Menu
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.
Being the first to file for divorce does have some advantages, although in most cases it is not particularly relevant. In Missouri, whomever has the children at the time the case is filed is deemed to have temporary custody of the children, which can be an advantage. Also, if the case ends up going to trial, the person who files first (called the Petitioner) will get to present their case to the court first, which in many cases is an advantage. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, being the first to file puts pressure on the Respondent to act or face a default judgment.
In Missouri, a divorce proceeding is used to end a lawful, valid marriage. An annulment, on the other hand, ends a marriage that was not valid to begin with. If a marriage is declared null and void, it is as if it never existed in the first place. An annulment is only granted in very limited situations, such as in the cases where spouses are relatives, bigamous marriages, lack of mental capacity, fraud of an intimate nature, duress, a spouse is underage, and a few other reasons. Note that an annulment will not be granted simply because the marriage is of short duration, and annulment proceeding is not cheaper or faster than a divorce.
A parenting plan contains all of the terms of the parenting arrangement that is either agreed upon by the parties or decided by the court. Either way, the parents are ordered to comply with the terms of the plan. A parenting plan will provide for legal and physical custody, child support, parenting guidelines, parenting schedule, transportation duties, health insurance, daycare, non-covered medical care, extracurricular activities, education, income tax deductions, restrictions on relocation, and any other relevant parenting provisions.
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.
View All Posts
© 2026 Mark A Wortman, Attorney at Law LC
| View Our Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Law Firm Website Design by The Modern Firm
