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.

  • How Long Does Mediation Take?

    Hours Categories Divorce

    One of the most common questions about Mediation is, “How long will this take?” There isn’t a simple answer. Mediation timelines can vary greatly depending on several factors. Here’s what you need to know. 3 Factors That Influence Mediation Time Why You Shouldn’t Rush Mediation While you may be eager to finalize your divorce and move on, rushing through Mediation is not advisable. Speeding through the process can lead to oversights, such as forgetting to discuss important issues or making hasty decisions that you might regret later. It is important to take the time to think about each decision carefully and consult with your attorney when necessary. By doing so, you’ll ensure that the final agreement is well-considered and in your best interest. The Role…

  • 7 Common Reasons for Modifying Child Custody

    Hours Categories Child Custody

    There are many reasons why you might need to modify an existing custody order to better suit the changing needs of your child and family. As life progresses, changes are inevitable. This is especially true in questions related to child custody. Here are some of the most common reasons that child custody orders are changed. 1. Changes in your Child’s Needs As your child grows, their needs change. A custody arrangement that worked well for a toddler might not be suitable for a teenager. Older children often have more activities, such as sports, clubs, and social events. If one parent is better able to transport the child to these activities or provide support for their interests, a modification may be necessary. Additionally, as children mature,…

  • How Long Does It Take To Modify Child Support?

    Hours Categories Child Support

    The process of modifying child support modification can be frustrating, especially if you are facing an urgent financial change. Understanding the timeline and what factors influence it can help you better prepare and manage expectations. On average, the process of modifying child support can take anywhere from six months to a year and a half. In some cases, it might take even longer. This range is broad because the duration depends on the specifics of each case. Factors That Affect the Timeline for Modification Reasons for Modifying Child Support Several situations might necessitate a modification of child support, including: Conclusion Modifying child support is a complex and lengthy process, but understanding the factors that influence the timeline can help manage your expectations. If you’re considering…

  • Does Mediation Always Keep You Out of Court?

    Hours Categories Divorce

    Mediation is often seen as a peaceful alternative to a courtroom battle. But does it always keep you out of court? There can be some limitations in a mediation that are important to understand.  What is Mediation? Mediation is a process where a neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps you and your spouse to reach a mutually agreeable solution. It is often used in family law cases, including divorce, custody disputes, and other family-related matters and helps to resolve the case without going to court. Mandatory Mediation In some jurisdictions, such as St. Louis County, there is a mandatory mediation rule that requires completion of two hours of mediation before proceeding with court cases. While this rule aims to encourage settlements, two hours…

  • Understanding Mediation in a Divorce

    Hours Categories Divorce

    Mediation is a process that can help you resolve disputes without going to court. It is especially useful in family law cases, like divorce or child custody, where emotions run high, and the traditional court system can be overwhelming and costly. Understanding how mediation works, and its benefits can make the divorce process smoother for you and your spouse. How Does Mediation Work? Mediation uses a neutral third party, known as a mediator, who helps both sides to reach an agreement. You can choose to hold your mediation with or without your attorney. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what typically happens during mediation: Benefits of Mediation Conclusion Mediation is a valuable tool for resolving disputes, especially in family law cases. By understanding the process and…

  • Common Divorce Fear: Making It Financially

    Hours Categories Divorce

    Divorce brings a lot of changes. One common fear a common fear people may experience is regarding your financial future. Managing your finances on your own might seem challenging, but with the right approach and resources, you can overcome this fear and achieve financial independence. Here are six practical steps to help you handle this situation effectively. Final Thoughts In facing your financial fears during a divorce, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Resources and professionals are available to help you through this process and secure your financial future. By taking proactive steps to understand your finances, create a budget, seek professional help, and plan for the future, you can overcome those financial fears and thrive independently. Contact Family Ally At…

  • Common Divorce Fear: Divorce Will Harm My Children

    Hours Categories Divorce

    One of the biggest fears you may have when considering divorce or separation from your partner is the impact it will have on your children. It is natural to worry that ending your relationship could harm them. However, it is important to know that divorce or separation doesn’t have to harm your children if you handle your separation thoughtfully and sensitively. Understand the Impact of Conflict Divorce or separation can negatively affect your children, but it largely depends on how you and your spouse manage it. If your separation is filled with anger, fighting, and negativity, it can be very harmful. Arguing in front of your children, speaking badly about the other parent in their presence, or creating tense situations during exchanges can leave lasting…

  • Your Fear Can Make Your Divorce or Custody Case More Expensive

    Hours Categories Divorce

    Divorce and Custody cases have lots of emotions and uncertainties. One of the most significant factors that can unintentionally increase the cost of your divorce or custody case is fear. When you act out of fear, your reactions can become irrational, leading to unnecessary conflicts and complications. Understanding how fear influences your behavior during a divorce or custody case can help you manage your emotions better and potentially save you a significant amount of money. How Fear Influences Divorce or Custody Case Costs When fear takes over, you might find yourself acting impulsively or making decisions that are not in your or your children’s best interest. Here’s how fear can manifest and escalate the cost of your divorce or custody case: How to Manage Your…

  • Common Divorce Fears:What Others Will Think

    Hours Categories Divorce

    Divorce is a significant life event that comes with a variety of emotions and challenges. One of the most common fears is the fear of what others will think. This can manifest in various ways, from worrying about friends and family’s opinions to concerns about how the community will view you. Let’s explore this common divorce fear and how to overcome it. The Fear of Filing One of the initial hurdles in the divorce process is the fear of filing for divorce. This is often tied to concerns about how your family and friends will react. Even though divorce is more common today, it still carries a stigma for many people. The idea of admitting to loved ones that your marriage is ending can feel…

  • What Is a Parenting Plan?

    Hours Categories Co-Parenting

    Co-parenting after a divorce or separation can be complex, but a well-crafted parenting plan will provide the clarity and structure needed to make it work for the benefit of your children.  Let’s explore what parenting plans are all about and why they are so important. Understanding Parenting Plans: At its core, a parenting plan is a detailed document that outlines how separated or divorced parents will share the responsibilities of raising their children. It’s essentially a roadmap for co-parenting, covering a wide range of aspects to ensure smooth cooperation between parents. Key Components of a Parenting Plan: Why Parenting Plans Matter: A parenting plan serves as a crucial tool for promoting stability and reducing conflict in co-parenting situations. By clearly outlining expectations and responsibilities, it…