Author: Jennifer Piper

Avoiding court during your divorce will save money because you reduce attorney time, avoid court-driven deadlines, and limit the conflict. Mediation and Collaborative Divorce keep your divorce discussions focused on solutions instead of arguments, which lowers the overall cost and helps you reach agreements more efficiently. Why the Court Process Increases the Cost of a Divorce When you file for divorce in court, the process immediately becomes more expensive. Deadlines start running the moment documents are filed. Your attorney must prepare pleadings, respond to filings, and follow court requirements, even while you are still trying to settle your case. This creates a situation where you pay for both preparation and negotiation at the same time. Court filings also increase tension. When one side files something…

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…

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…

In Missouri, you can modify most parts of your divorce decree that involve children or support if circumstances change. Property division, however, is permanent once finalized. Mediation and the Collaborative Divorce process can help you make these changes more privately and flexibly than traditional court proceedings. What Can Be Modified Anything related to your children can be changed if it supports their best interests and if circumstances have significantly changed. This includes legal and physical custody, child support, parenting schedules, school and activity costs, and health insurance. Missouri courts allow modifications so that parenting plans remain practical and continue to work for your family as life evolves. Maintenance, also known as spousal support, can also be modified. You may request an increase, decrease, or termination…

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…

Offering a genuine apology during divorce can rebuild trust, soften conflict, and help both you and your spouse move toward resolution. In Mediation or Collaborative Divorce, an apology often opens the door to better communication and more productive discussions. Why an Apology Matters During divorce, one of the biggest challenges is the loss of trust. You once relied on your spouse more than anyone else, and now that trust is broken. Acknowledging the hurt, even without saying “I’m sorry,” can go a long way toward rebuilding respect and allowing both of you to move forward. Many people find they need accountability before they can let go of the anger and begin making decisions with a clearer mind. What an Apology Can Look Like An apology…

Divorce filings in Missouri are part of the public record, but Mediation or Collaborative Divorce allows you to resolve issues privately while keeping personal matters out of the courtroom. Understanding Public Record In Missouri, your divorce case becomes part of the public record once it is filed. This means that documents in your case are generally available through Case.net, the state’s online system, or by going to the courthouse in person. While some personal details are supposed to be hidden, mistakes happen, and sensitive information can slip through. What the Public Can See The public may be able to view motions, orders, and final judgments in your case. Court orders are typically accessible, and the judgment is always available. If your case goes to trial,…

Divorce Mediation is a private process where you and your spouse work with a neutral mediator to discuss every detail of your case, from custody to property division, with the goal of reaching a fair resolution. Understanding the Mediation Process When you attend divorce Mediation, you will meet with a neutral third party called a mediator. Sometimes your attorney will be present, and sometimes they won’t. The mediator’s role is not to take sides but to help you and your spouse explore possible resolutions. They will walk through the facts of your case, explain how the law applies, and guide you in discussing child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and other important topics. Preparing for Mediation You should come ready to talk about…