» Legal Proceedings
Child support paid by third party does not equal child neglect; Proposed Judgments prepared by counsel should not be signed verbatim.
February 6th, 2017
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…
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Child’s refusal to visit other parent no excuse to violate custody order; Parent held in Contempt
February 23rd, 2016
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…
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60 day Notice required for relocation, not Motion to Modify
April 14th, 2014
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…
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Enforcement of Missouri Divorce Decrees: Contempt of Court Proceedings.
February 1st, 2014
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…
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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
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…
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Missouri Divorce FAQ: What is an Uncontested Divorce in Missouri?
May 26th, 2013
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…
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Missouri Divorce FAQ Series: How long does a divorce case take from beginning to end
April 30th, 2013
The duration of a divorce in Missouri varies from case to case. Factors that determine length include how contested the case is, the cooperation of the parties, whether or not there are two attorneys involved, the complexity of the issues, whether or…
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Court must consider division of marital property before ordering spousal maintenance (alimony); Factors that determine amount of spousal support.
April 23rd, 2013
In a recent ruling from the Court of Appeals, Husband appealed the trial Court’s decision granting maintenance to the Wife, claiming, among other things, that the Court did not consider the Wife’s award of marital property, and the abilit…
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Electronic Domestic Case Filing Begins in March in Jackson County
February 16th, 2013
News Release from the Jackson County Circuit Court: Starting in March, there will be no more mad dashes to the courthouse by attorneys to file papers at the last minute. The Circuit Court in Jackson County will begin paperless electronic filing which…
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Relocation of a child subject to a Missouri custody order
January 27th, 2013
Missouri law governs the relocation of children after a custody order has been entered. “Relocation” is defined as “a change in the principal residence of a child for a period of ninety days or more, but does not include a temporary…
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Mark A. Wortman
Mark A. Wortman is a Missouri family law attorney who handles only divorce and family law matters within the state. Due to this specialty, Mark Wortman has handled thousands of Missouri divorce and family cases and has practiced extensively in front… Read More
