Divorce can be a highly stressful experience, no matter how long you were married, or what the marriage was like. Divorce can be particularly stressful when it comes to finances. The financial changes that a divorce will bring can be hard to deal with. Understanding...
Is a narcissistic co-parent manipulating your child?
Coparenting after a divorce can be a difficult situation for anyone, but it can become even harder if you must co-parent with a narcissistic ex who tries to manipulate your child. According to Psychology Today, children come biologically programmed to protect their...
Missouri facing foster family shortage
If you have been thinking about adding a child to your home, now is a good time to consider fostering. According to state agencies, Missouri is facing a critical shortage of foster families. Why is this issue happening and what can you do to help? Why the shortage is...
Can your child choose which parent gets primary custody?
Determining a child custody arrangement that fits your family's needs can be a challenging part of the divorce process. It can become even more complex if your child does not want to spend time with one parent. Does your child have a say regarding who becomes the...
Adopting a stepchild? It’s a two-part process
When you married your spouse, it was with every intention to raise their child as if they were your own. You’ve taken over the role as their second parent and have been there for every major event from birthdays to athletic events. You’d like to take this one step...
3 ways to protect yourself before filing for divorce
If you are unhappy in your marriage, it is likely that you have been considering divorce for some time. You may have decided not to discuss your plans to file for divorce with your spouse because you want to buy yourself time to prepare. It is important that you do...
How easy is it for stepparents to adopt?
Marrying someone who already has children gives you the opportunity to be a new parent to children who may not have an active father or mother in their lives. Your relationship with the children of your spouse may become so strong that you want to take the next step...
3 things you cannot include in your prenuptial agreement
You and your fiancée may have decided to create a prenuptial agreement before you get married, especially as these legal agreements become more mainstream. According to a recent survey done by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, more than half of the lawyers...
Use these tips to get started on your parenting time schedule
Getting a divorce is tough on you, but it’s also rough on your kids. If your children are in elementary school, you and your spouse may have been cautious about how much you’ve told them. Now, you may feel like it’s time to let them know that you’re divorcing, but you...
How do I prepare for a modification hearing?
You probably feel a lot is riding on your upcoming hearing to modify your child custody or parenting agreement. The pressure of the hearing may put you on edge and you worry that you will not perform at your best during your hearing. However, the right preparation...