Articles

You’ve just marked a memorable Valentine’s Day by getting engaged. Amid the joy and excitement, a more practical question may arise: Is a prenup necessary? The answer is a resounding yes. A prenuptial agreement is not about planning for a divorce. In many ways, it is premarital counseling. Much of the conversations when developing a prenup are around future children, how you plan to pay the bills, how you feel about debt, or how you plan to share, spend, or save money. Understanding feelings about these issues can save a lot of heartache later in your marriage.  Wealthy or Not, It Matters Getting married is not just a romantic endeavor; it is a substantial legal decision. Having a prenuptial agreement is especially prudent if there…

In collaboration with Divorce with Respect Week™, St. Louis Attorney and Family Ally, Jennifer Piper is joining divorce professionals nationwide to offer free 30-minute virtual divorce consultations between March 4 and 8, 2024.  During these consultations, she will meet virtually with anyone seeking to better understand the divorce process and options for how they might divorce. “Divorce With Respect Week™ is the perfect way to draw attention to the Collaborative Divorce process, which helps families avoid the damage of drawn-out court battles,” said Jennifer Piper. “I think this is a great opportunity for couples facing the reality of divorce to each talk separately with an attorney or to speak with a Divorce Financial Professional or Divorce Coach and learn more about how an out of…

Custody issues can be complex, especially when the parents of the child are unmarried. In this blog post, we’ll explore how these issues are addressed, from determining biological paternity to establishing custody arrangements and child support. Paternity issues are now almost as common as divorce cases. Even couples who have been amicable for years may find themselves needing court intervention due to changing circumstances or a desire to formalize agreements for clarity. Resolving Paternity Disputes If the paternity of the child is in dispute, the court can order a DNA test. While the other party may consent or object, the court is likely to grant the request for a DNA test. The DNA testing process involves a mouth swab. All involved parties, including the mother,…

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…

While a divorce decree is legally binding on both parties, it is not necessarily permanent. Some divorce terms can be modified after the dissolution of marriage, especially when there are children involved. If you feel as though a modification of your divorce order is necessary, you should let a skilled family law attorney help determine whether your circumstances qualify you to make chances. A St. Louis post-divorce lawyer can evaluate the facts of your situation and advise you on the best way to move forward with requesting a modification. Spousal Maintenance Maintenance is paid from one spouse to the other after the dissolution of their marriage. Modifiable maintenance is common is Missouri. You may need to go back to Court to seek to have maintenance…

Establishing the paternity of a child is an important part of a father’s ability to exercise his parental rights. Only legally acknowledged fathers can exercise custody or visitation rights. Additionally, mothers may have a more difficult time obtaining child support from men who are not the legal fathers of their children. Paternity can be established by having a child while married, through a voluntary written acknowledgment, or through a family court case. A St. Louis paternity lawyer can help you establish your paternal rights. One of our steadfast family law advisors can also help you refute demands for child support. What Rights and Obligations Do Fathers Have? Missouri Revised Statutes §452.340 requires that every father is responsible for financially supporting his children. Fathers with legally…

Child support is based on the legal theory that parents who do not live together should both support their children financially. It is a recurring payment made by one parent to the other to help them cover expenses associated with raising a child and to ensure that the children have the same standard of living in each household. When setting an amount for child support, a judge must examine the incomes of both parents, the number of children involved, and the existing custody arrangement, among other factors. You should contact a St. Louis child support lawyer for help with requesting financial assistance from your child’s other parent, modifying an existing court order, or improving your understanding of how it can be enforced. Regardless of your…

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,…