Columbia, Missouri Child Custody Lawyer
Few things matter more than your children, and feelings run high when custody is on the line. As a child custody lawyer in Columbia, Missouri, I help parents build strong parenting plans and protect their time with their kids in courts across Boone, Callaway, Randolph, Howard, and Cooper Counties.
Missouri courts decide custody based on the best interest of the child. I take the time to understand your family so I can advocate for an arrangement that works for your children and protects your rights as a parent.
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FAQ
No. Missouri law prohibits a judge from preferring a parent based on gender. Custody is decided on the best interest of the child, considering a set of statutory factors.
Missouri separates legal custody (who makes major decisions) from physical custody (where the child lives), and either can be joint or sole. Most cases include a written parenting plan that spells out both.
There is no specific age at which a child decides. A judge may consider an older child’s wishes as one factor, but the court makes the final decision based on the child’s best interest.
Yes. If there is a significant change in circumstances, you can ask the court to modify the order. I can help you determine whether your situation qualifies.