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Welcome to the law office of Mark A. Wortman. Mark is a Kansas City divorce and family law attorney with over 23 years of experience. Because Mark focuses only on Missouri divorce and family law — and has put all of his experience in these areas — he has more knowledge and expertise in these areas than a general practice firm. He knows the law, the courts, and probably the opposing counsel. So he knows he can help you.
Mark is the author of the Missouri Divorce and Family Law Blog, which we welcome you to visit. The firm has provided all of the information on this website to be of help to you if you need assistance in a Missouri family law matter.
We work together to provide people going through one of life’s most difficult transitions with the guidance and support they need. We help you understand what to expect, explain your options and the legal process, and ensure that you know you’re not alone in the family law process. We’re at your side every step of the way.
In all cases where abuse and/or neglect of a child is alleged by one or the parties, a Missouri court is required to appoint an attorney to represent the best interests of the child. This attorney is called a Guardian Ad Litem. The Guardian Ad Litem will talk to both parties and the child, visit the homes of both parents, gather medical records, speak to school personnel, social workers, law enforcement, therapists, counselors, and any other relevant parties, and will conduct an investigation into the allegations of abuse or neglect and make recommendations to the court based on the findings. The appointment of a Guardian ad Litem will add significant cost to the case, and the mother and father will be required to pay for the services of the guardian. Despite the costs, a Guardian Ad Litem can be invaluable to the case, and has a great deal of influence on the court's decision.
This is a difficult question to answer, as every case is different. It also depends on how the attorney charges the case. Uncontested divorce cases are almost always cheaper than contested cases, and fixed fee billing arrangements are almost always cheaper than hourly arrangements. To get a true cost of the case, you usually must meet with your divorce attorney and discuss all of the issues in the case. The complexity of the case a factor, as well as the cooperativeness and reasonableness of the parties. With our Kansas City law firm, we almost always utilize a tiered fixed fee billing arrangement, where all fees are clearly explained up front with no hidden charges or unexpected costs.
In Missouri, there is a very strong preference for joint legal (decision making) and joint physical (sharing time with the children) custody arrangements. Note that this does not mean 50/50 parenting time, as there are many different types of schedules under a joint custody arrangement. The court usually defers to the parents in what is in the interests of the children, and there is strong preference among Kansas City area judges that the mother and father come to an agreement regarding custody. If this cannot be done, then the court will determine custody by examining the following: Wishes of the parents, stability of the parents, the need for frequent and meaningful contact with both parents, wishes of the child (if appropriate), the ability of the parents to adequately parent the children, the safety of the home, the parents' work schedules, any history of physical or emotional abuse against any person including the child, any physical or mental conditions that may affect custody, and any other relevant factors.
Your choice of family law firm can affect your whole future and that of your children. It’s important to work with a law firm that will give you the advice and support you need throughout the legal process, and a strong foundation for your life after your family law case.
Knowledge is power, and we believe that the more you know about family law, the better equipped you will be to make decisions in your case. Review our latest articles.
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