When parents get divorced, they might not live together anymore, and they might not be a couple, but they will continue to be parents to their children for many years to come. Their parenting plan must address issues like where the children will live…
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Missouri law states that a child custody arrangement must be in “the best interests of the child.” It does not provide a specific definition of the term. Instead, it gives courts rather broad discretion when deciding custody issues, and provides…
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Missouri law recognizes two types of child custody: physical custody, meaning the right to reside with, supervise, and care for a child; and legal custody, meaning the right to make decisions related to a child’s “health, education and welfare.…
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Divorce is a difficult, often messy process that requires many tough decisions. Who will get which assets? Who will be responsible for which debts? Where will the children live, and how often will they see the other parent? The list of questions goes…
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Recent case: Uncommon alternating year parenting schedule approved for military family
Mother appeals the judgment of the circuit court granting the motion of Father, which modified the schedule of physical custody (parenting time) and which modifi…
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Missouri statute allows custody in persons not biologically related to a child but having a familial bond. The Petitioner for third party custody must rebut a presumption of parental fitness or prove that the child’s welfare requires custody in pet…
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Recent Decision from the Missouri Supreme Court:
Overview: A mother appeals a circuit court’s judgment awarding third-party custody of a child to her stepfather in the mother and stepfather’s proceeding to dissolve their marriage. In a decision w…
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Recent Case from the Court of Appeals: Letters of Guardianship Affirmed
Mother appeals from the trial court’s judgment, which appointed Petitioners as guardians over two minor children. The trial court’s judgment found the children’s parents…
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Recent Case from the Court of Appeals: States have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over their custody judgments until released by the rendering state.
The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act conditions authority of any State t…
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Recent Case from the Missouri Court of Appeals:
Father appeals from a judgment denying his motion to modify child support. Grandparents appeal from the same judgment which also denied their petition seeking grandparent visitation.
The Grandmother did…
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