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.

  • Child Custody: A Guide to Modifications

    Hours Categories Child Custody

    Exploring adjustments to child custody or support arrangements can be complex, yet it’s a journey that you may need to undertake. If you’re contemplating a modification regarding child custody, this guide is designed to simplify the process. Modifying Child Custody Embracing Mediation and Collaboration Mediation and collaborative law offer more amicable solutions to handle modifications for you and your family. Many parenting plans advocate or even require using these methods before resorting to legal avenues. Contact Family Ally If you have questions or need legal assistance regarding child custody, child custody modifications or any other family law matter, please contact Jennifer Piper at 314-449-9800 to schedule a consultation. Family Ally is located at 130 S. Bemiston Ave., Suite 608, St. Louis, MO 63105.

  • Why I’m Participating in Divorce with Respect Week

    Hours Categories Divorce

    Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of a contentious divorce. As a child of parents who engaged in bitter litigation, I experienced the emotional toll it took on our family. The constant conflict, animosity, and tension created a toxic environment that left lasting scars on everyone involved. My own experiences fueled my passion for advocating for a better way to navigate divorce – one that prioritizes respect, empathy, and collaboration. What is Divorce with Respect Week? After over 20 years of practicing law, primarily in litigation-focused cases, I’ve come to realize that there is a better way to handle divorce. Divorce with Respect Week is a national initiative that aims to raise awareness about the Collaborative Divorce process and alternative dispute resolution methods….

  • Making Changes: Modifying Child Support

    Hours Categories Child Custody

    As life progresses, so do our circumstances, and sometimes these changes require modifications to child support agreements. Whether it’s due to changes in income, adjustments in custody arrangements, or other unforeseen circumstances, modifying child support can become a necessary task. In this blog post, we will provide steps to help you navigate the process. Modifying Child Support The Role of Mediation and Collaboration Contact Family Ally If you have questions or need legal assistance regarding child support, child support modifications or any other family law matter, please contact Jennifer Piper at 314-449-9800 to schedule a consultation. Family Ally is located at 130 S. Bemiston Ave., Suite 608, St. Louis, MO 63105.

  • Can Post-Divorce Relationships Be Preserved?

    Hours Categories Divorce

    The end of a marriage doesn’t necessarily mark the end of a relationship, especially when children are involved. From school events to significant life milestones, the need to maintain a respectful relationship with your ex-spouse can extend well beyond the legal finalization of a divorce. This ongoing connection underscores the importance of fostering amicable relations, even in the face of emotional challenges. Here are some practical tips for preserving relationships post-divorce, to help ensure a supportive environment for everyone involved. Communicate with Respect Effective communication serves as the cornerstone for having a positive relationship post-divorce. Adopting a business-like approach, particularly in written and verbal exchanges, can help prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict. By setting aside personal grievances and prioritizing constructive dialogue, you can foster an…

  • It’s Valentine’s Day and I Got Engaged: Do We Need a Prenup?

    Hours Categories Prenuptial Agreements

    You’ve just marked a memorable Valentine’s Day by getting engaged. Amid the joy and excitement, a more practical question may arise: Is a prenup necessary? The answer is a resounding yes. A prenuptial agreement is not about planning for a divorce. In many ways, it is premarital counseling. Much of the conversations when developing a prenup are around future children, how you plan to pay the bills, how you feel about debt, or how you plan to share, spend, or save money. Understanding feelings about these issues can save a lot of heartache later in your marriage.  Wealthy or Not, It Matters Getting married is not just a romantic endeavor; it is a substantial legal decision. Having a prenuptial agreement is especially prudent if there…

  • St. Louis Attorney Jennifer Piper Joins Divorce With Respect Week™ Initiative

    Hours Categories Divorce

    In collaboration with Divorce with Respect Week™, St. Louis Attorney and Family Ally, Jennifer Piper is joining divorce professionals nationwide to offer free 30-minute virtual divorce consultations between March 4 and 8, 2024.  During these consultations, she will meet virtually with anyone seeking to better understand the divorce process and options for how they might divorce. “Divorce With Respect Week™ is the perfect way to draw attention to the Collaborative Divorce process, which helps families avoid the damage of drawn-out court battles,” said Jennifer Piper. “I think this is a great opportunity for couples facing the reality of divorce to each talk separately with an attorney or to speak with a Divorce Financial Professional or Divorce Coach and learn more about how an out of…

  • Navigating Paternity Issues

    Hours Categories Child Custody

    Custody issues can be complex, especially when the parents of the child are unmarried. In this blog post, we’ll explore how these issues are addressed, from determining biological paternity to establishing custody arrangements and child support. Paternity issues are now almost as common as divorce cases. Even couples who have been amicable for years may find themselves needing court intervention due to changing circumstances or a desire to formalize agreements for clarity. Resolving Paternity Disputes If the paternity of the child is in dispute, the court can order a DNA test. While the other party may consent or object, the court is likely to grant the request for a DNA test. The DNA testing process involves a mouth swab. All involved parties, including the mother,…

  • St. Louis Contempt of Court Lawyer

    Hours Categories Divorce

    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…

  • St. Louis Post-Divorce Disputes Lawyer

    Hours Categories Divorce

    While a divorce decree is legally binding on both parties, it is not necessarily permanent. Some divorce terms can be modified after the dissolution of marriage, especially when there are children involved. If you feel as though a modification of your divorce order is necessary, you should let a skilled family law attorney help determine whether your circumstances qualify you to make chances. A St. Louis post-divorce lawyer can evaluate the facts of your situation and advise you on the best way to move forward with requesting a modification. Spousal Maintenance Maintenance is paid from one spouse to the other after the dissolution of their marriage. Modifiable maintenance is common is Missouri. You may need to go back to Court to seek to have maintenance…

  • St. Louis Paternity Lawyer

    Hours Categories Child Custody

    Establishing the paternity of a child is an important part of a father’s ability to exercise his parental rights. Only legally acknowledged fathers can exercise custody or visitation rights. Additionally, mothers may have a more difficult time obtaining child support from men who are not the legal fathers of their children. Paternity can be established by having a child while married, through a voluntary written acknowledgment, or through a family court case. A St. Louis paternity lawyer can help you establish your paternal rights. One of our steadfast family law advisors can also help you refute demands for child support. What Rights and Obligations Do Fathers Have? Missouri Revised Statutes §452.340 requires that every father is responsible for financially supporting his children. Fathers with legally…