Collaborative Divorce

7 Things to Know About Divorce in Missouri

7 Things to Know About Divorce in Missouri

Divorce litigation in Missouri is expensive, stressful, and unpredictable. If you want more control, privacy, and peace of mind, consider an amicable divorce through Mediation or a Collaborative Divorce. Many people start the divorce process hoping the court will sort everything out in a fair way. But once you are in the system, it can feel like you have lost control. Court schedules move slowly, legal fees add up quickly, and you may end up with decisions that do not reflect your families’ values or goals. Before you move forward, it helps to understand a few key things about how divorce works in Missouri. 1. Litigation Does Not Guarantee a Win No matter how strong your case seems, you are probably not going to walk…

Can I Change My Will During My Divorce?

Can I Change My Will During My Divorce?

When you are in the middle of a divorce, you may start thinking about changing your will or updating your estate plan. While it is possible to make some changes, there are limits to what you can do and what will actually be recognized. You Can Change It, But It May Not Hold Up In Missouri, you are allowed to revise your will while your divorce is pending. However, if something were to happen to you before the divorce is finalized, the court may still treat your spouse as your legal heir. Unless you have a pre or post nuptial agreement or another legal document that says otherwise, most or all of your assets may still go to your spouse. Even if you change your…

Divorce: Why Do I Need a QDRO?

Divorce: Why Do I Need a QDRO?

When you’re finalizing your divorce, you may think everything is settled once the judge signs the agreement. But if you’re dividing retirement accounts, you’ll likely need one more step: a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, or QDRO (pronounced “quad-ro”). What a QDRO Actually Does A QDRO is separate from your divorce judgment and plays a key role in making sure the division of retirement accounts is recognized and processed properly. Think of a QDRO like the title to a car. If you’re awarded a vehicle in the divorce, the judgment gives you ownership, but you still have to re-title it at the DMV. The same is true for retirement plans. A QDRO acts as the legal document that transfers part of a retirement account, such as…

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…

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…

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…

Rebuilding After Divorce: Steps to Moving Forward with Your Life

Rebuilding After Divorce: Steps to Moving Forward with Your Life

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

Understanding the Impact of Divorce on Your Adult Children

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…

My Best Divorce Advice

My Best Divorce Advice

If you have been considering divorce, you have probably been asking people you know for their advice.  As a divorce professional, here is some of the best advice that I can offer and what I often tell my clients. How you approach your divorce can shape not only the outcome but also your ability to move forward. Below are practical steps that can help you to guide you through your divorce. 1. Treat Your Divorce Like a Business Deal Think of your divorce as a business deal. While emotions are a natural part of any divorce, letting your emotions control the process can lead to unnecessary conflict and higher costs. The mindset of your divorce as a business deal can help you make clearer decisions…