People sometimes tend to think that alimony or spousal support is no longer a common issue in divorce. However, even when both spouses have income, it is possible that a Missouri court may approve a petition for support. Courts analyze couples’ circumstances on their...
Family Law
Two financial consequences of divorce to consider
Divorce does not just herald the beginning of a new chapter. For many separating couples, it also brings about an increase in financial awareness. In addition to deciding who gets the kids, dog and vacation property, you have to figure out how to finance a divorce...
What is and is not required to adopt a child in Missouri
There is a great number of foster care children in Missouri in need of a stable and permanent home. For one reason or another, they are unable to return to their biological families. If you have ever thought about adopting a child, now may be a good time to take the...
Can a minor child seek emancipation in Missouri?
For many parents, the subject of minor emancipation is upsetting. Parents typically want their children to remain their children for as long as possible. When a teen brings up the topic of emancipation, many parents feel that their child is slipping away faster than...
Recognizing and easing children’s stress amid divorce
No matter how hard divorcing parents work to focus on their children's well-being, kids will experience stress during and after the break-up. They're likely going to be dividing their time between two households. They may move -- which means changing schools and...
How parents with alcohol issues can emotionally harm children
If you're divorcing a co-parent who has an issue with alcohol abuse, you're likely conflicted about what kind of custody arrangement to seek. Assuming that you have no evidence that your spouse has been physically or verbally abusive to the kids, you may not want to...
Co-parenting poses unique challenges for people in the military
Working out the child custody agreement is often one of the most difficult, emotionally fraught aspects of divorce. However, when one or both of the parents are in the military, it can be particularly challenging. Military parents may be moved to a base halfway across...
Why co-parents need to establish consistent household rules
Raising children in two households is one of the biggest challenges faced by parents after separation or divorce. Parents who are used to letting their spouse be the disciplinarian have to step up and be the "bad guy" occasionally when their kids are with them....
Parson: Should truckers lose licenses over unpaid child support?
Missouri, like other states, has a number of methods for getting child support from parents who are not making their payments as ordered by the court. One of these is taking people's occupational licenses. Here in Missouri, a person who hasn't made child support...
There are still challenges to adopting a child as a single woman
You're a single, well-educated, successful and independent woman. You've given up looking for Mr. Right, or maybe Mr. Right wasn't so right, and you've moved on. Perhaps you're not particularly interested in a life partner. However, the one thing you know is that you...
