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Dividing a Business in a St. Louis Divorce

There are many complicated aspects to any divorce. When you or your spouse own a business during your marriage, or you own a business together, this only adds to the complexities. Missouri law begins with the assumption that each partner in a divorce has an equal share of marital assets, and then it determines an equitable split based on factors in a marriage. Division of property laws could significantly affect your business after a divorce if you are unaware of how to protect it. The Importance of Marital vs. Separate Property It’s essential to first determine whether a business or

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How Does Divorce Impact an Estate Plan?

A divorce is a complex and difficult process for any couple, bringing with it emotional and financial hardships. A divorce will also likely impact an estate plan. There are many legal and financial matters to take care of after divorce, and updating your estate plan to reflect the changes in your life is important. In Missouri, beneficiary designations to ex-spouses are automatically removed after divorce if the designation is in a revocable part of the estate plan. Because of this, some parts of your estate may no longer have any beneficiaries after divorce and could end up in probate court.

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Missouri Laws for Protective Orders

A Missouri protective order is created to protect a victim from violence, threats of violence, stalking, and dangerous behavior. Protective orders are commonly made where there is domestic violence or danger from a close family member. A protective order can apply to the victim who files it and their family members, such as their children. If you feel like you’re in danger from a family member or other close person, you can file a protective order against them. If the order is violated, you can press criminal charges against them. Who Can Apply for Protective Orders? The following people can

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How Is Property Divided After a Missouri Divorce?

Divorce proceedings are never easy, and negotiating property division can be an aggravating and lengthy process. Ideally, these proceedings are amicable and as fair to both parties as possible. However, in some situations, one or both spouses believe they may be entitled to more assets than the other. This can become contentious and take your divorce from negotiation to litigation. When a judge determines the division of property during litigation, you lose control over the results. It’s essential to understand how property is divided in Missouri. Marital vs. Non-Marital Property Property, or assets, owned by a couple include real estate,

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Understanding Child Support in St. Louis

Our society is organized to support a nuclear family. If you and your loved ones do not operate this way, or you are going through a divorce, it can be difficult to navigate the co-parenting process. It is common to encounter challenges, roadblocks, and questions along the way. The law requires both of a child’s parents to contribute equally to their upbringing in some way. However, just as there are many ways to organize your family, there are several ways to contribute to a child’s upbringing. Child support is one of them. Unfortunately, many people misunderstand child support, or they

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Navigating the Child Support System: A Guide for Single Parents

Being a single parent can be one of the most demanding roles a person can undertake. They must balance work and home life while providing emotional and financial support for their child. It is understandable why many single parents find it challenging to make ends meet. Among the many obstacles that single parents face, navigating the child support system can be especially daunting. Not only is it a complex legal process that can involve multiple parties, but it can also be emotionally taxing and overwhelming. Child support is a vital source of income for many single-parent households. It can significantly

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Mapping Out Your Path to Post-Divorce Recovery

A divorce can be a tumultuous and stressful time, but it can also serve as a fresh start to building a new life. Whether you initiated the divorce or not, it is common to feel overwhelmed, lost, and unsure about the future. However, with the proper steps, you can begin to heal and move on from your divorce. Allow yourself to grieve: Understanding and processing your emotions during this time is crucial. Permit yourself to grieve, and don’t ignore the feelings that come with the end of your marriage. This may include anger, sadness, guilt, shame, and loneliness. These feelings

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How Inheritance Taxes Impact Ordinary Americans

Planning your inheritance is one of the most important steps you can take to set up your children for success. While planning how your assets are divided and how your legacy is continued, it’s important to remember the role inheritance taxes can have on recipients of your estate planning. If you are planning your estate or are the recipient of a loved one’s inheritance, it is important to know the steps to take to understand the specifics of inheritance law. When it’s time to plan your next steps, Stange Law Firm can help you understand the impact inheritance taxes can

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What Is a Postnuptial Agreement, and Should I Consider One?

Many couples choose to get married without thinking about the possible implications of a divorce. They may feel their love is strong enough to withstand any obstacle, but unfortunately, even the most loving couples can find themselves in unexpected disagreements that challenge their relationship. Sometimes, these couples who have been married for years even find themselves reconsidering their relationship that leads them to part ways. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know that you have legal options that can reduce potential financial and emotional burdens that can cripple you and your family. One of these options

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What Happens When a Parent Doesn’t Stick to Their Parenting Plan in St. Louis, MO?

Adjusting to a newly formed child custody order in St. Louis can be incredibly challenging for any parent. While most parents do their best to uphold their parental responsibilities in good faith, others do not, and parents who willingly violate legally enforceable parenting plans face a wide range of potential consequences, including the loss of their parental rights in response to serious violations. When a parent refuses to pick up their child for parenting time, fails to drop off their child when their allocated parenting time ends, or otherwise violates the terms of their custody order, this can be incredibly

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Understanding Family Court Order Modification in St. Louis, MO

If you recently divorced, resolved a child custody dispute, or completed any other type of family court case in St. Louis, the finalization of your family court order can feel like the beginning of a new phase of your life. However, it’s important to remember that this may not be the end of your legal issue. Most family court cases ultimately lead to subsequent legal proceedings months or even years after a family court order has been finalized. The modification process is commonly used in response to recent life events. The loss of a job, an unexpected catastrophic injury, or

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Common Financial Disputes in St. Louis, MO, Divorces

Divorce is more complex than many people realize, and once proceedings begin, they can feel blindsided by the number of financial issues their dissolution will entail. Filing for divorce will end your marriage contract and start a formal legal process of assigning ownership rights over the property you and your spouse possess. You will also need to resolve responsibility for debts, and if you have children together, a custody determination will be a large focal point of your proceedings. The result is also likely to carry significant financial implications. It’s natural to be concerned about your financial well-being as you

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How to Talk to Your Kids About Divorce: Honest, Supportive Advice

Divorce is a complex topic and can be difficult for any child to process. Often, they may feel they are to blame or that they did something wrong to cause their parents to split up. In addition to the simple fact that it can be difficult for a child to understand the concept of divorce, they may also experience a range of emotions, from anger and sadness to confusion and fear. As a parent, it’s crucial to be honest with your children about the divorce and to provide them with age-appropriate support and guidance. Here are some effective tips on

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Can I Settle My Divorce Privately in St. Louis, MO?

Divorce can be an emotionally charged and messy experience. Many couples who decide to end their marriages dread the thought of protracted family court litigation and the records of their divorce proceedings becoming publicly accessible. Everything that transpires in a civil case becomes a public record, which applies to divorce proceedings. If you are preparing to divorce in St. Louis, MO, and have any concerns about privacy and the potential outcome of your case, it’s natural to wonder whether you can resolve your divorce without a public trial. Divorce litigation may be unavoidable in some instances, but virtually any divorcing

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