Missouri will be coming into line with 45 other states with respect to the age at which a person is automatically charged as an adult. For many years, the state criminal laws have set 17 as the age for being charged as an adult. That will change to age 18 due to a new...
3 assets that may be difficult to divide
Divorce is rarely an easy process, but there are certainly some parts that are more difficult than others. Issues such as property division tend to be the most contentious, but there are steps you can take to mitigate any conflict and ensure you get what you need out...
Joint custody of older children
For younger children, there are many factors when deciding child custody. Small children have countless needs that must be met, and they are not able to make important decisions on their own.Older children need a much different parenting style than younger children,...
Divorce sometimes includes negotiations over the family dog
There is a growing realization among most people, including here in Missouri, that domestic pets are cherished family members. People readily find that each domestic animal has a distinct personality of its own, and the animal's loyalty and unswerving affection toward...
Child custody is a co-parenting partnership for the children
At least in theory, Missouri and most other states have adopted the modern view that parents should share equally the burdens and joys of raising their children after a divorce. Studies have consistently reported more positive outcomes for children who had both...
Ranking states according to child custody equality
With Father's Day approaching, many dads may be thinking about how they will spend the day with their kids. Their custody arrangements likely include Father's Day weekend so the children can celebrate the influence of their dads in their lives. Missouri dads going...
Divorce negotiations can find a plan to pay college tuitions
Divorce in Missouri generally follows the contours of procedure and substance that exist in other states. Although each state has its own variations, most divorce statutes today have a provision for a no-fault divorce. This means that neither party has to be blamed...
Adoptive parents win child custody battle with natural father
In Missouri and other states, a natural parent does not always have superior rights to his or her child over an adoptive parent. Where a natural parent tries to challenge the rights of adoptive parents after the adoption has been duly processed and finalized by court...
Divorce after 2018 will face new tax rules on alimony payments
Divorces nationwide and in Missouri will see some significant changes in federal tax rules due to the recent 2017 Tax Reform Act. For a divorce after 2018, the longstanding rule that makes alimony deductible to the payer and reportable income to the recipient will be...
2 things divorcees should know about property division
Marriage demands that you join your life with your spouse's in almost every sense. As you begin a partnership, you will likely share finances and belongings as well as your home. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but when your marriage is coming to an end, it can...