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Welcome to the law office of Mark A. Wortman. Mark is a Kansas City divorce and family law attorney with over 23 years of experience. Because Mark focuses only on Missouri divorce and family law — and has put all of his experience in these areas — he has more knowledge and expertise in these areas than a general practice firm. He knows the law, the courts, and probably the opposing counsel. So he knows he can help you.
Mark is the author of the Missouri Divorce and Family Law Blog, which we welcome you to visit. The firm has provided all of the information on this website to be of help to you if you need assistance in a Missouri family law matter.
We work together to provide people going through one of life’s most difficult transitions with the guidance and support they need. We help you understand what to expect, explain your options and the legal process, and ensure that you know you’re not alone in the family law process. We’re at your side every step of the way.
Yes, you are always free to change attorneys and you can have any attorney you wish represent you. However, it is important to consider that changing attorneys in the middle of the divorce case will cost more money (since you are paying two attorneys), and depending on the stage of the proceeding, may directly affect the new attorney's ability to adequately represent you in the case. It is far better to choose the right attorney from the very beginning, but if a change is required, it is usually permitted by the court.
In Missouri, a divorce proceeding is used to end a lawful, valid marriage. An annulment, on the other hand, ends a marriage that was not valid to begin with. If a marriage is declared null and void, it is as if it never existed in the first place. An annulment is only granted in very limited situations, such as in the cases where spouses are relatives, bigamous marriages, lack of mental capacity, fraud of an intimate nature, duress, a spouse is underage, and a few other reasons. Note that an annulment will not be granted simply because the marriage is of short duration, and annulment proceeding is not cheaper or faster than a divorce.
In Missouri, after a custody order is entered, a party having custody cannot relocate without first notifying the other parent. If the other parent does not object in court in the time required, and the moving parent has met all statutory requirements, then the parent may relocate. However, if the other parent timely objects, then the court will conduct a hearing to determine whether it is in the best interests of the children to relocate. Also, the children cannot be moved out of Missouri while a case is pending, absent agreement or order of the court.
Your choice of family law firm can affect your whole future and that of your children. It’s important to work with a law firm that will give you the advice and support you need throughout the legal process, and a strong foundation for your life after your family law case.
Knowledge is power, and we believe that the more you know about family law, the better equipped you will be to make decisions in your case. Review our latest articles.
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