Author: Jennifer Piper

Jennifer R. Piper is a family law attorney, mediator, and parenting coordinator with more than 20 years of experience serving families in the St. Louis area. She is certified as a Guardian ad Litem and frequently appointed by courts to represent children in high-conflict cases. Jennifer is a former Chair of the Family and Juvenile Law Section of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and an active leader in local and state bar organizations. Her professional recognition includes being named to The Best Lawyers in America® (2017–2024), Missouri Super Lawyers (2021–2024), and receiving a Women’s Justice Award from Missouri Lawyers Weekly. Jennifer also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She regularly speaks on family law topics and has helped shape family court procedures through her service on multiple committees.
Common Divorce Misconceptions

5 Common Divorce Misconceptions

Hours Categories Divorce

When it comes to divorce there can be a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings about how the divorce process actually works. You may have heard stories from friends or family who went through a divorce, but it is only when you experience it firsthand that you understand how the process works. We hope to dispel some of the common myths surrounding divorce and hope to provide you with a clearer picture of what to expect. 1. Divorce = A Big Fight One of the most prevalent misconceptions about divorce is that it has to be a big, acrimonious battle. Many people believe that if they hire attorneys, the process will inevitably turn into a hostile showdown. In reality, divorce can be handled amicably through Collaborative Divorce…

Child Temporary Power of Attorney

Hours Categories Child Custody

When children are injured or become ill, their parents or legal guardians have the right to make decisions regarding their medical care. In some cases, permission from a parent or legal guardian is necessary before a doctor can pursue certain treatment options. This situation can become complicated when the child is not currently in the care of a parent or guardian. If the child’s caretaker is not their legal guardian, they may lack the right to make these decisions, which could lead to a delay in treatment that could prove harmful to the child. A temporary delegation to an attorney in fact is a legal document that temporarily grants someone the power to make decisions regarding a child’s healthcare. These can be as short as…

A parent holding the hand of a young child with a backpack

The Benefits of Hiring a Parenting Coordinator in Missouri: A Guide for Co-Parents

Hours Categories Child Custody

As a co-parent, navigating the complexities of shared custody can be challenging. It is not uncommon for disagreements and conflicts to arise when making decisions about child custody and visitation. One solution that may help to resolve these issues is to hire a parenting coordinator. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive guide to the benefits of hiring a parenting coordinator in Missouri, including what a parenting coordinator is, how they differ from a mediator, the legal aspects of parenting coordination, what to look for when choosing a parenting coordinator, how to work effectively with them, and tips for navigating the parenting coordination process in Missouri. Introducing the Role of a Parenting Coordinator in Missouri A parenting coordinator is a neutral third-party professional who…

Get Ready for the Divorce: Practical Steps to Prepare Yourself Legally and Emotionally

Hours Categories Divorce

Divorce is never easy, but there are steps you can take to make the process go more smoothly. Knowing the legal processes involved and preparing yourself emotionally will help you to prepare for the divorce and move forward with your life. It’s important to take the time to educate yourself about the legal issues, such as division of assets, custody arrangements, and spousal support. Additionally, it’s essential to develop emotional coping strategies to help you get through the emotional turmoil of divorce. Whether you are facing an uncontested or contested divorce, these steps will help you prepare for the divorce and move forward. Understand the legal process of divorce Legal separation and divorce are both valid legal proceedings for ending a marriage. Legal separation is…

How to Cope with Divorce: 8 Simple but Effective Strategies to Move On

Hours Categories Divorce

Divorce can be an intensely difficult experience. It is often accompanied by sadness, guilt, and anger. It is a painful transition that can leave many feeling hopeless and helpless. However, many effective strategies can help you cope with divorce and move forward with your life. Here are 8 simple but effective strategies to help you cope with divorce and move on. The first and perhaps most important divorce tip is to take care of yourself. Make sure you are eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, and engaging in self-care activities that bring you joy. Taking good care of your physical and mental health will help you to cope with the stress and hardship of divorce. Another divorce tip is to reach out to your…

two lawyers give deposition

What is a Deposition and What is Its Purpose?

Hours Categories Preparing for Trial

A deposition is where an Attorney will ask questions of the Witness under oath in front of a Court Reporter. There are several reasons for taking a deposition. These may vary depending on your case, the knowledge of the witness, time, or other factors. Some of these reasons may include, but are not limited to: Depositions are very important and are not necessary in every case. Through effective depositions, you can learn new facts about your case and properly prepare for trial. We recommend you discuss this further with your attorney today.

man and woman shaking hands in front of a house

Why is Collaborative Law a Better Choice for Your Family Going through a Divorce?

Hours Categories Divorce

When you and your spouse choose the Collaborative law process to resolve your divorce, the focus is on the best interest of your family as a whole. When proceeding with the traditional route of litigation, the focus is on the best interest of the individual. At the end of the litigation process, neither client is completely happy nor satisfied, resulting in a lot of hard feelings. Clients are often angrier at the end of the litigation process than they were at the beginning. Trust that is already broken, is even further destroyed. Through the Collaborative Law process, clients can work to restore broken trust with the Collaborative Law team to assist you. There are both financial and therapeutic trained professionals who will help your family…

Domestic Violence Order of Protection Lawyers in St. Louis

Information for Survivors of Domestic Violence and How to Obtain an Order of Protection during COVID-19

Hours Categories Domestic Violence, Orders of Protection

Restrictions aimed to stop the spread of the Coronavirus may be making domestic violence in homes more frequent, more severe, and more dangerous. We are dedicated to stopping Domestic Violence and doing whatever we can to prevent partners and children from suffering at the hands of their abusers. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri recently put together Information for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Family Law Toolkit for Survivors of Domestic Violence during COVID-19, and released a 30 minute recorded webinar on their Facebook page and on YouTube that covers Orders of Protection, custody issues, and general Family Court questions during COVID-19. These links offer helpful information on how to obtain an Order of Protection, custody exchanges during the statewide stay-at-home order, court appearances, child support orders, Domestic…

Remote Custody Lawyers in St. Louis

Alternative Communications with Children during Covid-19

Hours Categories Child Custody

The current pandemic has made it difficult for some parents to spend time with their children. While the Courts have made it clear that they expect existing custody orders to be followed during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Stay at Home Orders, issues may still arise that make it difficult for parents to exchange children during this time. For example, one parent may have been exposed and be required to self-quarantine while the children were with the other parent, and the children may not be able to immediately come over; children may be required to quarantine with a particular parent if they were exposed while with that parent; or the parties may simply be unable to travel at this time. This could result in one…

Unemployment Child Support Lawyer in St. Louis

Unemployment Benefits during COVID-19

Hours Categories Resources

Have you lost your job or were furloughed due to COVID-19? You are not alone. Millions of Americans have already filed for unemployment due to the coronavirus pandemic. Congress recently approved a relief package designed to alleviate some of the economic downfall as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. On March 27, 2020, the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, a $2 trillion coronavirus emergency stimulus package, was signed into law to provide loan and grant programs for small businesses; expand unemployment benefits to include those not typically eligible for unemployment, furloughed, gig workers, freelancers and self-employed; direct payments to families of $1,200.00 per adult and $500 per child for households making up to $75,000; provide funding to hospitals, health care systems, and…