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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

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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

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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

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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,

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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How to Navigate Divorce Mediation in St. Louis, MO

Many couples throughout the St. Louis, MO area choose alternative dispute resolution to streamline their divorce cases. Traditional divorce litigation is often incredibly stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. By contrast, exploring alternative dispute resolution like mediation can potentially help you save a tremendous amount of time and money. Better still, you can maintain a greater level of control over your divorce proceedings. If you are planning to divorce soon in St. Louis, it is vital to understand the value of divorce mediation and how to prepare for this process. What Is Divorce Mediation? When a divorcing couple litigates their divorce, the

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Why Should You Create a Prenuptial Agreement?

There are few legal concepts more commonly misconstrued than the prenuptial agreement. Many people believe that suggesting a prenuptial contract is a sign that one or both partners lack faith that the marriage will last. However, the reality is that a prenuptial agreement can provide firmer footing for newlyweds and encourage them to have deep, honest communication about their goals and expectations for the marriage. Prenuptial agreements are also essential considerations for high-net-worth individuals and people who have financial commitments from previous marriages. Every marriage is unique, and a prenuptial agreement may not be appropriate for every marrying couple. However,

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The General Framework of a St. Louis, MO Divorce Case

Every divorce case is unique, but the legal process of divorce follows a certain framework that is common among all divorce cases. If you are planning on divorcing in St. Louis, MO in the near future, it is essential to know how this legal process will likely unfold and how the unique variables in your case will influence these events. An experienced St. Louis, MO family law attorney is the best asset for anyone preparing for divorce proceedings. Finding the right attorney can provide you with more confidence, peace of mind, and understanding of the legal matters you face. It

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What Can Be Negotiated in St. Louis, MO Divorce Mediation?

When a married couple decides to end their marriage, or when one spouse decides they no longer wish to be married, the couple must complete the legal process of divorce to finalize the end of their marital contract. While some divorce cases move to intense litigation, requiring months or even years to resolve, the overwhelming majority of divorce cases filed in the US are settled privately outside of court. Divorce mediation is by far the most commonly used method of alternative dispute resolution in the US, and it’s vital to understand the benefits and potential divorce mediation offers. An experienced

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How Contracts Come Into Play in St. Louis, MO Divorce Case

Contracts are mainstays of the modern business world. Many contracts are formed between private individuals for personal reasons, namely prenuptial contracts, postnuptial contracts, and family law decrees with binding terms. It’s vital for anyone beholden to a contract of any kind to understand how contracts play into divorce proceedings. If you are expecting to end your marriage in the near future, call our firm. A St. Louis, MO divorce attorney can help you determine whether any existing contracts will influence your divorce proceedings and what to expect from your divorce contract once you have your divorce decree in hand. Regardless

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Common Qualifying Factors for Permanent Alimony

Alimony is money paid from one divorcing spouse to another on a predetermined schedule for a predetermined amount of time. Alimony is commonly awarded temporarily in St. Louis, MO divorce cases, but a judge may decide to award permanent alimony in rare situations. Missouri is an equitable distribution state when it comes to divorce. Most Missouri judges tend to avoid long-term or permanent support arrangements if possible. It may be possible to avoid paying alimony in your divorce if you are willing to part with certain marital assets. It is also possible to negotiate for certain assets or properties if

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