Mediation vs. Collaborative Law
The choice between mediation and collaborative law for your divorce depends on your specific situation and what you and your spouse feel most comfortable with. Both mediation and collaborative law are alternative dispute resolution methods that aim to resolve divorce issues outside of court, but they have different approaches. Read More…
How are childcare expenses divided after divorce?
Childcare expenses after a divorce in Missouri, as in most states, are typically addressed in the child custody and support arrangements. The specific details of how childcare expenses are divided can vary depending on the circumstances of the divorce and the preferences of the parents, but Missouri law provides guidelines and procedures for determining child support and related expenses. Read More…
Do I qualify for Maintenance
Maintenance, also known as alimony or spousal support, eligibility and the specific criteria for receiving it in Missouri can vary depending on your individual circumstances and the court’s decision. The court considers various factors when determining whether maintenance is appropriate, and these factors can include: Read More…
Do I need an attorney to get a divorce?
While it’s not required to have an attorney to get a divorce in Missouri, it’s generally advisable to have legal representation, especially if your divorce involves complex issues such as child custody, spousal support, significant assets, or if there are disputes between you and your spouse. An attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that the divorce process is handled correctly. Read More…
What is a Default Divorce in Missouri
A divorce in Missouri by default occurs when one spouse files for divorce (the petitioner) and the other spouse (the respondent) does not respond to the divorce petition within the specified time frame, usually 30 days. In this situation, the divorce process proceeds without the active participation of the non-responsive spouse. Read More…
Conflict de-escalation in Collaborative Law
Collaborative Law is a dispute resolution process used in family law and other civil matters that aims to resolve conflicts through cooperation and negotiation rather than adversarial litigation. Conflict de-escalation is a crucial component of this process to ensure that parties can work together effectively to reach mutually beneficial agreements. Here are some strategies for conflict de-escalation in Collaborative Law: Read More…
Can I pay my ex cash for child support?
Child support payments are typically handled through a formal legal process to ensure that the financial support of a child is consistent and documented. Paying child support in cash may not be advisable for several reasons: Read More…
Can I change my child’s last name without the other parent’s approval?
The ability to change a child’s last name without the other parent’s approval typically depends on the laws of your jurisdiction and the circumstances of your situation. Laws regarding name changes for minors can vary widely, so it’s important to consult with an attorney or legal expert in your area to get specific guidance. Read More…
Spousal Support in Missouri Divorce: A Comprehensive Guide
Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally charged process, and one of the most contentious aspects is often spousal support, also known as alimony or maintenance. Spousal support is a financial arrangement that can significantly impact the lives of both parties involved. In the state of Missouri, spousal support laws aim to provide financial stability and fairness to both spouses after divorce. In this blog, we will delve into the key aspects of spousal support in Missouri divorces. Read More…
Navigating Prenuptial Agreements in Missouri: Protecting Your Future
When two people decide to tie the knot, they are not only making a commitment to each other but also embarking on a journey filled with shared dreams and aspirations. While the focus is often on love and unity, it’s also essential to consider the practical aspects of a marriage, including financial matters. This is where prenuptial agreements, commonly known as “prenups,” come into play. In this blog, we’ll explore prenuptial agreements in Missouri, why they can be valuable, and how to navigate them effectively. Read More….
Changing Your Name After Divorce
If you are a woman dealing with divorce, the decision to change back to your maiden name or keep your married name is not always easy. The good news is your decision made at the time of your divorce does not have to be forever. Read More…
Getting Divorced? Don’t Forget These Assets
Divorce marks the end of one chapter of your life and the beginning of another, and odds are, you’ll look back at this time and see it as a positive turning point in your life. However, before you achieve that perspective, there’s plenty to go through – and much of that comes down to finances. Financially speaking, divorce is mostly about the division of marital property (and debts). Most couples today have complex financial portfolios that include many kinds of assets, and at first, figuring out how to divide everything fairly can seem overwhelmingly complicated. Read More…
Whose Business Is It? Division of Business Assets in a Divorce
When someone owns a business, they often consider it theirs alone. During a divorce, however, several factors determine whether the court will classify a business as separate property, or as marital property that must be divided. Read More…
How Missouri Courts Calculate Child Support
Calculating child support in Missouri is a complex, income-based process. In a divorce, it is typical for the parent who makes less money to receive child support from the other parent. Read More…
How to Protect Your Credit During Divorce
Divorce raises a host of complex emotional and financial issues. As you navigate the divorce process, it is important to have an understanding of your debts and credit accounts. Here’s what you need to know. Read More…
Holiday Tips for Divorced Parents:
Unfortunately, for many divorced families, the holidays can be a stressful and emotional time. The joyfulness of the holidays can be replaced with feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness…not only for parents, but for their children as well. Read More…
Collaborative Law: Building Bridges in Divorce
In today’s complex legal landscape, finding alternative methods to resolve disputes is becoming increasingly important. Collaborative law offers a fresh approach, promoting cooperation and open communication between parties involved in a legal matter. This innovative and evolving practice empowers individuals to find mutually beneficial solutions while avoiding the adversarial nature of traditional litigation. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of collaborative law, its key principles, benefits, and how it can reshape the way we approach conflict resolution. Read More…
How Do You Want to Get Divorced? An Overview of Your Process Options.
