Articles
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We’ve Decided to Divorce, Now What?
By Jennifer Piper • August 11, 2025Posted in
After making the difficult decision to divorce, your next steps should include learning about your options, talking with experienced divorce attorneys, and thinking about how you want the process to affect your family. Choosing the right approach early will save time, reduce conflict, lessen the impact on your children and give you more control. Start by Learning About Your Divorce Options Once you have made the decision to divorce, it is important to learn that there are different ways you can move forward. Do you want a high-conflict court case, or are you hoping for a more peaceful approach? Many people start by researching online, but it is important to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. Not everything you read online is accurate or applies to… -
Cost of Litigation: Can You Afford NOT to Settle Your Divorce Out of Court?
By Jennifer Piper • July 28, 2025Posted in
Court battles are costly, time-consuming, and emotionally draining with uncertain outcomes. An amicable divorce, resolved through Mediation or Collaborative Divorce offer more affordable, efficient, and respectful alternatives that help protect your finances, relationships, and well-being. Going to Court may mean that you spend more money and get less in return. The True Cost of a Court Battle When emotions are high, you might feel tempted to “win” your divorce in court. But trials do not come cheap, financially or emotionally. Between attorney fees, expert witnesses, court filings, and time away from work, litigation costs add up quickly. In many cases, what you spend fighting in court could be more than what you might recover. Why Trial Is So Expensive Going to trial is not a… -
7 Things to Know About Divorce in Missouri
By Jennifer Piper • June 9, 2025Posted in
Divorce litigation in Missouri is expensive, stressful, and unpredictable. If you want more control, privacy, and peace of mind, consider an amicable divorce through Mediation or a Collaborative Divorce. Many people start the divorce process hoping the court will sort everything out in a fair way. But once you are in the system, it can feel like you have lost control. Court schedules move slowly, legal fees add up quickly, and you may end up with decisions that do not reflect your families’ values or goals. Before you move forward, it helps to understand a few key things about how divorce works in Missouri. 1. Litigation Does Not Guarantee a Win No matter how strong your case seems, you are probably not going to walk… -
What About the House?
By Jennifer Piper • April 7, 2025Posted in
When going through a divorce, one of the biggest questions you may face is, “What happens to the house?” Whether you’re worried about immediate decisions or long-term outcomes, the family home carries emotional and financial weight. Understanding your options can help you make informed choices. Who Pays the Mortgage During the Divorce? One of the first questions to address is how to manage the mortgage while your divorce is pending. If both of you remain in the home, will you split the mortgage payments? If one person moves out, will they still contribute? Failing to plan for these costs can lead to missed payments, damaged credit, and even foreclosure. It can be helpful to reach a temporary agreement about mortgage and utility payments. If you… -
How to Keep Your Divorce Private
By Jennifer Piper • March 24, 2025Posted in
Divorce can feel like an invasion of your personal life, and it’s only natural to want to protect your privacy. While it’s not always easy to keep everything confidential, there are options that can significantly reduce the chances of your private matters becoming public. By choosing the right approach, you can ensure that sensitive information stays between you and the professionals involved. Choose Collaborative Divorce If privacy matters to you, the Collaborative Divorce process is a strong choice. Unlike traditional divorce proceedings, which involve public court records, a Collaborative Divorce keeps most of the details between you, your spouse, and your professionals. With Collaborative Divorce, you work with attorneys, financial planners, and sometimes mental health professionals to resolve issues without going to court. This process… -
The #1 Reason People Get Divorced
By Jennifer Piper • March 17, 2025Posted in
While many people assume that infidelity, emotional distance, or parenting disagreements are the primary causes of divorce, the truth is that money plays a much larger role. The number one reason people get divorced is money and more specifically, the lack of communication about it. Money and Miscommunication Go Hand in Hand Many couples don’t talk about money before they get married. They may not discuss their financial goals, spending habits, or long-term plans. After marriage, the topic often remains off-limits or becomes a source of conflict. One of you may want to save, while the other prefers to spend. Maybe one partner controls all the finances, leaving the other feeling powerless. These differences can lead to resentment, distrust, and ultimately, divorce. Different Money Values… -
St. Louis Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Jennifer Piper Featured On The Respectful Divorce Podcast
By Jennifer Piper • February 18, 2025Posted in
St. Louis Collaborative Divorce Attorney Jennifer Piper was recently a guest featured on The Respectful Divorce podcast discussing the upcoming Divorce With Respect Week® initiative and the no-court Collaborative Divorce process. The Respectful Divorce Podcast is hosted by Tim Crouch and highlights divorce professionals discussing the different options for divorce. “My parents had a terrible divorce and I knew how that affected me as a child,” said Piper. “I was dragged to the courthouse and it wasn’t pleasant. It still affects me to this day and I don’t recommend it for anyone. What I do recommend is the Collaborative Divorce process because it’s not designed to fight, the clients are more involved, and you don’t have to deal with court and your private information being… -
How Is Property Divided in a Divorce in Missouri?
By Jennifer Piper • February 18, 2025Posted in
When going through a divorce in Missouri, understanding how property is divided can be essential for planning your future. Missouri follows an equitable distribution approach, which starts with a 50/50 split but can be adjusted based on several factors. Here’s what you need to know. Marital vs. Separate Property One of the first steps in dividing property is determining whether its marital or separate property. Marital property generally includes anything purchased or earned during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title or account. This includes: On the other hand, separate property typically includes assets owned before the marriage, inheritances, or gifts received solely by one spouse. How the Court Decides Property Distribution While the starting point is a 50/50 division, Missouri courts… -
My Best Divorce Advice
By Jennifer Piper • January 20, 2025Posted in
If you have been considering divorce, you have probably been asking people you know for their advice. As a divorce professional, here is some of the best advice that I can offer and what I often tell my clients. How you approach your divorce can shape not only the outcome but also your ability to move forward. Below are practical steps that can help you to guide you through your divorce. 1. Treat Your Divorce Like a Business Deal Think of your divorce as a business deal. While emotions are a natural part of any divorce, letting your emotions control the process can lead to unnecessary conflict and higher costs. The mindset of your divorce as a business deal can help you make clearer decisions… -
Why Fighting in Divorce is the Wrong Approach
By Jennifer Piper • January 6, 2025Posted in
It’s natural to feel frustrated during a divorce but turning it into a fight can lead to more challenges down the road. Disagreements and tensions are part of the process, but escalating them into a battle can waste time, money, and energy. Rather than focusing on fighting, it’s more productive to find ways to resolve issues calmly and fairly. This approach not only helps you move forward more quickly but also creates a better environment for you and your family. It Drains Your Resources Divorce litigation is expensive. The longer you fight in court, the more money you’ll spend on lawyers, court fees, and other costs. This money could be better spent on things that truly matter, like your children’s education, your future retirement, or…
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