divorce?
Although you and your spouse may not agree about much anymore, you are both certain that the marriage doesn't work. Despite your best intentions the time you got married and how much both of you love your children, you aren't happy in your relationship anymore. You...
How do the Missouri courts make decisions on custody issues?
When parents with minor children end their relationship, they have to figure out how to split up parenting responsibilities. Some people already had agreements in place with their spouse when they got married discussing how they would share custody. Others may...
How do divorced parents decide on children’s medical care?
Children are not old enough to make all of their own decisions regarding their medical care, so parents of minor children are allowed to make these decisions on their behalf. For married couples, this usually means that they work together to some degree to come up...
Dividing pensions and retirement accounts in divorce
As you begin going through your divorce, one of the topics that will come up is how to divide your pension or retirement accounts. The order that you will need is called a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, or QDRO. A QDRO is an order that a judge issues. This court...
3 reasons why high-asset couples choose mediation for divorce
Divorce is a difficult and often painful process, but it can be harder for those with more assets. High-asset couples have so much more to fight over that their divorce proceedings can become protracted messes. Mediation has become a popular divorce solution in many...
3 approaches to dividing your business in a divorce
Your biggest assets often become the focal point of disagreement with your spouse during a divorce. Couples frequently fight over marital homes and retirement accounts. A family business or professional practice can also be an asset that spouses must handle carefully...
Does your ex want to use the courts to keep you from the kids?
Custody disagreements can turn ugly quickly when a couple divorces. Contested custody issues can make a divorce last longer and cost more. They can also make the process more stressful for the children. While you may want to keep things civil, your spouse may not...
How to communicate with your ex to become effective co-parents
By the time couples file for divorce, their relationships will usually have suffered damage. Their communication may have devolved to screaming matches or bitter silences. While the dissolution of your marriage means you don't have to work out all of your emotions...
When can you ask for alimony or maintenance in a divorce?
Some people who want to get divorced think that alimony or spousal maintenance obligations are automatic. If they stayed home to raise the children or take care of the family home, they assume that the Missouri family courts will order alimony from their spouse. While...