Author: Jennifer Piper

Getting divorced in Missouri now offers more options than it did years ago. Mediation is often required, Collaborative Divorce is more widely available, and remote meetings are common. These changes make it easier for families to resolve divorce issues more peacefully and with more control over the outcome. Change # 1 – Going to Court is No Longer the Only Option Years ago, most divorces in Missouri were resolved through traditional litigation. That often meant long, expensive court battles. Today, more families are turning to Mediation or Collaborative Divorce to reach agreements. These methods focus on working together instead of fighting it out in court. The result is a better outcome for families and reduces the emotional toll of the divorce process. Change # 2…

After making the difficult decision to divorce, your next steps should include learning about your options, talking with experienced divorce attorneys, and thinking about how you want the process to affect your family. Choosing the right approach early will save time, reduce conflict, lessen the impact on your children and give you more control. Start by Learning About Your Divorce Options Once you have made the decision to divorce, it is important to learn that there are different ways you can move forward. Do you want a high-conflict court case, or are you hoping for a more peaceful approach? Many people start by researching online, but it is important to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. Not everything you read online is accurate or applies to…

Both Collaborative Divorce and Mediation help you avoid court, but they offer different types of support. Mediation may work well if you and your spouse can communicate and are informed. Collaborative Divorce provides more structure and team-based support, which is helpful for families with concerns that require extra guidance. Collaborative Divorce and Mediation Help You Stay Out of Court If you are looking for a more peaceful way to divorce, Mediation and Collaborative Divorce are two strong options. Both allow you to stay out of court and make your own decisions. The difference lies in the level of support and who is involved in the process. In Mediation, you work with a neutral third party, meeting either alone or with your attorneys participating. This can…

Court battles are costly, time-consuming, and emotionally draining with uncertain outcomes. An amicable divorce, resolved through Mediation or Collaborative Divorce offer more affordable, efficient, and respectful alternatives that help protect your finances, relationships, and well-being. Going to Court may mean that you spend more money and get less in return. The True Cost of a Court Battle When emotions are high, you might feel tempted to “win” your divorce in court. But trials do not come cheap, financially or emotionally. Between attorney fees, expert witnesses, court filings, and time away from work, litigation costs add up quickly. In many cases, what you spend fighting in court could be more than what you might recover. Why Trial Is So Expensive Going to trial is not a…

For those divorcing after 50, Mediation and Collaborative Divorce offer a more thoughtful, flexible, and less stressful alternative to court. These approaches allow you to address unique concerns like retirement, health care, estate planning, and family dynamics, helping you protect your legacy and move forward with greater peace of mind. Divorce Over 50 Brings Different Priorities When you divorce later in life, your concerns often look different from those of younger couples. You might be thinking about retirement income, long-term health care, estate plans, or even how your adult children will be affected. A divorce court is not set up to handle those kinds of concerns in a meaningful way. That is why choosing an amicable option, such as Mediation or Collaborative Divorce can be…

A divorce settlement agreement, also known as a marital settlement agreement or martial separation agreement, outlines how you and your spouse will divide property, debt,  and sometimes even pets. If done correctly, it helps avoid future court battles and brings your divorce to a final resolution. A Written Agreement That Finalizes the Details When you and your spouse agree to divorce, you need to sort out the practical parts of ending a marriage. A divorce or marital settlement agreement is the legal document that covers those decisions. It lists all of your assets and debts, explains who gets what, and includes protections to reduce the risk of disputes and litigation later on. Everything Needs to Be Listed Even if you think something belongs only to…

The economy can influence many aspects of your divorce, from whether you decide to file, to how you divide assets, handle support, or even afford legal costs. A downturn may push some couples toward faster settlements, while others face new financial pressures that make divorce harder to manage. An amicable divorce, Collaborative Divorce, or Mediation may offer more flexible solutions in a changing economy. The State of the Economy Can Shape Your Choices When the economy takes a downturn, it affects more than your wallet. It can also impact your marriage and your decision to divorce. For some couples, financial stress increases the strain at home, which leads to more people reaching out to lawyers. Others may delay filing, either because they are trying to…

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…