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® (2017–2025), 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.

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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 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…

  • Activities to Keep Children Educated and Entertained while Social Distancing during COVID-19

    Hours Categories Resources

    Now that Gov. Mike Parson has ordered all classrooms in Missouri to remain closed throughout the end of the school year, parents and caregivers are faced with the task of keeping their children occupied during this time. Here is a list of available resources to keep your children educated and entertained each day: Online Education Activities and Games Exercise is also the oldest and greatest ways to ease a worried mind. Take a walk around the neighborhood, grab your gloves, bats and brush up on your baseball, ride your bikes, kick the soccer ball around or throw some hoops, toss the ball for your dog. Take advantage of this time with your kids, the slower pace, with no rushing from place to place, it may be…

  • Community Resources Available Providing Financial Assistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Hours Categories Resources

    With more than 17 million Americans filing for unemployment, and the numbers continuing to escalate daily, it is essential now, more than ever, to utilize all available resources and assistance programs during this pandemic. If you need assistance with food, rental & utilities, unemployment and small business services, and other available benefits, here are some recommendations of available services in the area: If you need assistance with paying your mortgage or credit cards, reach out to your mortgage provider or credit card provider to see what options are available. Many companies are offering immediate waiver of payments, simply upon a request.  Reach out to your provider, either online or by calling. Be sure to be aware of any fees or interest that may accrue if payments are…