Articles
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What Is a Divorce Settlement Agreement?
By Jennifer Piper • July 7, 2025Posted in
A divorce settlement agreement, also known as a marital settlement agreement or martial separation agreement, outlines how you and your spouse will divide property, debt, and sometimes even pets. If done correctly, it helps avoid future court battles and brings your divorce to a final resolution. A Written Agreement That Finalizes the Details When you and your spouse agree to divorce, you need to sort out the practical parts of ending a marriage. A divorce or marital settlement agreement is the legal document that covers those decisions. It lists all of your assets and debts, explains who gets what, and includes protections to reduce the risk of disputes and litigation later on. Everything Needs to Be Listed Even if you think something belongs only to… -
Boom or Bust: Does the Economy Affect Divorce Decisions?
By Jennifer Piper • June 23, 2025Posted in
The economy can influence many aspects of your divorce, from whether you decide to file, to how you divide assets, handle support, or even afford legal costs. A downturn may push some couples toward faster settlements, while others face new financial pressures that make divorce harder to manage. An amicable divorce, Collaborative Divorce, or Mediation may offer more flexible solutions in a changing economy. The State of the Economy Can Shape Your Choices When the economy takes a downturn, it affects more than your wallet. It can also impact your marriage and your decision to divorce. For some couples, financial stress increases the strain at home, which leads to more people reaching out to lawyers. Others may delay filing, either because they are trying to… -
Divorce: What to Consider Before You Remarry
By Jennifer Piper • June 2, 2025Posted in
If you have gone through a divorce, before you remarry, you should take time to evaluate how a new relationship could affect your children, financial obligations, and legal rights. Conversations about debt, assets, and future responsibilities are not only practical, they are a necessity. A prenuptial agreement or consultation with a lawyer can help protect everyone involved. Put Your Children First If you have children from your previous marriage, their needs should remain a top priority. This includes making sure you have the resources to support them if your situation changes. You may want your assets to go to your children if something happens to you. That may require a prenuptial agreement, trust, or an updated estate plan. Without something in place, your new spouse… -
Can I Change My Will During My Divorce?
By Jennifer Piper • May 27, 2025Posted in
When you are in the middle of a divorce, you may start thinking about changing your will or updating your estate plan. While it is possible to make some changes, there are limits to what you can do and what will actually be recognized. You Can Change It, But It May Not Hold Up In Missouri, you are allowed to revise your will while your divorce is pending. However, if something were to happen to you before the divorce is finalized, the court may still treat your spouse as your legal heir. Unless you have a pre or post nuptial agreement or another legal document that says otherwise, most or all of your assets may still go to your spouse. Even if you change your… -
Divorce: Why Do I Need a QDRO?
By Jennifer Piper • May 19, 2025Posted in
When you’re finalizing your divorce, you may think everything is settled once the judge signs the agreement. But if you’re dividing retirement accounts, you’ll likely need one more step: a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, or QDRO (pronounced “quad-ro”). What a QDRO Actually Does A QDRO is separate from your divorce judgment and plays a key role in making sure the division of retirement accounts is recognized and processed properly. Think of a QDRO like the title to a car. If you’re awarded a vehicle in the divorce, the judgment gives you ownership, but you still have to re-title it at the DMV. The same is true for retirement plans. A QDRO acts as the legal document that transfers part of a retirement account, such as… -
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… -
Prenups Are More Than Just Protecting Money
By Jennifer Piper • February 24, 2025Posted in
When you hear the word “prenup,” you might automatically think of money and protecting assets. While that’s certainly part of the conversation, a prenuptial agreement is much more than just financial protection. It’s a tool to build a strong foundation for your future by discussing important topics that many couples overlook. Starting Important Conversations One of the most valuable aspects of a prenup is that it forces you to have meaningful discussions about financial matters before you get married. Many couples never discuss finances in depth, which can lead to conflict down the road. A prenup helps you address essential questions such as: These conversations can help avoid future misunderstandings and build mutual understanding about your financial future. Planning for Life’s Changes Life changes, sometimes… -
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… -
Common Divorce Fear: Making It Financially
By Jennifer Piper • July 29, 2024Posted in
Divorce brings a lot of changes. One common fear a common fear people may experience is regarding your financial future. Managing your finances on your own might seem challenging, but with the right approach and resources, you can overcome this fear and achieve financial independence. Here are six practical steps to help you handle this situation effectively. Final Thoughts In facing your financial fears during a divorce, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Resources and professionals are available to help you through this process and secure your financial future. By taking proactive steps to understand your finances, create a budget, seek professional help, and plan for the future, you can overcome those financial fears and thrive independently. Contact Family Ally At… -
What Makes a Divorce Complex?
By Jennifer Piper • April 15, 2024Posted in
Divorce can be challenging. From managing emotions to navigating legal matters, there are many aspects to consider. Let’s explore why divorce can be so complex. Emotional Turmoil Divorce is inherently an emotionally charged experience. Feelings of hurt, anger, and sadness can cloud judgment and hinder effective communication. Navigating these emotions while making critical decisions about the future can amplify the complexity of the process. Financial Issues Financial matters often add a layer of complexity to divorce proceedings. Dividing assets, liabilities, and determining financial support can be intricate tasks. Complications may arise from jointly owned or co-mingled properties, investments, retirement accounts, and businesses. Ensuring a fair and equitable distribution requires thorough financial assessment and negotiation. Child Custody and Support For couples with children, deciding custody and…
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- Child Custody
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