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Why the Mediation Process Is a Better Option
By Jennifer Piper • November 24, 2025Posted in
Mediation gives you more control, privacy, and flexibility than going to court. It allows you and your spouse to create solutions that fit your family instead of relying on a judge’s decision. For most families, Mediation saves time, money, and emotional stress while helping preserve respect between both parties. What Makes Mediation Different In Mediation, you and your spouse work together with a neutral mediator to reach agreements on important issues such as custody, support, and property division. Instead of preparing for a public courtroom battle, you can talk through your concerns privately and focus on finding common ground. Court cases often take months or even years to finish, and by the time a judge issues an order, the situation may have already changed. In… -
Can Child Custody Orders Be Changed?
By Jennifer Piper • November 17, 2025Posted in
Child custody orders can be changed if there has been a change in circumstances and the new arrangement is in your child’s best interest. In Missouri, you can modify custody, decision-making authority, or parenting time through the court. Many parents choose to resolve these matters privately through Mediation or the Collaborative Divorce process because those approaches offer privacy and allow you to create solutions that truly fit your family’s needs. Custody and Parenting Plans Can Change Under Missouri law, any part of a custody arrangement can be modified. That includes who makes decisions for the child, where your child attends school, and how parenting time is divided. To request a change, you must show that circumstances have changed since the original order and that the… -
Divorce: Plan to Resolve Holiday Issues Early
By Jennifer Piper • November 4, 2025Posted in
Holiday parenting schedules work best when they are planned early. Waiting until the last minute can create stress for you, your children, and your attorney. Waiting too long may make it impossible to address the holidays, leaving you and possibly your children disappointed. Addressing these issues ahead of time allows you to focus on what really matters, spending meaningful time with your family. Plan Ahead for a Peaceful Holiday Season The sooner you address holiday possession questions, the easier it is for everyone involved. When parents wait until the last minute to discuss plans, it often leads to frustration and confusion. The closer you get to the holidays, the harder it becomes to make thoughtful decisions, especially when both parents have busy schedules and long-standing family… -
What Does Healthy Co-Parenting Look Like After a Divorce?
By Jennifer Piper • October 27, 2025Posted in
Healthy co-parenting means respecting your child’s other parent, focusing on solutions instead of conflict, keeping your attention on what lies ahead for your children, and always putting their needs first. Respect and Communication Even if you no longer get along with your former spouse, healthy co-parenting means treating them with respect. That doesn’t mean you have to be friends or spend extra time together, but it does mean speaking politely, avoiding name-calling, and keeping conversations focused on the children. Many parents find it helpful to treat communication with a co-parent like a business exchange. Keep it short, courteous, and focused on the subject at hand. Using email or text can also reduce tension if in-person conversations are difficult. Keeping Children Out of Conflict Children should… -
My Best Co-Parenting Advice
By Jennifer Piper • March 10, 2025Posted in
When you and your co-parent choose Collaborative Divorce or Mediation instead of litigation, you set the tone for how you will handle parenting together. If you go into the process with the goal of fighting, that fight may never end. However, if you work together, you can build a foundation of respect that benefits both of you and, most importantly, your children. Choosing a peaceful approach now can lead to a better future for everyone involved. Your Relationship Doesn’t End Even though your marriage is ending, your relationship as co-parents will continue. You may not be best friends, and you don’t have to be. But if you can maintain respect and trust, you will create a healthier environment for your children. In some cases, parents… -
What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do in a High-Conflict Divorce?
By Jennifer Piper • November 18, 2024Posted in
In a high-conflict divorce, emotions run high which can make co-parenting extremely difficult. You might feel that you are constantly arguing with your ex-spouse over decisions related to your children with little room for compromise. In situations like this, a parenting coordinator helps you manage disputes and make decisions that benefit your children’s well-being. What is a Parenting Coordinator? A parenting coordinator is a neutral third party who steps in to help you and your ex to resolve parenting conflicts. Their main job is to guide both of you toward agreements on important matters, whether it is about medical decisions, extracurricular activities, or scheduling issues. If you cannot reach a consensus, the parenting coordinator has the authority, with prior approval, to make decisions for you…. -
What Is a Parenting Plan?
By Jennifer Piper • June 24, 2024Posted in
Co-parenting after a divorce or separation can be complex, but a well-crafted parenting plan will provide the clarity and structure needed to make it work for the benefit of your children. Let’s explore what parenting plans are all about and why they are so important. Understanding Parenting Plans: At its core, a parenting plan is a detailed document that outlines how separated or divorced parents will share the responsibilities of raising their children. It’s essentially a roadmap for co-parenting, covering a wide range of aspects to ensure smooth cooperation between parents. Key Components of a Parenting Plan: Why Parenting Plans Matter: A parenting plan serves as a crucial tool for promoting stability and reducing conflict in co-parenting situations. By clearly outlining expectations and responsibilities, it… -
What Is A Parenting Coordinator?
By Jennifer Piper • June 17, 2024Posted in
Parenting after a divorce or separation can be an overwhelming task, especially when disagreements arise regarding children’s schedules, activities, or healthcare. You may consider a parenting coordinator, a professional trained in mediation and conflict resolution, who is equipped to help you and your co-parent manage these challenging situations. What is a Parenting Coordinator? A parenting coordinator can be either an attorney or a mental health professional. Their primary role is to assist you in resolving disputes and improving communication regarding co-parenting responsibilities. Unlike a traditional court process, a parenting coordinator offers a quicker and often more accessible avenue for resolving conflicts. What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do? How Does It Work? Benefits of Parenting Coordination In conclusion, parenting coordinators play a vital role in facilitating… -
8 Tips for Co-Parenting This Summer
By Jennifer Piper • June 3, 2024Posted in
As the temperatures rise and the school bells ring their final chime, summer heralds a season of change for co-parents. Whether you are a seasoned pro or new to the co-parenting game, ensuring a harmonious summer for you, your ex, and most importantly, your children, requires careful planning and communication. Here are 8 essential tips to help you move through the summer months with ease: By following these summer co-parenting tips, you can navigate the season with confidence and create lasting memories for your child. Remember, cooperation and communication are the cornerstones of successful co-parenting, ensuring that every summer is filled with warmth, joy, and cherished moments for your family. Contact Family Ally If you have questions or need legal assistance regarding co-parenting, divorce or… -
Co-Parenting After Divorce: A Guide for St. Louis Families
By Jennifer Piper • March 27, 2024Posted in
When children are involved in a divorce it can make the divorce process even more difficult. But once the legal proceedings are over, the real work of co-parenting begins. Here are six tips to help you and your ex navigate this challenging journey: 1. Avoid Assumptions It is easy to fall into the trap of assuming the worst about your ex-spouse but try to give them the benefit of the doubt. Keeping an open mind can lead to better communication and less conflict. 2. Maintain Professionalism Treat your co-parenting relationship like a business partnership. This means keeping communication respectful and avoiding sending angry emails or texts that could escalate tensions. 3. Be Respectful Demonstrate respect in all aspects of your interactions. This includes your communication…
