Divorce

In Missouri, you can modify most parts of your divorce decree that involve children or support if circumstances change. Property division, however, is permanent once finalized. Mediation and the Collaborative Divorce process can help you make these changes more privately and flexibly than traditional court proceedings. What Can Be Modified Anything related to your children can be changed if it supports their best interests and if circumstances have significantly changed. This includes legal and physical custody, child support, parenting schedules, school and activity costs, and health insurance. Missouri courts allow modifications so that parenting plans remain practical and continue to work for your family as life evolves. Maintenance, also known as spousal support, can also be modified. You may request an increase, decrease, or termination…

Healthy co-parenting means respecting your child’s other parent, focusing on solutions instead of conflict, keeping your attention on what lies ahead for your children, and always putting their needs first. Respect and Communication Even if you no longer get along with your former spouse, healthy co-parenting means treating them with respect. That doesn’t mean you have to be friends or spend extra time together, but it does mean speaking politely, avoiding name-calling, and keeping conversations focused on the children. Many parents find it helpful to treat communication with a co-parent like a business exchange. Keep it short, courteous, and focused on the subject at hand. Using email or text can also reduce tension if in-person conversations are difficult. Keeping Children Out of Conflict Children should…

Offering a genuine apology during divorce can rebuild trust, soften conflict, and help both you and your spouse move toward resolution. In Mediation or Collaborative Divorce, an apology often opens the door to better communication and more productive discussions. Why an Apology Matters During divorce, one of the biggest challenges is the loss of trust. You once relied on your spouse more than anyone else, and now that trust is broken. Acknowledging the hurt, even without saying “I’m sorry,” can go a long way toward rebuilding respect and allowing both of you to move forward. Many people find they need accountability before they can let go of the anger and begin making decisions with a clearer mind. What an Apology Can Look Like An apology…

Divorce filings in Missouri are part of the public record, but Mediation or Collaborative Divorce allows you to resolve issues privately while keeping personal matters out of the courtroom. Understanding Public Record In Missouri, your divorce case becomes part of the public record once it is filed. This means that documents in your case are generally available through Case.net, the state’s online system, or by going to the courthouse in person. While some personal details are supposed to be hidden, mistakes happen, and sensitive information can slip through. What the Public Can See The public may be able to view motions, orders, and final judgments in your case. Court orders are typically accessible, and the judgment is always available. If your case goes to trial,…

Divorce Mediation is a private process where you and your spouse work with a neutral mediator to discuss every detail of your case, from custody to property division, with the goal of reaching a fair resolution. Understanding the Mediation Process When you attend divorce Mediation, you will meet with a neutral third party called a mediator. Sometimes your attorney will be present, and sometimes they won’t. The mediator’s role is not to take sides but to help you and your spouse explore possible resolutions. They will walk through the facts of your case, explain how the law applies, and guide you in discussing child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and other important topics. Preparing for Mediation You should come ready to talk about…

More older women are choosing divorce later in life because they want independence, feel their concerns have gone unheard, or decide that after their children have left home that their marriage no longer works. These decisions to get a divorce often come after years of trying to make their marriage work and are about growth and change rather than blaming their spouse. Life After the Children Leave For many couples, children have been the center of their family life for decades. Once the children leave home, a couple may find that they have little in common. Women often describe realizing that their marriage is no longer fulfilling once the daily responsibilities of parenting are gone. Without those shared routines, long-standing differences can come to the…

After your divorce is final, there are important tasks to take care of right away, such as updating titles, changing beneficiaries, handling retirement accounts, reviewing insurance, and meeting with a financial advisor. When your divorce is finalized, it may feel like a huge weight has been lifted. However, the court order is only part of the process. There are still practical steps you need to take to protect your finances, update your records, and set yourself up for the future. Taking care of these tasks right away can prevent problems and give you peace of mind. 1) Update Property Titles and Records Once your divorce is finalized, make sure all property is correctly titled in your name. This includes vehicles, homes, and tax records. In…

In Missouri, you don’t need to prove who was at fault to get divorced. If you or your spouse had an affair that led to the divorce that fact is may not be significant. However, that misconduct can influence property division, financial decisions, and even support, in particular, if marital money was spent on the affair. While the courts focus on fairness, the emotional impact of an affair often makes divorce more challenging, making Mediation or Collaborative Divorce more helpful in reaching a settlement. No-Fault Divorce in Missouri Missouri is a no-fault divorce state. This means you do not need to show who was at fault to end your marriage. You simply have to state that the relationship cannot be saved. While an affair may…

Even the simplest divorce can create costly mistakes if you go through it alone.  A family law attorney will protect your rights, help you make sound decisions, and prevent problems that could surface years later.   The short-term savings on representing yourself can end up costing you more in legal fees over the long-term. Emotions Make It Hard to Think Like a Business Deal Divorce is both legal and emotional. When you try to represent yourself, emotions can take over and cloud your judgment. You may agree to something just to get it over with, or you may refuse to compromise when a fair settlement is possible. An attorney gives you an objective perspective and helps you focus on the legal and financial issues that will…