Articles
Alternative Communications with Children during Covid-19
The current pandemic has made it difficult for some parents to spend time with their children. While the Courts have made it clear that they expect existing custody orders to be followed during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Stay at Home Orders, issues may still arise that make it difficult for parents to exchange children during this time. For example, one parent may have been exposed and be required to self-quarantine while the children were with the other parent, and the children may not be able to immediately come over; children may be required to quarantine with a particular parent if they were exposed while with that parent; or the parties may simply be unable to travel at this time. This could result in one…
How Does a Stay at Home Order, Coronavirus, or COVID-19 Affect the Exchange of Children between Parents?
The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts issued a joint statement with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers titled, “7 Guidelines for Parents Who Are Divorced/Separated and Sharing Custody of Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Every parent faced with exchanging custody of their children during this time, will benefit from this advice. Stay at Home Orders are going into place, requiring people to stay at home for the next 30 days, except for essential activities. St. Louis City and County Stay at Home Orders both specifically provide an exception to allow for custody exchanges – which means you may leave your home to exchange custody of your child. Since your custody schedule and parenting plan are court orders, you must follow them. These are extraordinary…
How to Prepare for Your Divorce or Child Custody Consultation
Our attorneys are often asked how to prepare for your divorce or child custody consult. While you are not required to bring anything to your consult, it can be helpful and move the process along faster. If you are not able to obtain this information, do not worry, we will still be able to proceed, and our attorneys are experienced in how to obtain the information during your case. Helpful information to gather can include any of the following: What to Bring to Your Divorce Consultation Ask an Attorney about How to Prepare for a Divorce or Child Custody Consultation If you still have questions about what to bring with you, you should reach out to our firm. We can explain how to best prepare…
How to Change Your Name after Divorce
Many women are awarded their maiden or former name as part of a divorce decree, but how do they actually change it back? It isn’t as easy as you may think. Obtaining a Judgment from the Court is only the first step to changing your name after divorce. First, obtain a new Social Security card by presenting the Certified Judgment in-person to your local Social Security Administration office. They will send your new card in the mail. Second, get a new driver’s license. You will need your new Social Security card, your Judgment, and anything the Department of Revenue may require for obtaining a new ID. They typically mail your new license to you. In Missouri, additional information may be necessary to obtain a new ID….