Child Custody

  • How Does Missouri Determine the Best Interest of a Child?

    Hours Categories Child Custody

    The term “Best Interests of a Child” is commonly used in child custody cases in Missouri.  But how does the state determine what is in the best interest of your child? The process may seem complex, but let’s break it down for you. The 50-50 Presumption Missouri operates under a new statute that presumes a 50-50 custody arrangement. It presumes that both parents will have equal parenting time. There must be significant reasons to deviate from this. However, a court can consider other factors if there are questions about a 50-50 arrangement. Factors Considered by the Court The Missouri statute outlines eight crucial factors that the court examines: 1. Parental Wishes and Proposed Parenting Plan The court can consider the parents’ custody wishes. It can…

  • How Can I Have a Child-Centered Divorce?

    Hours Categories Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce

    Going through a divorce is tough, especially when there are children involved. Choosing a child-centered divorce approach involves prioritizing your child’s needs over personal desires and conflicts. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your divorce is centered around the well-being of your children. Advantages of a Child-Centered Approach In the midst of divorce, choosing a child-centered approach requires commitment, collaboration, and a genuine focus on your child’s needs. By following these steps and involving professionals, you can navigate the challenging process with the best interests of your child at heart, fostering a healthier future for everyone involved. Contact Family Ally Today If you have questions or need legal assistance regarding divorce or any other family law matter, please contact Jennifer Piper at 314-449-9800 to…

  • 7 Tips for Divorce and the Holidays

    Hours Categories 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,…

  • Child Temporary Power of Attorney

    Hours Categories Child Custody

    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…

  • The Benefits of Hiring a Parenting Coordinator in Missouri: A Guide for Co-Parents

    Hours Categories 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…