Author: Jennifer Piper

Jennifer R. Piper attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where she earned a B.A. in political science, she then went on to receive her law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law. As an attorney, Jennifer has been distinguished by Missouri Lawyers Weekly as a Rising Star, Up and Coming Lawyer; she has been named to The Best Lawyers in America® 2017-2023 in the practice area of Family Law. Ms. Piper also recently received a Woman’s Justice Award from Missouri Lawyers Weekly in 2019 and recognized by Missouri Super Lawyers for 2021-2023. Bar Admissions Missouri, 2001 U.S. District Court Eastern District of Missouri, 2001 Illinois, 2002 (currently inactive)
What Makes the Best Divorce Lawyers Different

What Makes the Best Divorce Lawyers Different

Divorce

The best divorce lawyers work to keep your case focused and fair. They do not stir up unnecessary conflict or waste your money. They are upfront about the risks, cooperate with the other side when possible, and help you reach an outcome that makes sense for you and your family. Why the Right Attorney Can Save You Time, Money, and Stress When you are starting the divorce process, it may seem like hiring an aggressive attorney is the safest option. But choosing someone who pushes for unnecessary battles can quickly drain your finances and slow everything down. Court fights take time, cost more in legal fees, and often lead to more stress without better results. The best divorce lawyers look for ways to work through…

7 Things to Know About Divorce in Missouri

7 Things to Know About Divorce in Missouri

Divorce

Divorce litigation in Missouri is expensive, stressful, and unpredictable. If you want more control, privacy, and peace of mind, consider an amicable divorce through Mediation or a Collaborative Divorce. Many people start the divorce process hoping the court will sort everything out in a fair way. But once you are in the system, it can feel like you have lost control. Court schedules move slowly, legal fees add up quickly, and you may end up with decisions that do not reflect your families’ values or goals. Before you move forward, it helps to understand a few key things about how divorce works in Missouri. 1. Litigation Does Not Guarantee a Win No matter how strong your case seems, you are probably not going to walk…

Divorce: What to Consider Before You Remarry

Divorce: What to Consider Before You Remarry

Divorce

If you have gone through a divorce, before you remarry, you should take time to evaluate how a new relationship could affect your children, financial obligations, and legal rights. Conversations about debt, assets, and future responsibilities are not only practical, they are a necessity. A prenuptial agreement or consultation with a lawyer can help protect everyone involved. Put Your Children First If you have children from your previous marriage, their needs should remain a top priority. This includes making sure you have the resources to support them if your situation changes. You may want your assets to go to your children if something happens to you. That may require a prenuptial agreement, trust, or an updated estate plan. Without something in place, your new spouse…

Can I Change My Will During My Divorce?

Can I Change My Will During My Divorce?

Divorce

When you are in the middle of a divorce, you may start thinking about changing your will or updating your estate plan. While it is possible to make some changes, there are limits to what you can do and what will actually be recognized. You Can Change It, But It May Not Hold Up In Missouri, you are allowed to revise your will while your divorce is pending. However, if something were to happen to you before the divorce is finalized, the court may still treat your spouse as your legal heir. Unless you have a pre or post nuptial agreement or another legal document that says otherwise, most or all of your assets may still go to your spouse. Even if you change your…

Divorce: Why Do I Need a QDRO?

Divorce: Why Do I Need a QDRO?

Divorce

When you’re finalizing your divorce, you may think everything is settled once the judge signs the agreement. But if you’re dividing retirement accounts, you’ll likely need one more step: a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, or QDRO (pronounced “quad-ro”). What a QDRO Actually Does A QDRO is separate from your divorce judgment and plays a key role in making sure the division of retirement accounts is recognized and processed properly. Think of a QDRO like the title to a car. If you’re awarded a vehicle in the divorce, the judgment gives you ownership, but you still have to re-title it at the DMV. The same is true for retirement plans. A QDRO acts as the legal document that transfers part of a retirement account, such as…

Bankruptcy and Divorce: What to Know

Bankruptcy and Divorce: What to Know

Divorce

If you, your spouse, or both of you are in financial trouble, it is important to understand how bankruptcy might affect your divorce and what steps you need to take to avoid setbacks. You May Need Permission to Proceed with Your Divorce If you have already filed for bankruptcy, you will likely need permission from the bankruptcy court to move forward with dividing property, setting support payments, or finalizing other parts of your divorce. Custody decisions can typically continue without delay, but anything that involves money or property must go through the proper process with the bankruptcy court. When you both agree, getting this permission is usually straightforward with a consent motion and order.  However, if you can’t agree, a contested motion may need to…

Divorce: The Emotional and Financial Costs

Divorce: The Emotional and Financial Costs

Divorce

You likely feel hurt, angry, or even betrayed during the process of your divorce;  but beware your emotions can make the entire divorce process more expensive. Additionally, Judges notice emotional behavior and it can influence their decisions about custody, property division, or even legal fees. Decisions That Cost More Than Money The emotional side of divorce affects more than your bank account. If you become too attached to a house, a business, or other physical property, you might make choices that do not serve your future well-being. For example, keeping a house, you cannot afford or refusing to sell an asset out of spite can leave you financially unstable after the divorce. Emotionally driven decisions can also affect your relationships with your children or your…

What Do You Have to Gain by Being Nice During Your Divorce?

What Do You Have to Gain by Being Nice During Your Divorce?

Divorce

Divorce can bring out strong emotions, but how you handle those feelings can make a big difference. You might feel angry or hurt, but treating your spouse with kindness during the process can have real benefits. Being respectful is not just about avoiding conflict. It can affect important decisions like property division, legal fees, and child custody. Your Behavior Is Being Watched Once the divorce process begins, many people are observing your actions. Attorneys on both sides, a guardian ad litem if children are involved, and most importantly, the judge, are all paying attention. Every text message, email, comment, and social media post you make can be reviewed and considered during your case. If you come across as angry or uncooperative, it could hurt you…

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…