Our most intimate personal relationships are often also legal relationships. A change to this situation might have legal implications that you must address. When issues arise, it is crucial to consult a Springfield family lawyer for help understanding your available legal options.
If you plan to marry, divorce, or legally separate, our well-practiced attorneys can assist you. Our firm can also help you with matters pertaining to children, such as custody issues, child custody disputes, and paternity.
People often get caught up in the romantic aspects of a relationship and forget that making a life together over the long term requires day-to-day cooperation on practical issues. Couples who postpone talking about money and financial habits until after marriage might find it a major irritant in their relationship.
Prenuptial agreements can help couples work through their money issues together before the marriage. They can set reasonable expectations, each spouse can identify property that they wish to keep separate, and they can decide how to divide their marital property if the marriage does not endure. If a couple does not create an agreement before marriage, a post-nuptial agreement can accomplish many of the same ends.
If they eventually decide to live apart or divorce, the couple will need to submit a separation agreement to the court. A Springfield attorney can help negotiate, draft, or review all types of marital agreements relating to family law matters.
BCCC, M.A., M.Div., J.D., D.Min. Rev. Dr. Thich Tâm Thành
Languages: Spanish (fluent), Portuguese (fluent). Education College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy, September 16, 2020. Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), Board Certified…
Disputes over children are some of the most stressful and emotionally charged issues that arise in family law. A Springfield attorney can manage any family law concerns with empathy, a cool head, knowledge of the law, and excellent negotiating skills.
The law in Missouri makes 50/50 custody the default arrangement for parents who live separately. Equally shared custody is not practical for many parents and may not be appropriate in some cases. Whatever custody arrangements parents prefer, Missouri Revised Statute § 452.310(8) requires them to submit a detailed parenting plan to the court. A judge will review the plan and issue it as an enforceable custody order if it supports the children’s best interests.
Child support is determined by a formula that considers each parent’s net income, the number of children they support, how much time the children live with each parent, and other factors. Even when parents share time equally, the higher earning parent usually pays support to the lower earning parent.
When a baby is born to unmarried parents, unless the couple voluntarily acknowledges the child’s paternity, the child’s only legal parent will be the mother.
Fathers who wish to gain legal rights over their children and mothers who wish to get child support could bring a paternity action in court. The judge usually orders a genetic test, and if the test establishes that a specific man is the father, the court will issue an order establishing paternity.
When a couple decides their union is not sustainable, Missouri law gives them two options: legal separation and divorce.
When a couple wants to end their marriage, they must seek a divorce with the assistance of a Springfield family attorney. The divorce can only become final once the couple divides their property, determines whether one spouse should receive alimony, and makes appropriate arrangements for any children they share. Ideally, a couple can negotiate these issues themselves, with a mediator, or through their attorneys. If a settlement is not reached, a judge hears evidence at a trial and makes the decisions.
Divorce is not the goal for some couples who no longer wish to live together. They may have religious objections to divorce, one spouse may need benefits they receive through the other spouse, or the couple may hope to reconcile eventually. The couple or one spouse could bring a petition for separate maintenance, which leads to a legal separation. Legal separations do not end a marriage, and the spouses are not free to remarry.
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When you need assistance with a family law matter, get in touch with a capable attorney. A Springfield family lawyer from Anthony Phillips Law Firm, LLC, can help you resolve the matter as amicably as possible while protecting your rights.
Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation at your convenience.
Anthony Phillips provides legal services to both individuals and business entities. We have a skilled and experienced team, ready to address all your legal needs.
