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What Types of Cases Require a Columbia, MO Family Law Attorney?

Family law covers a broad spectrum of cases that will require the attention of an experienced Columbia, MO family law attorney. It is unfortunately common for people to believe they do not need legal counsel when facing a family law matter, thinking they can save money on legal fees by handling the situation on their own. The reality is that family law involves complex legal statutes, and the outcome of any family law case has the potential to influence the rest of your life. If you are unsure whether you need legal representation for an impending case, review the following

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Important Tips for Drafting a Prenuptial Contract in Columbia, MO

One of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of modern family law is the prenuptial contract. Many people believe that prenuptial contracts are only suitable for wealthy couples who want to protect their assets from divorce, and many assume that the suggestion of creating a prenuptial contract is a sign of lack of belief that the marriage will last. The reality is that a prenuptial contract provides peace of mind and financial security, even if you believe you aren’t exactly wealthy. If you have children from a previous marriage, complex assets, a family business, or other factors in your life that

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Do I Really Need an Attorney for Divorce in Columbia, MO?

If you are bracing for a divorce in the near future, you likely know the experience may be one of the most emotionally strenuous periods of your life. Regardless of how your divorce began, the actual process of legally dissolving your marriage can be incredibly stressful, expensive, and exhausting. Unfortunately, many people believe they can navigate this process inexpensively by handling it on their own. The reality is that working with the right divorce attorney in Columbia, MO, can offer significant benefits that no one in this position should ignore. When you prepare for divorce, you must do so while

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What Are the Benefits of Divorce Mediation in Columbia, MO?

Couples divorce for many reasons, meaning that every couple who undergoes the divorce process will have a completely unique experience. While it is impossible to predict how a divorce case will play out, couples across the country are exploring alternative dispute resolution to avoid the typical stress and expense of the conventional dissolution process. Divorce mediation offers several tangible benefits to both spouses. It is essential to consider these benefits if you believe you are ready to file for divorce in Columbia, MO. An experienced divorce attorney can help you determine the advantages and drawbacks of pursuing divorce mediation based

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A Guide to Finding the Right Columbia, MO Family Lawyer

Facing any type of legal case can be incredibly daunting, especially when your case pertains to family law and your future and the future of your family depends on the outcome. Solid legal counsel that you can trust is your best asset in this situation, but finding the right attorney can itself be an incredible challenge if you do not know how to determine which attorney would be best suited to your case. When you need a family law attorney in Columbia, MO,  it’s vital to know how to locate the best candidates for legal representation in your area, as

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Your Guide to Child Custody in Columbia, MO

One of the most critical factors in any divorce is determining care, custody, and financial support for the children of the divorcing couple. In Missouri, the family court has a strict duty to ensure the safety of children involved in a divorce and to rule in favor of preserving their best interests. If you are a parent considering divorce in Columbia, MO, it’s helpful to understand the state’s laws surrounding child custody and what to expect from a child custody determination. An experienced Columbia, MO family law attorney is one of the best available resources for anyone facing a child

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Is My Prenuptial Contract Enforceable in Columbia, MO?

Prenuptial contracts exist to provide clarity and security to marrying couples. While many continue to hold negative connotations about prenuptial contracts, the reality is that while they may not exactly be romantic, they allow a marrying couple to have difficult conversations early in their relationship. Many couples find that the process of reviewing their goals, hopes, and priorities for one another brings them closer and allows them to start their marriage on more open and honest terms. A prenuptial agreement can be incredibly advantageous in many situations, but only if the contract is legally valid and enforceable. Unfortunately, there are

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How to Approach Divorce Mediation in Columbia, MO

One of the most challenging aspects of divorce is the process’s expense in both time and energy. Divorce litigation may take months or even years in complex, hotly contested cases. Generally, the more agreeable the divorcing spouses are toward one another, the faster a divorce can proceed. Divorce mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method that can allow a divorcing couple to negotiate the terms of their divorce peaceably and swiftly. Divorce mediation can offer substantial savings on legal fees while simultaneously allowing a divorcing couple to keep their negotiations private and firmly within their control. If you intend to

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I Can’t Afford Child Support Anymore. What Can I Do?

Child support is a necessary part of the divorce process for parents throughout Columbia, MO. However, what happens when a paying parent can no longer afford their child support payments due to job loss, reduced income, or unexpected illness? If you currently pay child support or might need to start paying it in the near future, it’s important to know what this responsibility entails and what to do if you are unable to meet your obligations due to forces beyond your control. Your first step when you face uncertainty about your child support responsibilities should be to speak with your

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10 Things You Should Never Do During Divorce Proceedings in Missouri

Divorce is often emotionally charged, tense, and draining in many ways. Unfortunately, the high-running emotions that can erupt during divorce compel some people to make serious mistakes that cost them dearly in divorce proceedings. If divorce seems likely for you in the near future in Columbia, MO, keep these following warnings in mind as you navigate the divorce process and remember that being completely honest in all of your proceedings is essential if you want to ensure an equitable divorce. One: Never Attempt to Hide Assets Divorce is expensive, and you may not relish the idea of splitting everything you

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Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorce in Columbia, MO

Divorce can happen for countless different reasons, but they all boil down to two basic types from a legal perspective: contested or uncontested. These distinctions revolve around the acceptable grounds for divorce in a specific state and whether a divorcing couple can reach agreeable terms. In an uncontested divorce, one spouse serves another with divorce papers and the recipient agrees without contest. In a contested divorce, one spouse will dispute some aspect of the proposed divorce agreement, and the case will proceed to court. No-fault divorce laws like those of Missouri can appear helpful in some cases, allowing couples who

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