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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.
Mediation is an out of court process where a third party attorney who is certified as a mediator will help the spouses come to an agreement on any unresolved issues. Most Kansas City area courts will require mediation to be completed before certifying the case for trial in a contested divorce case involving child custody. Mediation can also be used prior to filing the case to help the parties proceed with an uncontested case. A mediator does not represent either party, and cannot file the divorce case. Also, a mediated agreement is not binding until reduced to a settlement agreement and approved by the court.
In Missouri, child support is calculated using the Form 14. The Form 14 is a formula generates a "presumed" amount of child support that the court will usually adopt. However, under the right circumstances, a Missouri Court can reject the Form 14 amount and order any other child support amount deemed appropriate. Also, the parties are free to agree to any amount of child support that they want, as long as the court believes that the children will be financially taken care of. The Form 14 calculation includes the following: incomes of the parties, other child support or maintenance orders, health insurance premiums, uninsured medical costs, daycare costs, extracurricular activity expenses, other extraordinary expenses, a credit for the number of overnights the non-custodial parent has, and other factors.
All matters involving the children are always modifiable based on a showing of changes in circumstances. This includes child support, custody, and visitation. Also, spousal maintenance is modifiable unless it has been specifically designated as non-modifiable maintenance. Property and debt orders are final and not modifiable.
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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