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In A Divorce – What Does the Best Interest of a Child Mean?
By Jennifer Piper• June 3, 2026Posted in
In Missouri custody cases, the court decides parenting arrangements based on what serves the child’s overall well-being. Judges look at factors such as each parent’s involvement, the child’s relationships, school stability, mental and physical health, and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. Understanding the “Best Interest” Standard When you are dealing with custody issues in Missouri, the court is required to determine custody according to the child’s best interest. While the law gives several factors for courts to consider, it does not provide one exact definition of what “best interest” means. Missouri law includes a rebuttable presumption that equal or approximately equal parenting time is in a child’s best interest. In other words, the court starts with the assumption…
How Does Missouri Determine the Best Interest of a Child?
By Jennifer Piper• January 15, 2024Posted in
The term “Best Interests of a Child” is commonly used in child custody cases in Missouri. But how does the state determine what is in the best interest of your child? The process may seem complex, but let’s break it down for you. The 50-50 Presumption Missouri operates under a new statute that presumes a 50-50 custody arrangement. It presumes that both parents will have equal parenting time. There must be significant reasons to deviate from this. However, a court can consider other factors if there are questions about a 50-50 arrangement. Factors Considered by the Court The Missouri statute outlines eight crucial factors that the court examines: 1. Parental Wishes and Proposed Parenting Plan The court can consider the parents’ custody wishes. It can…Child Temporary Power of Attorney
By Jennifer Piper• September 22, 2023Posted in
When children are injured or become ill, their parents or legal guardians have the right to make decisions regarding their medical care. In some cases, permission from a parent or legal guardian is necessary before a doctor can pursue certain treatment options. This situation can become complicated when the child is not currently in the care of a parent or guardian. If the child’s caretaker is not their legal guardian, they may lack the right to make these decisions, which could lead to a delay in treatment that could prove harmful to the child. A temporary delegation to an attorney in fact is a legal document that temporarily grants someone the power to make decisions regarding a child’s healthcare. These can be as short as…
7 Common Reasons for Modifying Child Custody
By Jennifer Piper• August 26, 2024Posted in
There are many reasons why you might need to modify an existing custody order to better suit the changing needs of your child and family. As life progresses, changes are inevitable. This is especially true in questions related to child custody. Here are some of the most common reasons that child custody orders are changed. 1. Changes in your Child’s Needs As your child grows, their needs change. A custody arrangement that worked well for a toddler might not be suitable for a teenager. Older children often have more activities, such as sports, clubs, and social events. If one parent is better able to transport the child to these activities or provide support for their interests, a modification may be necessary. Additionally, as children mature,…
Common Divorce Fear: Divorce Will Harm My Children
By Jennifer Piper• July 22, 2024Posted in
One of the biggest fears you may have when considering divorce or separation from your partner is the impact it will have on your children. It is natural to worry that ending your relationship could harm them. However, it is important to know that divorce or separation doesn’t have to harm your children if you handle your separation thoughtfully and sensitively. Understand the Impact of Conflict Divorce or separation can negatively affect your children, but it largely depends on how you and your spouse manage it. If your separation is filled with anger, fighting, and negativity, it can be very harmful. Arguing in front of your children, speaking badly about the other parent in their presence, or creating tense situations during exchanges can leave lasting…
How Can I Have a Child-Centered Divorce?
By Jennifer Piper• January 4, 2024Posted in
Going through a divorce is tough, especially when there are children involved. Choosing a child-centered divorce approach involves prioritizing your child’s needs over personal desires and conflicts. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your divorce is centered around the well-being of your children. Advantages of a Child-Centered Approach In the midst of divorce, choosing a child-centered approach requires commitment, collaboration, and a genuine focus on your child’s needs. By following these steps and involving professionals, you can navigate the challenging process with the best interests of your child at heart, fostering a healthier future for everyone involved. Contact Family Ally Today If you have questions or need legal assistance regarding divorce or any other family law matter, please contact Jennifer Piper at 314-449-9800 to…
St. Louis Child Custody Modification Lawyer
By Jennifer Piper• January 15, 2024Posted in
While child custody orders are final once entered by a St. Louis family law court, specific changes in one or both parent’s circumstances could serve as a basis for a modification of your custody order. It is crucial to consult with a dedicated family law attorney if you are interested in filing a request for a child custody modification. A knowledgeable St. Louis child custody modification lawyer can advise you on your available legal options and promote the best interests of your child or children. Contested Versus Uncontested Custody Modifications While some child custody disputes involve issues such as where the child will live when a parent wishes to move out of state, other modifications concern which parent the child will be with on any…
St. Louis Child Custody Enforcement Lawyer
By Jennifer Piper• January 15, 2024Posted in
If a parent fails to comply with their child custody order, they could be held in contempt of court and face additional legal punishments through a family access motion. If you need help enforcing your current parenting time arrangement, a St. Louis child custody enforcement lawyer can provide effective legal representation. A family law attorney who is well-versed in the state’s child custody laws can explain the legal issues involved in your case and your options for filing a motion requesting enforcement of your arrangement. Overview of Child Custody Arrangements in St. Louis There are two types of child custody to be aware of in St. Louis. Legal custody refers to a parent’s decision-making authority regarding the child’s health and well-being. On the other hand,…
5 Things To Know About Child Support In Missouri
By Jennifer Piper• January 8, 2024Posted in
If you find yourself wondering why you have to pay child support in Missouri, you’re not alone. This article is here to make things clearer for you. We’ll explore why child support exists and how it operates, breaking it down into simple terms. 1. Why Do You Have to Pay Child Support? In a nutshell, you must pay child support because this ensures your child’s lifestyle doesn’t change drastically when going between homes. The aim is to equalize their living conditions at each parent’s house. The purpose of child support is to assist with the child’s basic needs, such as food, housing, utilities, and clothing. 2. How Is Child Support Calculated in Missouri? Child support calculations in Missouri are based on the Form 14. The…
The Benefits of Hiring a Parenting Coordinator in Missouri: A Guide for Co-Parents
By Jennifer Piper• June 13, 2023Posted in
As a co-parent, navigating the complexities of shared custody can be challenging. It is not uncommon for disagreements and conflicts to arise when making decisions about child custody and visitation. One solution that may help to resolve these issues is to hire a parenting coordinator. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive guide to the benefits of hiring a parenting coordinator in Missouri, including what a parenting coordinator is, how they differ from a mediator, the legal aspects of parenting coordination, what to look for when choosing a parenting coordinator, how to work effectively with them, and tips for navigating the parenting coordination process in Missouri. Introducing the Role of a Parenting Coordinator in Missouri A parenting coordinator is a neutral third-party professional who…