Missouri Divorce & Family Law Blog

We Decided to Divorce: Do I Want the House?

December 11th, 2007

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The following post recently appeared on Pennsylvania Family Law, a great family law blog. The post brings up several points that should be considered when dividing the marital property, particularly the home, which in the current housing market, is a… Read More

Missouri Law Extends California Child Support Order - Recent Case

November 27th, 2007

Posted By

Mark A. Wortman

California child support order was due to expire, but Mother moved to Missouri and obtained modification. Father failed to appeal modification, and to impeach it when enforced or in his own action, and so waived personal jurisdiction. Father sought t… Read More

Attorneys Fee Award Requires Evidence

November 9th, 2007

Posted By

Mark A. Wortman

The Issue of attorney’s fees often comes up in domestic litigation. Missouri has adopted the American Rule regarding attorney’s fees in that, absent statutory authorization or contractual agreemtn, each litigant, absent few exceptions, mu… Read More

Children, Divorce and the Holidays- How to make the best out of a stressful time

October 26th, 2007

Posted By

Mark A. Wortman

The holiday season conjures up many images for all of us. The most universal of these images is one that includes happy excited children. However, for children from divorced or separated families, the holidays can be a nightmare. What other children… Read More

Child's Best Interest No Basis for Summary Proceeding on Paternity

October 12th, 2007

Posted By

Mark A. Wortman

Recent decision from the Missouri Court of Appeals: In an action to establish paternity under Uniform Parentage Act, preliminary advisory hearing to determine whether action is in Child’s best interest shall be informal, without applying law of… Read More

Missouri Recudtion in Age for Termination of Child Support from 22 to 21 Likely applies Retroactively to Existing Support Orders

September 25th, 2007

Posted By

Mark A. Wortman

I recently posted an article discussing Missouri Senate Bill No. 25 which, affects, among other things, the age of emancipation of children for purposes of child support. Under the old law, child support would continue until the child reaches the age… Read More

Award's of Attorney's Fees in Divorce and Imputation of Income for Child Support - Recent Case

September 24th, 2007

Posted By

Mark A. Wortman

Discussed below is a recent ruling from the Western District of Missouri, where the Court, among other things, upheld the trial Court’s ruling of imputation of income for child support and the award of attorney’s fees. For calculation of… Read More

Can Parents Relocate After Entry of a Child Custody Order in a Divorce or other Proceeding?

September 14th, 2007

Posted By

Mark A. Wortman

What happens if there is a court ordered parenting plan as a result of a divorce, paternity case, or other proceeding, and one of the parents wishes to relocate to another city or state? Well, Missouri law places a burden on the parent to notify the… Read More

Recent Cases: Administrative review of Child Support and Income Tax deductions in true joint custody

August 28th, 2007

Posted By

Mark A. Wortman

Challenge to administrative review of child support. State ex rel. Sherrie L. Hansen, Relator v. State of Missouri, Department of Social Services, Family Support Division, Janel Luck, Director, Respondent, No. 88242 (Mo. banc, June 26, 2007), Stith.… Read More

Child Custody Jurisdiction under MoUCCJA: The Law and Recent Rulings from the Court of Appeals

August 17th, 2007

Posted By

Mark A. Wortman

In Missouri, there is a specific law that details under what circumstances Missouri Courts have jurisdiction to make custody and visitation orders, called the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, or MoUCCJA. Section 452.150.1 sets out the four alt… Read More

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