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Protecting a trust during a divorce

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in family law on Monday, February 20, 2017. When Missouri couples start planning to get married, it is recommended that their parents take steps to protect any assets that they intend to leave for their family member. If those assets are in a trust, taking precautions can ensure that the trust can only be accessed by the family member and not by the other spouse, especially if the couple ends up getting divorced later on. One of the most important ways that a trust can be protected is to ensure that the

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Frozen embryos and divorce

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in divorce on Thursday, February 9, 2017. During a divorce, addressing issues related to children can be difficult. Making decisions regarding embryos that were created by in-vitro fertilization is one of the more unique ones that some estranged Missouri couples may have to resolve. The parents are generally required to sign documents at the beginning of their IVF journey regarding the preservation of their embryos. However, these agreements do not provide much details about what would happen to the embryos should the relationship of the parents change, other than providing the options

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Splitting the home after a divorce

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in divorce on Thursday, February 2, 2017. Divorcing couples in Missouri who don’t plan for their separation can make many costly mistakes. In order to make the best choices about their homes, it is important that separating spouses think objectively and make decisions based on logic rather than emotions. When divorcing, individuals generally have just a few housing options, each of which has certain financial implications. They can decide to retain ownership, the house can be sold and the proceeds be divided or one spouse’s ownership can be purchased by the other

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Understanding fees related to a QDRO

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in divorce on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. Missouri residents may have heard of a qualified domestic relations order. A QDRO is what allows assets in certain retirement plans to be transferred without penalty. However, companies such as Vanguard or Fidelity may charge a QDRO fee of up to $1,200 or more. This is in addition to any fees that a lawyer may charge to prepare and process the order. These fees have been described by some as a way for plan sponsors to enhance their profit margins. While some think that these

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About interstate child custody

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in child custody on Wednesday, January 18, 2017. Missouri divorced parents who have children whose other parent resides outside of the state should be aware of the interstate child custody issues that could arise. They should first know of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act that establishes the standards courts use to make determinations regarding custody and when to defer to an existing ruling from another state. The only state that as of early 2017 has not adopted the law is Massachusetts. According to the statute, a state court can

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Involuntary termination of parental rights

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in divorce on Wednesday, January 11, 2017. Regardless of their marital status, Missouri parents both have the right to care for their child and in most cases make certain decisions regarding their child’s health care, education and religion. However, there are certain instances when a court may take away these rights. One reason a court may terminate a person’s parental rights if there is evidence of abuse. This includes sexual or chronic abuse and neglect. If the parent abandons the child or suffers from a long-term mental illness that prevents the provision

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