Author: Jennifer Piper

Divorce without court

Can I Get Divorced Without Going to Court?

Divorce

When people think of divorce, they often envision contentious courtroom battles, but the reality is quite different. You can get a divorce without ever setting foot in a courtroom.  It is important to understand that divorce does not have to equal a court battle.  Choosing the right divorce process can enable a respectful and amicable divorce. Dispelling the Misconception that Divorce Means Court It is a common misconception that divorce inevitably means going to court and engaging in an adversarial proceeding.  The reality is that this is not the case for most divorce cases. In fact, it’s entirely possible to get divorced without stepping into a courtroom, provided certain conditions are met. The Power of Agreements You and your spouse can agree on the terms…

Divorce Settlement Obstacles

6 Obstacles to Reaching a Divorce Settlement

Divorce

Reaching a settlement in a divorce case will always present some challenges along the way. There are some obstacles we often see that can be avoided if you know what they are. These obstacles can range from personal attitudes to complex emotional issues. Understanding the obstacles is the first step toward addressing them and ultimately achieving a successful divorce settlement. While reaching a divorce settlement is challenging, it’s possible to overcome obstacles with the right approach and support. Open communication, cooperation, and a commitment to finding common ground are key factors in reaching a successful divorce settlement. Additionally, the Collaborative Divorce process can provide valuable assistance in addressing emotional and interpersonal hurdles that may arise during divorce proceedings. Contact Family Ally If you have questions or need…

Father walking with his children during the holiday season.

7 Tips for Divorce and the Holidays

Child Custody

Divorce brings a whirlwind of emotions and challenges, and when the holiday season approaches, it can feel especially overwhelming. Whether you’re in the midst of a divorce or you’ve already finalized it, here are some tips for how to prepare for the holidays in a way that prioritizes your children’s well-being and helps you find a sense of peace during this time of change. Ultimately, the key to navigating the holidays after a divorce is to prioritize the well-being and emotional stability of your children. Keep lines of communication open with your co-parent, plan ahead, and be sensitive to your children’s needs and feelings during this time of transition. By doing so, you can help create a positive and enjoyable holiday experience for your family,…

Common Divorce Misconceptions

5 Common Divorce Misconceptions

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…

Contempt of Court

Uncategorized

When it comes to lack of compliance with a family court order, many remedies are available, the strongest of which is filing a motion to hold the non-compliant party in contempt of court. Civil contempt of court carries serious consequences. While not a criminal offense, civil contempt could result in jail time in extreme cases. A judge will not find someone in contempt without good cause. You can file a motion for contempt with the help of a dedicated family law advisor. Don’t file a motion on your own, schedule a consultation with a St. Louis contempt of court lawyer. Proving Civil Contempt Before the court can issue a finding of contempt and any penalties, evidence must be presented to show that the party had…

Child Temporary Power of Attorney

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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

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

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

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?

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.