Practice Areas
I have represented many children in family law cases. In Missouri, family law judges can appoint an attorney to represent a child, called a Guardian ad Litem. These attorneys protect a child’s rights when the child is stuck between warring parents, or when a child has been abused or neglected.
If you have a child with someone you are no longer in a relationship with, there may be custody, parenting time and child support issues. Child support is ordered in divorces and in cases where parties were never married if they no longer reside together. A parent with less than half of the annual overnights or the parent with the higher income is usually required to pay child support until the child is 18 or 21, depending on whether the child attends college.
Feelings can run very high in legal matters involving child custody and your rights as a parent. An experienced representative can help you achieve the most favorable result possible in the best interest of your child.
Contempt of court is a procedure that is available to enforce a court order when someone knows what they are ordered to do, is able to comply, but chooses not to comply.
Ending a marriage can be complicated and emotionally troubling. I can help you with the intricacies of divorce filing, property division, child custody, child support, and alimony.
Many men going to through a family law case have concerns about preferential treatment toward mothers. Missouri judges cannot give preference to either parents based upon his or her gender. My firm can help you make sure your rights are protected.
Establishing a guardianship is an important step in aiding family members who cannot provide their own legal guidance. However, the process can be complicated and often involves a hearing. Let my firm help you through the process.
In Missouri, grandparents are allowed reasonable visitation rights if certain requirements are met. Contact me to discuss whether you meet the requirements for court-ordered visitation rights.
Unique issues arise when military families divorce. I have experience working with military families to explore all of your options, contact the proper military authorities, and to fight for a fair resolution.
Are you tired of having your life in limbo? Are you ready for answers so you can move on? Reaching an agreement with your ex can give your control and certainty about your future.
Changes in income or other circumstances may require you to modify your parenting plan or child support order. I understand the nuances of Missouri law and can advise you on how to request a modification or try to prevent a modification.
If you want to change your name, you may be overwhelmed to realize that the process involves numerous documents and a court hearing. I am knowledgeable and can guide you through the process.
In some circumstances, a legal separation is a better option for couples instead of divorce. I have a firm grasp of the difference and can help you decide which choice is best for your unique situation.
Determining the parentage of a child is extremely important. I can help you establish the truth and fight for your rights to ensure your child has proper support and care.
It’s more common today for people to marry after establishing their careers, or after they have already been married before. It can be a good idea for a number of reasons to negotiate a prenuptial agreement with your future spouse to protect both of you in the event of a divorce.
A Missouri court order of child custody requires that a very specific process be followed before a parent can relocate with their child or children. If the other parent of your child wants to relocate, you have rights to custody that need to be protected. I can assist with sorting out how the law affects proposed relocations.
Although same-sex marriages are now legal in Missouri, there are issues that arise due to the prior ambiguity in the law. I can help explain how the changing laws may or may not have affected your rights to marriage or divorce.
Surrogacy agreements are permitted in Missouri. However, the non-biological parent may be required to go through adoption proceedings or other legal procedures to ensure that the birth certificate accurately reflects the child’s intended parentage. I have helped many people in preparing surrogacy agreements and ensuring that the agreements are honored by the court and the state.
Divorce can be simple. Many times people try to file an uncontested divorce without an attorney only to discover that they are not able to understand the process and procedures. I can provide as much or as little help as is necessary to help you finalize your uncontested divorce as quickly and inexpensively as possible.