Archives

Spousal Support FAQs

Filing for divorce requires addressing multiple financial matters, yet spousal support is often one of the most disagreeable. While most parents recognize that they have the responsibility to provide financial support to their children, and couples typically understand that dividing marital property is a necessary part of divorce, the issue of spousal support tends to cause particularly heated debates. No one wants to be taken advantage of, and spousal support is often misunderstood, so many divorcing individuals are reluctant to pay a portion of their income to their soon-to-be-ex. However, in certain situations, a higher-earning spouse may be required to

READ MORE

How Do I File for Divorce in St. Louis, MO?

Every couple expects their marriage to last a lifetime, yet more than 750,000 divorces are granted every year across the nation. While some marriages deteriorate due to infidelity or abuse, many couples decide to divorce because they married too young, failed to clarify their expectations for the relationship, or simply discovered they were growing apart as their interests or values changed over time. If you have concluded that dissolving your marriage is the right solution for your family, understanding how divorce works is crucial to ensure you can protect your rights and achieve the best outcome for your future. Review

READ MORE

Changing Your Child Custody Order in St. Louis, MO

Child custody cases are some of the most common issues resolved in the St. Louis, MO, family court system. While some child custody determinations are components of broader divorce cases, others are single-issue legal disputes between unmarried parents who need legally enforceable custody orders. Whatever your custody order entails, it’s not only vital to abide by the terms of the order but also to know how you can have the order changed should the need arise. Family law is unique in that it is not necessary to file an appeal if you need to change your custody order. The family

READ MORE

What Does Divorce Require in St. Louis, MO?

If you are preparing to divorce, it’s essential to realize that the experience is likely to be one of the most challenging ordeals of your life. Even if your divorce seems straightforward and you are entirely convinced that it is the best decision for your situation, it can still be challenging to manage all aspects of the dissolution process. Therefore, if you are ready to divorce in St. Louis, MO, it’s important to know the various aspects of the process and the issues you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse will need to resolve. It’s common for people to have misconceptions about

READ MORE

Potential Benefits of Legal Separation in St. Louis, MO

Ending a marriage is very difficult, both from an emotional standpoint and a practical one. No matter what the underlying reason for the breakdown of a marriage might be, it will be emotionally stressful for both spouses to endure the divorce process. When it comes to practical matters, divorce is likely to influence both spouses’ financial lives in many ways. For some couples, remaining married becomes untenable, but divorce isn’t a practical solution, either. It’s vital for couples in St. Louis, MO who are considering divorce to know the potential benefits of legal separation. This alternative to divorce can potentially

READ MORE

What Does a Mediator Do in St. Louis, MO Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation has steadily grown in popularity, becoming the most chosen option for settling divorces in the United States. Mediation is a streamlined alternative to litigation that can save time, money, and frustration with a difficult divorce case. The process allows both spouses to walk away from the case with a mutually agreeable divorce settlement that provides more personalization than anything a St. Louis family court judge could offer. If you are planning to divorce in St. Louis, MO, it is essential to understand the process and know what to expect before it begins. The right mediator can help both

READ MORE

7 Signs it’s Time to Consider a Divorce

Living in St. Louis, MO, is wonderful. There are so many things to do in the city, and with all of the local restaurants, stores, and attractions, it’s no wonder that people are flocking here every day. However, sometimes relationships can become difficult, even in this beautiful city. If you feel that it’s time to consider divorce or your marriage is already on the rocks, it’s essential to know some of the main signs that your marriage needs work. Here are some signs that might indicate it’s time for you and your spouse to give serious consideration to what would

READ MORE

Does a Child’s Mother Have an Advantage During Custody Battles?

Divorce is a difficult process overall. Deciding that your marriage is over and taking proper steps to legally separate can be extremely emotionally taxing. Unfortunately, the most emotionally difficult aspect of many divorces is the determination of child custody. Most divorcing parents do not want to hurt their children, and similarly want to continue to spend time with them. This often leads to impassioned arguments and battles in court over how the child’s custody should be arranged. There is a common misconception that a child’s mother has an advantage when it comes to custody agreements. This stems from a long

READ MORE

What Happens if Divorce Mediation Doesn’t Work in St. Louis, MO?

Many divorcing couples in the St. Louis, MO, area and throughout the United States choose alternative dispute resolution to settle their divorce cases instead of traditional divorce litigation. Alternative dispute resolution in divorce mediation saves time and money while keeping divorce proceedings private, allowing divorcing spouses to move through their cases with confidence and peace of mind while avoiding the typically high cost of legal fees that litigation imposes. Unfortunately, it is not always possible for divorcing couples to settle all aspects of their divorces through divorce mediation. In some situations, this is unavoidable. In others, the couple may be

READ MORE

How Do You Proceed When Your Ex Won’t Sign the Divorce Papers?

If you are facing a divorce in the St. Louis, MO area, chances are you are facing hurdles you never expected. The unique dynamics of your divorce situation likely involve difficulties you probably never even considered until now. In many cases, emotions are running high and patience is wearing thin with both parties involved, which can create even more complications. One of those circumstances may include a spouse who doesn’t want a divorce or simply refuses to sign the necessary documents in an effort to be hurtful. This may cause the divorce process to take longer than is necessary. However,

READ MORE

What Happens if Your Ex Doesn’t Abide by Child Support or Custody Agreements in St Louis?

In an ideal world, all divorced or separated parents would abide by child support and child custody agreements, as determined by the court. However, as all too many parents have come to realize, this is not always the case. Sometimes, an individual may refuse to follow child support or custody agreements, leading to a complicated and confusing situation for the other parent. How should you proceed if your child’s other parent is not making child support payments? How can the legal system help you get other party to abide by their agreements? What if your ex simply ignores visitation agreements?

READ MORE

Legal Vs. Physical Child Custody in St. Louis, MO

Child custody is one of the most contentious issues handled in the St. Louis, MO, family court system. When married parents divorce or unmarried parents decide not to live with each other anymore, they must go to court to decide custody of their children. Every parent needs to understand how custody works under Missouri state law. Specifically, it is vital to know the differences between legal and physical custody. What Is Legal Custody? “Legal custody” refers to the ability to make major decisions for a child. What qualifies as a “major decision” on a child’s behalf may differ for every

READ MORE

Is It Possible to Expedite Divorce in St. Louis, MO?

Divorce can be a complex, time-consuming, and stressful process. However, there are some ways that you could potentially streamline your divorce case and finalize it sooner than you may initially expect. If you are concerned about the time your divorce will take to finalize, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced St. Louis, MO divorce attorney as soon as possible once you have made the decision to divorce. The right legal counsel can have a significant positive impact on your divorce case and ultimately help you save time and money in handling the process. Estimating the Time Required for

READ MORE

A Guide to Finding the Right Divorce Attorney to Represent You in St. Louis, MO

Facing a divorce is never an easy or enjoyable experience, even if you know for sure that your marriage needs to end and your relationship with your spouse has deteriorated to the point of being destructive. The divorce process may technically begin when you and your spouse decide to end your marriage, but the formal legal process of ending a marriage begins when one spouse files a divorce petition with the St. Louis, MO family court. While it is technically possible to handle a divorce without an attorney, doing so is not a wise decision. You may believe that you

READ MORE