Author: Jennifer Piper

Pets and Divorce

Divorce: Finding the Best Outcome for You and Your Pet

Divorce

When going through a divorce, deciding what happens to your pet is an emotional and complicated issue. While you may see your pet as a beloved family member, Missouri law treats them differently. In divorce cases, pets are considered property, similar to a couch or a piece of furniture. But we all know that pets are more than just property for your family.  Here is what you need to understand when making pet decisions. The Legal Status of Pets In Missouri, pets are not given the same treatment as children in divorce cases. The law does not allow for “custody” arrangements for pets, meaning they won’t move between homes like a child would. Instead, a court will decide who keeps the pet, just as it…

Divorce: Why You Should Tell Your Lawyer Everything

Divorce: Why You Should Tell Your Lawyer Everything

Divorce

When you are going through a divorce, honesty with your lawyer is extremely important. If you hide information, even unintentionally, it can hurt your case. Your lawyer cannot protect you if they don’t know the full story. When unexpected facts come up during a trial, Mediation, Collaborative Divorce or negotiation, your lawyer needs to be prepared to respond effectively. If they are caught off guard, it weakens your position and could lead to worse outcomes. Imagine sitting in a courtroom and hearing the other side reveal a fact you never shared with your lawyer. If your lawyer knows about potential problems beforehand, they can investigate, find solutions, and address any issues before they become serious. By being honest upfront, you give your lawyer the chance…

What About the House?

What About the House?

Divorce

When going through a divorce, one of the biggest questions you may face is, “What happens to the house?” Whether you’re worried about immediate decisions or long-term outcomes, the family home carries emotional and financial weight. Understanding your options can help you make informed choices. Who Pays the Mortgage During the Divorce? One of the first questions to address is how to manage the mortgage while your divorce is pending. If both of you remain in the home, will you split the mortgage payments? If one person moves out, will they still contribute? Failing to plan for these costs can lead to missed payments, damaged credit, and even foreclosure. It can be helpful to reach a temporary agreement about mortgage and utility payments. If you…

How to Keep Your Divorce Private

How to Keep Your Divorce Private

Divorce

Divorce can feel like an invasion of your personal life, and it’s only natural to want to protect your privacy. While it’s not always easy to keep everything confidential, there are options that can significantly reduce the chances of your private matters becoming public. By choosing the right approach, you can ensure that sensitive information stays between you and the professionals involved. Choose Collaborative Divorce If privacy matters to you, the Collaborative Divorce process is a strong choice. Unlike traditional divorce proceedings, which involve public court records, a Collaborative Divorce keeps most of the details between you, your spouse, and your professionals. With Collaborative Divorce, you work with attorneys, financial planners, and sometimes mental health professionals to resolve issues without going to court. This process…

The #1 Reason People Get Divorced

The #1 Reason People Get Divorced

Divorce

While many people assume that infidelity, emotional distance, or parenting disagreements are the primary causes of divorce, the truth is that money plays a much larger role. The number one reason people get divorced is money and more specifically, the lack of communication about it. Money and Miscommunication Go Hand in Hand Many couples don’t talk about money before they get married. They may not discuss their financial goals, spending habits, or long-term plans. After marriage, the topic often remains off-limits or becomes a source of conflict. One of you may want to save, while the other prefers to spend. Maybe one partner controls all the finances, leaving the other feeling powerless. These differences can lead to resentment, distrust, and ultimately, divorce. Different Money Values…

My Best Co-Parenting Advice

My Best Co-Parenting Advice

Co-Parenting

When you and your co-parent choose Collaborative Divorce or Mediation instead of litigation, you set the tone for how you will handle parenting together. If you go into the process with the goal of fighting, that fight may never end. However, if you work together, you can build a foundation of respect that benefits both of you and, most importantly, your children. Choosing a peaceful approach now can lead to a better future for everyone involved. Your Relationship Doesn’t End Even though your marriage is ending, your relationship as co-parents will continue. You may not be best friends, and you don’t have to be. But if you can maintain respect and trust, you will create a healthier environment for your children. In some cases, parents…

Gray Divorce: How It Differs from Other Divorces

Gray Divorce: How It Differs from Other Divorces

Divorce

Gray divorce refers to the separation of couples over the age of 50, often after decades of marriage. Unlike younger couples, you likely aren’t dealing with child custody, but you are facing different financial and emotional challenges. Factors such as retirement planning, healthcare costs, and even the ability to re-enter the workforce play a significant role in your divorce process. Waiting Until the Right Time Many couples delay divorce until their children have grown, finished college, or moved out of the house. You may have prioritized family stability, choosing to wait until the right moment to separate. Others delay due to financial concerns—if one of you is the higher wage earner, spousal support and retirement age may impact your decision. Some couples even wait until…

Prenups Are More Than Just Protecting Money

Prenups Are More Than Just Protecting Money

Prenuptial Agreements

When you hear the word “prenup,” you might automatically think of money and protecting assets. While that’s certainly part of the conversation, a prenuptial agreement is much more than just financial protection. It’s a tool to build a strong foundation for your future by discussing important topics that many couples overlook. Starting Important Conversations One of the most valuable aspects of a prenup is that it forces you to have meaningful discussions about financial matters before you get married. Many couples never discuss finances in depth, which can lead to conflict down the road. A prenup helps you address essential questions such as: These conversations can help avoid future misunderstandings and build mutual understanding about your financial future. Planning for Life’s Changes Life changes, sometimes…

The Respectful Divorce Podcast logo.

St. Louis Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Jennifer Piper Featured On The Respectful Divorce Podcast

Divorce

St. Louis Collaborative Divorce Attorney Jennifer Piper was recently a guest featured on The Respectful Divorce podcast discussing the upcoming Divorce With Respect Week® initiative and the no-court Collaborative Divorce process. The Respectful Divorce Podcast is hosted by Tim Crouch and highlights divorce professionals discussing the different options for divorce. “My parents had a terrible divorce and I knew how that affected me as a child,” said Piper. “I was dragged to the courthouse and it wasn’t pleasant. It still affects me to this day and I don’t recommend it for anyone. What I do recommend is the Collaborative Divorce process because it’s not designed to fight, the clients are more involved, and you don’t have to deal with court and your private information being…

How Is Property Divided in a Divorce in Missouri?

How Is Property Divided in a Divorce in Missouri?

Divorce

When going through a divorce in Missouri, understanding how property is divided can be essential for planning your future. Missouri follows an equitable distribution approach, which starts with a 50/50 split but can be adjusted based on several factors. Here’s what you need to know. Marital vs. Separate Property One of the first steps in dividing property is determining whether its marital or separate property. Marital property generally includes anything purchased or earned during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title or account. This includes: On the other hand, separate property typically includes assets owned before the marriage, inheritances, or gifts received solely by one spouse. How the Court Decides Property Distribution While the starting point is a 50/50 division, Missouri courts…