Child Custody

  • Can Child Custody Orders Be Changed?

    Hours Categories Child Custody, Divorce

    Child custody orders can be changed if there has been a change in circumstances and the new arrangement is in your child’s best interest. In Missouri, you can modify custody, decision-making authority, or parenting time through the court. Many parents choose to resolve these matters privately through Mediation or the Collaborative Divorce process because those approaches offer privacy and allow you to create solutions that truly fit your family’s needs. Custody and Parenting Plans Can Change Under Missouri law, any part of a custody arrangement can be modified. That includes who makes decisions for the child, where your child attends school, and how parenting time is divided. To request a change, you must show that circumstances have changed since the original order and that the…

  • 7 Common Reasons for Modifying Child Custody

    Hours Categories Child Custody

    There are many reasons why you might need to modify an existing custody order to better suit the changing needs of your child and family. As life progresses, changes are inevitable. This is especially true in questions related to child custody. Here are some of the most common reasons that child custody orders are changed. 1. Changes in your Child’s Needs As your child grows, their needs change. A custody arrangement that worked well for a toddler might not be suitable for a teenager. Older children often have more activities, such as sports, clubs, and social events. If one parent is better able to transport the child to these activities or provide support for their interests, a modification may be necessary. Additionally, as children mature,…

  • Your Fear Can Make Your Divorce or Custody Case More Expensive

    Hours Categories Child Custody, Divorce

    Divorce and Custody cases have lots of emotions and uncertainties. One of the most significant factors that can unintentionally increase the cost of your divorce or custody case is fear. When you act out of fear, your reactions can become irrational, leading to unnecessary conflicts and complications. Understanding how fear influences your behavior during a divorce or custody case can help you manage your emotions better and potentially save you a significant amount of money. How Fear Influences Divorce or Custody Case Costs When fear takes over, you might find yourself acting impulsively or making decisions that are not in your or your children’s best interest. Here’s how fear can manifest and escalate the cost of your divorce or custody case: How to Manage Your…

  • Divorce in the Age of Equal Parenting

    Hours Categories Child Custody, Co-Parenting

    Divorce is a significant life event that can bring about many changes, especially when children are involved. In today’s world, the concept of equal parenting is reshaping the landscape of custody arrangements and how divorcing couples navigate the process. The Rise of Equal Parenting Equal parenting, also known as shared parenting, moves away from the traditional notion of one parent having primary custody while the other has visitation rights. Instead, it emphasizes a more balanced approach, aiming for a 50-50 split in parenting time unless circumstances dictate otherwise. This shift is based on the idea that both parents play essential roles in a child’s life and should share responsibilities equally whenever possible. Judicial Trends and Equal Parenting One significant impact of this shift is the…

  • Enforcement of Custody

    Hours Categories Child Custody

    Enforcing a custody order can seem overwhelming and frustrating. Still, it’s vital to understand its crucial role in preserving your family’s stability and well-being. By taking action to enforce the order, you’re ensuring that your custody arrangement is honored. This means using legal tools to make sure everyone follows the rules. In serious cases, the court might even impose fines or jail time on the non-compliant party. Ultimately, enforcing custody orders is about protecting the child’s well-being and providing a stable upbringing. Enforcing Custody Orders: Enforcing custody arrangements can be challenging, but the court takes these matters seriously and will carefully review your case to determine the best course of action. By presenting evidence and documenting any violations of the custody agreement, you can strengthen…

  • 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.

  • Navigating Paternity Issues

    Hours Categories Child Custody, Child Support

    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 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…

  • St. Louis Child Custody Modification Lawyer

    Hours Categories Child Custody

    While child custody orders are final once entered by a St. Louis family law court, specific changes in one or both parent’s circumstances could serve as a basis for a modification of your custody order. It is crucial to consult with a dedicated family law attorney if you are interested in filing a request for a child custody modification. A knowledgeable St. Louis child custody modification lawyer can advise you on your available legal options and promote the best interests of your child or children. Contested Versus Uncontested Custody Modifications While some child custody disputes involve issues such as where the child will live when a parent wishes to move out of state, other modifications concern which parent the child will be with on any…

  • St. Louis Child Custody Enforcement Lawyer

    Hours Categories Child Custody

    If a parent fails to comply with their child custody order, they could be held in contempt of court and face additional legal punishments through a family access motion. If you need help enforcing your current parenting time arrangement, a St. Louis child custody enforcement lawyer can provide effective legal representation. A family law attorney who is well-versed in the state’s child custody laws can explain the legal issues involved in your case and your options for filing a motion requesting enforcement of your arrangement.  Overview of Child Custody Arrangements in St. Louis There are two types of child custody to be aware of in St. Louis. Legal custody refers to a parent’s decision-making authority regarding the child’s health and well-being. On the other hand,…