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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…
Creating a Parenting Plan that Will Work
By Jennifer Piper• March 11, 2026Posted in
A parenting plan outlines when each parent has the children, how decisions about their care will be made, and how to handle communication, child support, healthcare, and other expenses. It will serve as a roadmap for your family, ensuring clarity and consistency, and the court will enforce it if disagreements arise. Why Missouri Requires a Parenting Plan When you and your spouse begin planning for your children’s future, one of the first things you will need to create is a parenting plan, a structured document that outlines how you will share time, responsibilities, and decision-making for your children. Missouri law requires this plan as part of finalizing custody, and it must include certain elements that help both of you manage daily life with consistency and…
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…
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…
Co-Parenting vs. Parallel Parenting: What’s Best for Your Children?
By Jennifer Piper• July 20, 2026Posted in
When parents separate, it is tempting to think that having as little contact as possible will make life easier. While limited communication may help in certain situations, children usually benefit when parents work together on important decisions that affect their health, education, and well-being. What is Co-Parenting and What is Parallel Parenting? You have probably heard the terms co-parenting and parallel parenting used in family law discussions. Many people assume that parallel parenting means you and your former spouse never have to communicate or make decisions together. That is rarely possible. Even when you have separate households, there are still important matters that require cooperation. Medical care, educational decisions, extracurricular activities, and special needs services usually require input from both parents. Why Parallel Parenting Has…
Who Makes Medical Decisions for Your Child After Divorce?
By Jennifer Piper• December 8, 2025Posted in
After your divorce, medical decisions for your child depend on whether you share joint legal custody or if one parent has sole legal custody. In Missouri, most parents have joint legal custody, which means you work together on major healthcare choices. If there are disagreements on medical issues, you can use a parenting coordinator to help make those decisions. Understanding Medical Decision-Making After Divorce When you and your co-parent are no longer married, who makes medical decisions for your child can feel uncertain. Missouri law provides a structure for those decisions through joint legal custody or sole legal custody, but your agreement or court order ultimately guides how decisions are made. Joint or Sole Legal Custody In Missouri, most parents receive joint legal custody. This…
Legal Custody versus Physical Custody in Missouri?
By Jennifer Piper• April 20, 2026Posted in
Legal custody and physical custody serve two very different roles in a parenting plan. Legal custody focuses on who will make important decisions about your child’s life, while physical custody determines the schedule and how your child’s time is shared between you and your co-parent. Understanding how these two types of custody work together will help you create a plan that supports your child and sets clear expectations for both of you. Understanding Legal Custody When you hear “legal custody,” think about decision-making. This covers the major choices that shape your child’s life. These decisions include education, medical care, and activities. For example, you and your co-parent will want to address where your child goes to school, what doctors they see, whether they need to…
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…
What Happens If Your Spouse Doesn’t Want a Divorce?
By Jennifer Piper• July 13, 2026Posted in
If your spouse does not want a divorce, they can slow the divorce process by refusing to cooperate, but they cannot prevent the divorce from happening. In Missouri, one spouse does not need the other’s agreement to end the marriage. Collaborative Divorce and Mediation can help both you and your spouse communicate, address concerns, and better understand the issues that are making the divorce difficult to accept. Your Spouse Cannot Stop the Divorce One of the most common questions people have is whether their spouse can prevent a divorce simply by refusing to agree to it. In Missouri, the answer is no. If you no longer want to remain married, the court will ultimately grant the divorce. A spouse who opposes the divorce can delay…
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…