Divorce

Divorce: Why You Should Tell Your Lawyer Everything

April 14, 2025April 14, 2025 Divorce

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?

April 7, 2025April 10, 2025 Divorce

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

March 24, 2025April 10, 2025 Divorce

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

March 17, 2025April 10, 2025 Divorce

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

March 3, 2025April 10, 2025 Divorce

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…

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

February 18, 2025April 10, 2025 Divorce

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?

February 18, 2025April 10, 2025 Divorce

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

February 10, 2025April 10, 2025 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…

Rebuilding After Divorce: Steps to Moving Forward with Your Life

February 3, 2025April 10, 2025 Divorce

Divorce marks the end of one chapter, but it’s also the beginning of a new one. It’s natural to feel uncertain about the path forward, but with the right steps, you can rediscover joy and purpose. Take Time for Self-Discovery After a divorce, it’s tempting to rush into a new relationship. However, taking time to reflect on who you are and who you want to become is essential. Spend time exploring new hobbies, setting personal goals, or even traveling solo. Use this period to rediscover your passions and build confidence in being on your own. Re-evaluate Your Friendships Divorce can shift the dynamics of your social circle. Some friends may naturally drift away, especially if they were closer to your former spouse. Others might not…

Understanding the Impact of Divorce on Your Adult Children

January 27, 2025April 10, 2025 Divorce

When parents decide to divorce, it’s natural to be concerned about the impact on younger children, but adult children are also deeply affected by this decision that their parents have made. Whether they are 25 or 50, your actions during your divorce can have an influence on your adult children’s emotional well-being and future relationships. Here are 4 recommendations recognizing the impact on their lives and maintaining healthy connections during the process. 1. Acknowledge Your Divorce Has an Emotional Impact Even though your adult children are no longer under your roof, your divorce will still disrupt their lives. They may feel torn between you and your spouse, particularly during family gatherings, holidays, or celebrations. Avoid burdening them with your frustrations about the divorce or expecting…