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.
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…

Child Custody Lawyer in St. Louis

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…

St. Louis Family Law Attorneys

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…

St. Louis Child Custody Exchange Lawyer

How Does a Stay at Home Order, Coronavirus, or COVID-19 Affect the Exchange of Children between Parents?

Hours Categories Child Custody

The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts issued a joint statement with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers titled, “7 Guidelines for Parents Who Are Divorced/Separated and Sharing Custody of Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Every parent faced with exchanging custody of their children during this time, will benefit from this advice. Stay at Home Orders are going into place, requiring people to stay at home for the next 30 days, except for essential activities. St. Louis City and County Stay at Home Orders both specifically provide an exception to allow for custody exchanges – which means you may leave your home to exchange custody of your child. Since your custody schedule and parenting plan are court orders, you must follow them. These are extraordinary…

St. Louis Divorce Child Custody Consultation Lawyers

How to Prepare for Your Divorce or Child Custody Consultation

Hours Categories Child Custody, Divorce

Our attorneys are often asked how to prepare for your divorce or child custody consult. While you are not required to bring anything to your consult, it can be helpful and move the process along faster. If you are not able to obtain this information, do not worry, we will still be able to proceed, and our attorneys are experienced in how to obtain the information during your case. Helpful information to gather can include any of the following: What to Bring to Your Divorce Consultation Ask an Attorney about How to Prepare for a Divorce or Child Custody Consultation If you still have questions about what to bring with you, you should reach out to our firm. We can explain how to best prepare…

How to Change Your Name after Divorce

Hours Categories Divorce

Many women are awarded their maiden or former name as part of a divorce decree, but how do they actually change it back? It isn’t as easy as you may think. Obtaining a Judgment from the Court is only the first step to changing your name after divorce. First, obtain a new Social Security card by presenting the Certified Judgment in-person to your local Social Security Administration office. They will send your new card in the mail.  Second, get a new driver’s license. You will need your new Social Security card, your Judgment, and anything the Department of Revenue may require for obtaining a new ID. They typically mail your new license to you. In Missouri, additional information may be necessary to obtain a new ID….