Author: Jennifer Piper

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…

More older women are choosing divorce later in life because they want independence, feel their concerns have gone unheard, or decide that after their children have left home that their marriage no longer works. These decisions to get a divorce often come after years of trying to make their marriage work and are about growth and change rather than blaming their spouse. Life After the Children Leave For many couples, children have been the center of their family life for decades. Once the children leave home, a couple may find that they have little in common. Women often describe realizing that their marriage is no longer fulfilling once the daily responsibilities of parenting are gone. Without those shared routines, long-standing differences can come to the…

After your divorce is final, there are important tasks to take care of right away, such as updating titles, changing beneficiaries, handling retirement accounts, reviewing insurance, and meeting with a financial advisor. When your divorce is finalized, it may feel like a huge weight has been lifted. However, the court order is only part of the process. There are still practical steps you need to take to protect your finances, update your records, and set yourself up for the future. Taking care of these tasks right away can prevent problems and give you peace of mind. 1) Update Property Titles and Records Once your divorce is finalized, make sure all property is correctly titled in your name. This includes vehicles, homes, and tax records. In…

In Missouri, you don’t need to prove who was at fault to get divorced. If you or your spouse had an affair that led to the divorce that fact is may not be significant. However, that misconduct can influence property division, financial decisions, and even support, in particular, if marital money was spent on the affair. While the courts focus on fairness, the emotional impact of an affair often makes divorce more challenging, making Mediation or Collaborative Divorce more helpful in reaching a settlement. No-Fault Divorce in Missouri Missouri is a no-fault divorce state. This means you do not need to show who was at fault to end your marriage. You simply have to state that the relationship cannot be saved. While an affair may…

Even the simplest divorce can create costly mistakes if you go through it alone.  A family law attorney will protect your rights, help you make sound decisions, and prevent problems that could surface years later.   The short-term savings on representing yourself can end up costing you more in legal fees over the long-term. Emotions Make It Hard to Think Like a Business Deal Divorce is both legal and emotional. When you try to represent yourself, emotions can take over and cloud your judgment. You may agree to something just to get it over with, or you may refuse to compromise when a fair settlement is possible. An attorney gives you an objective perspective and helps you focus on the legal and financial issues that will…

Some couples choose to live in the same home or rotate in and out, both during and even after their divorce.  Many couples make this decision to maintain stability for their children. This arrangement, sometimes called nesting or bird nesting, can work short-term, but requires careful planning and strong communication. Why Some Couples Share the Home During Divorce You may be considering staying in the same house with your spouse during your divorce or taking turns living there while your children remain in place. This setup can help keep your children in a familiar environment and avoid the need for sudden housing changes. Sometimes this arrangement happens because families wish to maintain stability for the children, the house cannot be sold right away, or one…

Getting divorced in Missouri now offers more options than it did years ago. Mediation is often required, Collaborative Divorce is more widely available, and remote meetings are common. These changes make it easier for families to resolve divorce issues more peacefully and with more control over the outcome. Change # 1 – Going to Court is No Longer the Only Option Years ago, most divorces in Missouri were resolved through traditional litigation. That often meant long, expensive court battles. Today, more families are turning to Mediation or Collaborative Divorce to reach agreements. These methods focus on working together instead of fighting it out in court. The result is a better outcome for families and reduces the emotional toll of the divorce process. Change # 2…

After making the difficult decision to divorce, your next steps should include learning about your options, talking with experienced divorce attorneys, and thinking about how you want the process to affect your family. Choosing the right approach early will save time, reduce conflict, lessen the impact on your children and give you more control. Start by Learning About Your Divorce Options Once you have made the decision to divorce, it is important to learn that there are different ways you can move forward. Do you want a high-conflict court case, or are you hoping for a more peaceful approach? Many people start by researching online, but it is important to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. Not everything you read online is accurate or applies to…

Both Collaborative Divorce and Mediation help you avoid court, but they offer different types of support. Mediation may work well if you and your spouse can communicate and are informed. Collaborative Divorce provides more structure and team-based support, which is helpful for families with concerns that require extra guidance. Collaborative Divorce and Mediation Help You Stay Out of Court If you are looking for a more peaceful way to divorce, Mediation and Collaborative Divorce are two strong options. Both allow you to stay out of court and make your own decisions. The difference lies in the level of support and who is involved in the process. In Mediation, you work with a neutral third party, meeting either alone or with your attorneys participating. This can…