Author: Jennifer Piper

Divorce does not have to destroy your finances, your mental health, or your family relationships. Even when emotions run high, there are ways to resolve issues privately, fairly, and with less conflict through options like Mediation and Collaborative Divorce. Many people enter divorce believing it will be a long, exhausting fight that leaves lasting damage behind. That belief alone can shape how the process unfolds. In reality, there are important truths about divorce that often go unspoken. Understanding them early can help you make decisions that protect your finances, your family, and your well-being. 1) Divorce Does Not Have to Be a Battle One of the biggest surprises people learn too late is that divorce does not have to feel like a war. Even when…

Experts can be helpful in Mediation when you and your spouse need support understanding the value of assets or need guidance on financial, property, or practical issues. Bringing in experts during Mediation is often faster and far less expensive than relying on the court to resolve the same questions. Why Experts Can Be Helpful During Mediation Mediation works best when you have clear information. When a decision involves valuations, financial questions, or specialized knowledge, an expert can help you and your spouse understand the situation more fully. This makes your discussions easier and helps you explore options instead of getting stuck on uncertainty. A common example is getting a home appraisal. Your house is often one of the largest assets you share. If you and…

If Mediation or Collaborative Divorce does not lead to an agreement, your case moves into the court system. A judge may require more Mediation, issue temporary orders, and ultimately make decisions for your family. You lose control over the outcome, your case becomes public, and the process becomes more expensive. When Mediation or Collaboration Does Not Lead to a Full Agreement Mediation and Collaborative Divorce are highly successful for most families, but there are times when they do not result in a full agreement. This may happen because emotions are running high, one spouse refuses to participate, or progress stalls for reasons outside of your control. When this occurs, your case shifts from private discussions to the formal court system. What It Means to Enter…

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…

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…