Order Requiring Parents to Share in Unlimited Expenses is Unenforcable

A dispute that Missouri family law attorneys see on a regular basis is the sharing of children’s extracurricular activity expenses. Under Missouri law, the Court can require parents to share certain expenses, over and above the monthly child suppor… Read More
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Child Neglect Shown in recent Decision

In a recent decision by the Missouri Court of Appeals, clear, cogent and convincing evidence supported a finding of neglect in protecting the child, maintaining the household, and supervising the child. “If a parent is unable to pay for all of… Read More
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Less than 1 year before paternity "disestablishment" statute of limitations goes into effect

Missouri’s paternity disestablishment law, enacted in August 2009, allows men who have been declared the father of a child by a court or the Division of Family Services to set aside (overrule) the finding of paternity and terminate child support an… Read More
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Missouri no fault divorce - what it does and does not mean

Similar to other states, Missouri is a modified no-fault divorce state. However, there is some misconception out there about what this actually means for divorcing parties in Missouri. Modified no-fault divorce means that a party does not have to pro… Read More
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Court clarifies confusing child support statute pertaining to college course requirements:

The Missouri statute that mandates the continuation of child support after age 18 if the child attends college was amended in 2007, and provisions were added that are somewhat contradictory. In a recent ruling by the Missouri Court of Appeals, the Co… Read More
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If you pay child support per a Missouri judicial or administrative order and your income is reduced or lost - A Motion to Modify is required.

In today’s turbulent economic climate, where job losses or reductions in income are frequent, it is critical to immediately deal with a child support order upon any significant change in income. Failure to act quickly can lead to an even greater fi… Read More
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When Child Support Terminates in Missouri; Requirements for the Continuation of Child Support while the Child Attends College

Generally, in Missouri child support terminates when a child dies, marries, enters the military, becomes self supporting, or turns 18. However, child support can continue after age 18, and all the way to age 21, if the following requirements are met:… Read More
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Bankruptcy Filings Up Substantially in 2009

As a practicing family and bankruptcy attorney, I consistently run into cases where people are dealing with both a divorce (or other family law related matter), as well as a bankruptcy. This is because, many times, one is the cause of the other (this… Read More
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Temporary breaks in post-secondary vocational education do not violate the continuous enrollment requirement of Missouri's post-secondary education child support law.

Child support in Missouri can continue after the child turns 18, and until 21, if the child is attending a post high school education program, provided that several requirements are met. (See RSMo section 452.340.5 below in the extended post). One su… Read More
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Recent Case: Termination Of Incarcerated Parent's Rights Reversed

In a recent termination of parental rights case, the Court stated that statutory grounds of abandonment, neglect, and unfitness require clear, cogent, and convincing evidence. The Incarcerated parent’s diligent efforts at maintaining contact with c… Read More
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