When you have made the decision to divorce, it’s important to realize that you have several options in moving forward. Be wary of an attorney who has a “one size fits all” attitude – your case is unique and may be suited for an option other than the typical one of going straight to court. Here is a brief overview of the different processes to consider: Read More…
Understanding the Mediation Process
In Missouri, divorce mediation is a process that allows divorcing couples to work together with a neutral third party, known as a mediator, to reach agreements on various aspects of their divorce. The mediator helps facilitate communication, encourages cooperation, and assists the couple in finding mutually acceptable solutions. Here are the general steps involved in the divorce mediation process in Missouri: Read More…
5 Tips to Reduce the Cost of Your Family Law Case
How much a family law case will cost is the number one fear of clients. When asked how much something will cost, family law attorneys have a tendency to reply with: “I’m not sure, it depends on… (fill in the blank).” This leaves clients with no way to gauge how much they are looking at paying with very little control over their case and their bill. Many clients also become afraid to call or email their attorney thinking they cannot possibly afford every phone call and email. Read More…
10 Steps to Take Before You File for Divorce
If you are contemplating divorce, there are concrete steps you can take before initiating a divorce to help lessen the turmoil of the divorce process. Read More…
Truth or Consequences: What Happens If a Spouse Hides Assets
Financial disclosure is standard procedure in every divorce. Each divorcing party is required by law to list all income, assets, debts and expenses, and then sign an affidavit, swearing under penalty of perjury that the information given is complete and true. Full disclosure is vital for determining a fair division of debt and assets between spouses. Read More…
Sophya Q. Raza Named in 2024 Best Lawyers in America® List
The prestigious “Best Lawyers in America” 2024 report produced by Best Lawyers® has given high accolades to Raza Family Law Solutions founder, Sophya Q. Raza. Sophy was recognized in three separate categories this year: Family Law, Family Law Mediation, and Collaborative Law: Family Law. Read More…
Thinking About Reading Your Spouse’s Emails? Think Again
I am often asked whether it is illegal in Missouri to access your spouse’s email account. I have previously written about the potential consequences of tracking your spouse’s actions via spy software. There are a couple of laws in Missouri that could be construed as applying to a situation where one spouse accesses the other’s email…either because the password is known or guessed. Read More…
7 Steps to Take When Your Ex Violates the Custody Agreement (and 1 Thing Not to Do)
You and your child are waiting at the time and place your former spouse agreed to in the custody arrangements during the divorce–and recently confirmed by a text or email. But your ex is a no-show–again. You can see the disappointment on your child’s face. Or maybe you’re waiting anxiously for your ex to return your child, wondering where they are. Read More…
Navigating Back to School: Tips for Divorced or Separated Parents
The back-to-school season is a time filled with both excitement and apprehension for children across the world. As the air turns crisper and the leaves start to change, students embark on a new academic journey, armed with backpacks and fresh notebooks. For children of divorced parents, however, this time of year can come with unique challenges. Balancing school, family dynamics, and personal emotions can be complex, but with understanding, communication, and support, it’s possible to navigate this journey with resilience and grace. Read More…
How College Expenses Are Divided During a Divorce in Missouri
Divorce is a challenging scenario for both parties. That is until you factor in your children’s future during proceedings which further complicates matters. You can work with your ex-partner to financially plan for your children’s future if you are on good terms with them. If not, you may have to settle such matters in court. Read More…
Back-to-School: 6 Topics for Co-Parents to Study, Learn & Practice
It can be both exciting and heartwarming to see kids return to school, but for divorced or separated co-parents, it can be extra-challenging, too. Changes to routines mean additional demands on time and energy. Mix in some tension between people who used to be married, and life can get stressful in a hurry. Read More…
Understanding the Impact of Missouri’s New Child Custody Laws
Unraveling the Complexities of Child Custody Laws:
In the intricate world of child custody, understanding the legal landscape can often feel like an uphill battle. Particularly in Missouri, recent legislative shifts have transformed the way child custody cases are approached and resolved. This article aims to shed light on these changes and their potential implications, with a special focus on the St. Louis region. Read More…
What to Expect from a Settlement Conference in Missouri
Divorce and other family law proceedings can take any number of confusing twists and turns. One common step is a court appearance known as a settlement conference, sometimes referred to as a pre-trial conference. What is a settlement conference, and what should you expect? Read more…
Co-Parenting and Summer Vacation
It’s summertime, and living should be easy. However, in families of divorce with children, things can become complicated – especially when planning for summer vacations. Read more…
Co-Parenting: What Common Time-sharing Arrangements Look Like
In Missouri, courts require divorcing couples to submit a parenting plan that includes a complete, detailed time-sharing schedule. This is to ensure the child or children get to spend significant, meaningful time with both parents. Coming up with a visitation arrangement can seem like a daunting and emotionally draining task. Once in place, however, it usually proves very helpful for families, parents, and kids alike by eliminating uncertainty and reducing the need for constant negotiations. Read more…
Divorce Laws:
Divorce laws can vary by state, so we can provide you with some general information about divorce in Missouri. However, it’s important to consult with a qualified attorney or legal professional who can guide you through the specific details and requirements of your case. Read more…