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What Happens When One Parent in a Missouri Child Custody Dispute Intentionally Interferes with the Other Parent’s Visitation Rights?

September 17th, 2019
Posted By
Mark A. Wortman
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
Categories: Custody and Visitation, Legal Proceedings, Modifications
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How Missouri Courts Are Applying Recent Changes to Child Custody Law

July 26th, 2019
Posted By
Mark A. Wortman
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
Categories: Custody and Visitation, Legal Proceedings
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How to Find the Best Divorce Lawyer for YOU

April 15th, 2019
Posted By
Mark A. Wortman
Divorce is never a pleasant process, but it does not always have to be war. Once the decision has been made—by you, by your spouse, or by both of you—to file for divorce, you must consider how you want to proceed. This includes deciding whether t… Read More
Categories: Divorce, Family Law, Legal Proceedings

In Missouri, party waives right to appeal when a Judgment is entered by consent/agreement

February 12th, 2019
Posted By
Mark A. Wortman
Party waives right to appeal when a Judgment is entered by consent/agreement. Recent case from the Missouri Court of Appeals: Parties cannot appeal a Judgment that was entered by Stipulation (agreement). Father and Mother entered into a stipulation w… Read More
Categories: Divorce, Family Law, Financial Issues, Legal Proceedings, Other Updates, Trials

Child support paid by third party does not equal child neglect; Proposed Judgments prepared by counsel should not be signed verbatim.

February 6th, 2017
Posted By
Mark A. Wortman
The Constitution protects the fundamental right of a parent to custody of their child even though child’s best interests are the goal of statutes governing adoption. An action for adoption without parental consent terminates, without a separate act… Read More
Categories: Adoption and Guardianship, Legal Proceedings, Trials

Child’s refusal to visit other parent no excuse to violate custody order; Parent held in Contempt

February 23rd, 2016
Posted By
Mark A. Wortman
Recent Missouri Case: Parent responsible for violating the court order when child refuses to visit the other parent as required in the court ordered parenting plan Appellant D.R.P. (“Mother”) appeals the judgment of the Circuit Court of J… Read More
Categories: Custody and Visitation, Divorce, Family Law, Legal Proceedings

60 day Notice required for relocation, not Motion to Modify

April 14th, 2014
Posted By
Mark A. Wortman
Case Law Update: Motion to Modify is not required to relocate, but 60 day notice must be given to the non-moving parent, who then may file an objection. Under Missouri law the address designated as the minor child’s primary residence for educationa… Read More
Categories: Custody and Visitation, Divorce, Legal Proceedings, Modifications

Enforcement of Missouri Divorce Decrees: Contempt of Court Proceedings.

February 1st, 2014
Posted By
Mark A. Wortman
When a Missouri divorce is concluded, and the Judgment Decree is signed by the judge, regardless of whether the case was settled or tried by the court, the parties are expected to follow the order. While most people do, there are always those who cho… Read More
Categories: Assets and Debts, Child Support, Divorce, Family Law, Financial Issues, Legal Proceedings, Property Division

Trial court must identify all property as marital or non-marital in Missouri divorce proceeding; specific values not required

June 1st, 2013
Posted By
Mark A. Wortman
Recent Ruling: MP v. DLP Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District – WD75647 Husband appeals from the trial court’s judgment and decree of dissolution of marriage with respect to its division of property. Husband claims that the trial c… Read More
Categories: Assets and Debts, Divorce, Financial Issues, Legal Proceedings

Missouri Divorce FAQ: What is an Uncontested Divorce in Missouri?

May 26th, 2013
Posted By
Mark A. Wortman
An uncontested divorce in Missouri is a divorce where both the Husband and the Wife are in complete agreement with all terms of the divorce before the case is filed. In almost all cases, if the case can be resolved as an uncontested matter, there wil… Read More
Categories: Alimony / Maintenance, Assets and Debts, Child Support, Custody and Visitation, Divorce, Financial Issues, Legal Proceedings
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Mark A. Wortman

Mark A. Wortman's Profile Image
Kansas City family law attorney Mark A. Wortman handles only divorce and family law matters, and practices only in the State of Missouri. Due to this specialty, Mark has handled thousands of Missouri divorce and family cases and has practiced extensi… Read More

Practice Areas

Divorce
Uncontested Divorce
Spousal Support
Child Custody
Missouri Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
Child Support
Child Support When a Child is in College
Property Division
Modification of Decrees
Contempt of Court / Enforcement of Decrees
Legal Separation
Annulment
Rights of the Unwed / Cohabitation Rights
Paternity
Non-Paternity