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Why Is January the Start of Divorce Season?
By Jennifer Piper• December 16, 2024Posted in
January is often considered the unofficial start of divorce season, and there’s a good reason for it. After months of holiday gatherings, family events, and the stress of the season, many people feel that it is time to make significant changes in their lives come January. If you’ve been unhappy in your marriage, waiting until after the holidays to start the divorce process can offer a sense of relief. With a new year comes new possibilities, and many see it as the right time to begin the next chapter of their lives. The Holidays are Over For many, the holiday season is a time for family gatherings and celebrations. Even in difficult relationships, people often choose to delay decisions like divorce to preserve the peace…
How Long Does Mediation Take?
By Jennifer Piper• September 3, 2024Posted in
One of the most common questions about Mediation is, “How long will this take?” There isn’t a simple answer. Mediation timelines can vary greatly depending on several factors. Here’s what you need to know. 3 Factors That Influence Mediation Time Why You Shouldn’t Rush Mediation While you may be eager to finalize your divorce and move on, rushing through Mediation is not advisable. Speeding through the process can lead to oversights, such as forgetting to discuss important issues or making hasty decisions that you might regret later. It is important to take the time to think about each decision carefully and consult with your attorney when necessary. By doing so, you’ll ensure that the final agreement is well-considered and in your best interest. The Role…
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…
St. Louis Child Support Enforcement Lawyer
By Jennifer Piper• January 15, 2024Posted in
When you are responsible for the well-being of your child, every penny counts. Expenses can be considerable, and you should not be expected to handle the burden alone. Unfortunately, some parents who are required to pay support do not fulfill their responsibilities. These situations can be emotionally taxing, and direct, heated exchanges with the delinquent parent are usually counterproductive. Under these circumstances, a St. Louis child support enforcement lawyer can provide the necessary assistance. A well-versed family law ally can handle the legalities of your case so you can focus on your child’s day-to-day needs. Child Support Parameters A parent who has physical custody is expected to spend their own money for the benefit of their child. These expenditures may include rent or mortgage, utilities,…
What Is the Hardest Stage of Divorce?
By Jennifer Piper• February 17, 2026Posted in
The hardest stage of divorce is usually the decision to end the marriage and choose the divorce process you will use. While the final stage can bring strong emotions, most people struggle most with the initial decision and the choice of a process. The Decision to Divorce When you think about divorce, you may picture court dates or dividing property. In reality, the hardest stage often comes much earlier and begins with making that choice. The decision can affect your children, extended family, finances, employment, and where you live. It may change daily routines, parenting schedules, and long-term plans, which is why it feels so significant. For that reason, it should not be made in the heat of the moment. During an argument, the word…
What is the Difference Between Mediation and Litigation?
By Jennifer Piper• December 30, 2024Posted in
When resolving a divorce or legal conflict, it is important to understand how mediation and litigation differ. Each process has its unique approach to handling disputes, and understanding these differences can help you feel more prepared to make the best decision for your situation. Mediation: An Amicable and Private Process Mediation is a private, amicable process guided by a neutral third party called a mediator. The mediator works with both sides to facilitate open discussions and find reasonable solutions. One key benefit of mediation is the cooperative nature of exchanging information. Instead of spending significant time and money hunting down records or documents, both parties typically share what’s needed more freely. The mediator’s role is to assist both parties equally, helping with tasks like gathering…
St. Louis Contempt of Court Lawyer
By Jennifer Piper• January 15, 2024Posted in
When it comes to lack of compliance with a family court order, many remedies are available, the strongest of which is filing a motion to hold the non-compliant party in contempt of court. Civil contempt of court carries serious consequences. While not a criminal offense, civil contempt could result in jail time in extreme cases. A judge will not find someone in contempt without good cause. You can file a motion for contempt with the help of a dedicated family law advisor. Don’t file a motion on your own, schedule a consultation with a St. Louis contempt of court lawyer. Proving Civil Contempt Before the court can issue a finding of contempt and any penalties, evidence must be presented to show that the party had…
St. Louis Child Support Modification Lawyer
By Jennifer Piper• January 15, 2024Posted in
Missouri state law allows modifications to be made to existing child support arrangements in certain circumstances. If you are seeking to modify your current child support arrangement or your former spouse is requesting a modification and you wish to contest it, it is wise to consult with a seasoned family law attorney. A St. Louis child support modification lawyer can review the details of your case and explain what the next steps may entail. Requirements to Alter Child Support Certain requirements must be met in order to modify child support arrangements. While either parent may file for a modification, adjustments can only be made to a child support order if a substantial and continuous change in either party’s or your child’s circumstances has occurred to…
Can I Get Divorced Without Going to Court?
By Jennifer Piper• October 23, 2023Posted in
When people think of divorce, they often envision contentious courtroom battles, but the reality is quite different. You can get a divorce without ever setting foot in a courtroom. It is important to understand that divorce does not have to equal a court battle. Choosing the right divorce process can enable a respectful and amicable divorce. Dispelling the Misconception that Divorce Means Court It is a common misconception that divorce inevitably means going to court and engaging in an adversarial proceeding. The reality is that this is not the case for most divorce cases. In fact, it’s entirely possible to get divorced without stepping into a courtroom, provided certain conditions are met. The Power of Agreements You and your spouse can agree on the terms…
Why is Collaborative Law a Better Choice for Your Family Going through a Divorce?
By Jennifer Piper• September 25, 2020Posted in
When you and your spouse choose the Collaborative law process to resolve your divorce, the focus is on the best interest of your family as a whole. When proceeding with the traditional route of litigation, the focus is on the best interest of the individual. At the end of the litigation process, neither client is completely happy nor satisfied, resulting in a lot of hard feelings. Clients are often angrier at the end of the litigation process than they were at the beginning. Trust that is already broken, is even further destroyed. Through the Collaborative Law process, clients can work to restore broken trust with the Collaborative Law team to assist you. There are both financial and therapeutic trained professionals who will help your family…