Divorce

What Do You Have to Gain by Being Nice During Your Divorce?

What Do You Have to Gain by Being Nice During Your Divorce?

Divorce can bring out strong emotions, but how you handle those feelings can make a big difference. You might feel angry or hurt, but treating your spouse with kindness during the process can have real benefits. Being respectful is not just about avoiding conflict. It can affect important decisions like property division, legal fees, and child custody. Your Behavior Is Being Watched Once the divorce process begins, many people are observing your actions. Attorneys on both sides, a guardian ad litem if children are involved, and most importantly, the judge, are all paying attention. Every text message, email, comment, and social media post you make can be reviewed and considered during your case. If you come across as angry or uncooperative, it could hurt you…

Pets and Divorce

Divorce: Finding the Best Outcome for You and Your Pet

When going through a divorce, deciding what happens to your pet is an emotional and complicated issue. While you may see your pet as a beloved family member, Missouri law treats them differently. In divorce cases, pets are considered property, similar to a couch or a piece of furniture. But we all know that pets are more than just property for your family.  Here is what you need to understand when making pet decisions. The Legal Status of Pets In Missouri, pets are not given the same treatment as children in divorce cases. The law does not allow for “custody” arrangements for pets, meaning they won’t move between homes like a child would. Instead, a court will decide who keeps the pet, just as it…

Divorce: Why You Should Tell Your Lawyer Everything

Divorce: Why You Should Tell Your Lawyer Everything

When you are going through a divorce, honesty with your lawyer is extremely important. If you hide information, even unintentionally, it can hurt your case. Your lawyer cannot protect you if they don’t know the full story. When unexpected facts come up during a trial, Mediation, Collaborative Divorce or negotiation, your lawyer needs to be prepared to respond effectively. If they are caught off guard, it weakens your position and could lead to worse outcomes. Imagine sitting in a courtroom and hearing the other side reveal a fact you never shared with your lawyer. If your lawyer knows about potential problems beforehand, they can investigate, find solutions, and address any issues before they become serious. By being honest upfront, you give your lawyer the chance…

What About the House?

What About the House?

When going through a divorce, one of the biggest questions you may face is, “What happens to the house?” Whether you’re worried about immediate decisions or long-term outcomes, the family home carries emotional and financial weight. Understanding your options can help you make informed choices. Who Pays the Mortgage During the Divorce? One of the first questions to address is how to manage the mortgage while your divorce is pending. If both of you remain in the home, will you split the mortgage payments? If one person moves out, will they still contribute? Failing to plan for these costs can lead to missed payments, damaged credit, and even foreclosure. It can be helpful to reach a temporary agreement about mortgage and utility payments. If you…

How to Keep Your Divorce Private

How to Keep Your Divorce Private

Divorce can feel like an invasion of your personal life, and it’s only natural to want to protect your privacy. While it’s not always easy to keep everything confidential, there are options that can significantly reduce the chances of your private matters becoming public. By choosing the right approach, you can ensure that sensitive information stays between you and the professionals involved. Choose Collaborative Divorce If privacy matters to you, the Collaborative Divorce process is a strong choice. Unlike traditional divorce proceedings, which involve public court records, a Collaborative Divorce keeps most of the details between you, your spouse, and your professionals. With Collaborative Divorce, you work with attorneys, financial planners, and sometimes mental health professionals to resolve issues without going to court. This process…

The #1 Reason People Get Divorced

The #1 Reason People Get Divorced

While many people assume that infidelity, emotional distance, or parenting disagreements are the primary causes of divorce, the truth is that money plays a much larger role. The number one reason people get divorced is money and more specifically, the lack of communication about it. Money and Miscommunication Go Hand in Hand Many couples don’t talk about money before they get married. They may not discuss their financial goals, spending habits, or long-term plans. After marriage, the topic often remains off-limits or becomes a source of conflict. One of you may want to save, while the other prefers to spend. Maybe one partner controls all the finances, leaving the other feeling powerless. These differences can lead to resentment, distrust, and ultimately, divorce. Different Money Values…

Gray Divorce: How It Differs from Other Divorces

Gray Divorce: How It Differs from Other Divorces

Gray divorce refers to the separation of couples over the age of 50, often after decades of marriage. Unlike younger couples, you likely aren’t dealing with child custody, but you are facing different financial and emotional challenges. Factors such as retirement planning, healthcare costs, and even the ability to re-enter the workforce play a significant role in your divorce process. Waiting Until the Right Time Many couples delay divorce until their children have grown, finished college, or moved out of the house. You may have prioritized family stability, choosing to wait until the right moment to separate. Others delay due to financial concerns—if one of you is the higher wage earner, spousal support and retirement age may impact your decision. Some couples even wait until…

The Respectful Divorce Podcast logo.

St. Louis Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Jennifer Piper Featured On The Respectful Divorce Podcast

St. Louis Collaborative Divorce Attorney Jennifer Piper was recently a guest featured on The Respectful Divorce podcast discussing the upcoming Divorce With Respect Week® initiative and the no-court Collaborative Divorce process. The Respectful Divorce Podcast is hosted by Tim Crouch and highlights divorce professionals discussing the different options for divorce. “My parents had a terrible divorce and I knew how that affected me as a child,” said Piper. “I was dragged to the courthouse and it wasn’t pleasant. It still affects me to this day and I don’t recommend it for anyone. What I do recommend is the Collaborative Divorce process because it’s not designed to fight, the clients are more involved, and you don’t have to deal with court and your private information being…

How Is Property Divided in a Divorce in Missouri?

How Is Property Divided in a Divorce in Missouri?

When going through a divorce in Missouri, understanding how property is divided can be essential for planning your future. Missouri follows an equitable distribution approach, which starts with a 50/50 split but can be adjusted based on several factors. Here’s what you need to know. Marital vs. Separate Property One of the first steps in dividing property is determining whether its marital or separate property. Marital property generally includes anything purchased or earned during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title or account. This includes: On the other hand, separate property typically includes assets owned before the marriage, inheritances, or gifts received solely by one spouse. How the Court Decides Property Distribution While the starting point is a 50/50 division, Missouri courts…

Avoiding the “F” Word (Fair) in Divorce

Avoiding the “F” Word (Fair) in Divorce

When you’re going through a divorce, it’s tempting to focus on what’s “fair.” But fair can mean something different to everyone and getting stuck on that idea can make the process harder for you and your family. What Does “Fair” Mean? If you ask kids, they’ll likely tell you that fair means equal, splitting everything right down the middle. But is that really the best solution for your situation? Not always. For some people, “fair” means everyone getting exactly the same. For others, it might mean dividing assets based on contributions to the marriage, needs, or what’s best for the entire family. Fair might even look like one person keeping the family home to keep the kids in their school district, while the other person…