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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.
It depends on what part of the court order is not being followed. For child support matters, enforcement actions can be initiated by the prosecutor's office or the Family Support Division, or by the custodial parent in a civil contempt action. For child custody violations, enforcement can include contempt of court, family access motions, or even habeas corpus actions. For property or maintenance issues, civil contempt is the primary remedy. Contempt of Court can result in a party being incarcerated until the contemptuous actions are remedied.
In Missouri, property is characterized as either marital or non-marital property, and this applies to real estate, personal property, vehicles, retirement plans, bank accounts, debts, and any other type of property. Marital property is any property acquired between the date of the marriage and the date of the divorce. Non-marital property is any property that was owned prior to the marriage, or acquired during the marriage by gift or inheritance. Note that sometimes non-marital property can become marital property, or non-marital property can have a marital component. Non-marital property will be awarded to the party who owns it, and marital property and debt is usually divided equally. However, marital misconduct or other factors occasionally can justify an unequal division.
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.
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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