» Custody and Visitation

In any Missouri divorce involving children, or any other dispute over child custody or visitation, decisions by the courts of this state must be in the “best interest of the children.” This is an intentionally ambiguous term. Every case is unique… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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.�… Read More

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… Read More

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 modified… Read More

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… Read More

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 (M… Read More