Divorce
Divorce can be emotionally and financially overwhelming, but a clear plan can make the process more manageable. We help clients understand their rights, protect what matters most, and work toward fair outcomes on parenting time, support, and property division—whether through settlement or litigation.
Timelines vary depending on the court, complexity of issues, and whether the case is contested or settled.
Not always—many divorces resolve through negotiation or mediation, but some require court involvement.
Property and debt division depends on state law and the facts of your marriage, including assets, income, and contributions.
Yes. If both parents agree, a parenting plan can be submitted for approval as part of the divorce.
Whether you can receive alimony—also called spousal support or maintenance—depends on several factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Courts evaluate these details to determine if support is appropriate and, if so, the amount and duration.
Custody
Child custody decisions affect your child’s daily life, stability, and long-term well-being. Whether you are establishing custody for the first time or addressing changes after a separation or divorce, we help parents pursue practical custody and parenting-time arrangements that protect their children’s best interests while clearly defining each parent’s rights and responsibilities.
Legal custody involves decision-making authority for major issues like education and medical care, while physical custody (parenting time) addresses where the child lives and the parenting schedule.
Courts base custody decisions on the child’s best interests, considering factors such as each parent’s involvement, stability, ability to cooperate, and the child’s needs.
Yes. Many cases result in joint custody arrangements, provided both parents can communicate and act in the child’s best interests.
Custody orders can often be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances and the modification benefits the child.
Paternity
Establishing legal paternity formally identifies a child’s legal parent and creates clarity for both parents and the child. Paternity cases focus on determining parentage through acknowledgment or court proceedings, often involving genetic testing. We help clients navigate this process efficiently and ensure that parentage is established correctly under Missouri and Illinois law.
Establishing paternity is the legal process of identifying a child’s legal parent, which can affect rights and responsibilities under the law.
Paternity may be established voluntarily through signed acknowledgment forms or through a court case that may include genetic testing.
Genetic testing is typically used when parentage is disputed or unclear and can be ordered by the court to confirm biological relationships.
Time limits can vary depending on the situation and state law, so it’s important to address paternity as early as possible.
Child Support
Child support is designed to help cover a child’s everyday needs and maintain stability across households. We assist with setting, reviewing, and enforcing child support orders while ensuring financial information is accurate and the result is consistent with the law.
It’s typically based on a statutory formula that considers income, overnights, insurance, childcare, and other expenses.
Yes—support can often be modified if there’s a substantial change in circumstances.
Support can still be calculated, and the court may consider documentation, lifestyle, and earning capacity.
Sometimes. Certain expenses may be shared separately depending on the order or agreement.
Child Custody Modifications
When life changes, your court order may need to change too. We help clients pursue or defend modifications to custody, parenting time, and support when circumstances shift—while keeping the focus on stability and what’s legally supportable.
Common examples include job changes, relocation, schedule shifts, or changes in a child’s needs.
You can agree, but it should still be formalized and approved by the court to be enforceable.
There’s no set limit, but courts generally require a meaningful change and a valid legal basis.
Not automatically—you typically need a formal modification to adjust the court order.
Child Custody Enforcement
If the other party isn’t following a court order, you don’t have to handle it alone. We help clients enforce custody, parenting time, and support orders through documentation, negotiation, and court action when necessary.
Examples include denied parenting time, failure to pay support, or ignoring specific plan requirements.
Remedies may include make-up parenting time, fines, attorney’s fees, or other consequences.
Yes—details matter. Messages, calendars, payment records, and incident notes can help.
Usually no—those issues are typically handled separately, and self-help can backfire.
Relocation
Moving with a child after separation or divorce can raise serious legal issues—especially when it affects the other parent’s time. We help parents understand required notices, negotiate updated parenting plans, and seek court approval when relocation is contested.
Often yes, depending on the distance, your order, and state law—especially if it impacts parenting time.
The court may decide whether relocation is allowed and how the schedule should be adjusted.
Courts commonly look at the child’s best interests, stability, and the reason for the move.
It can—because changes in overnights and travel costs may affect the overall arrangement.
Third-Party Custody
In some situations, someone other than a parent—such as a grandparent or other relative—may seek custody or visitation to protect a child’s safety and stability. We guide families through these sensitive cases with a focus on the law, evidence, and the child’s best interests.
It depends on the facts and state law, but it can include certain relatives or caregivers in specific circumstances.
Not automatically—courts apply legal standards before placing a child with a non-parent.
Examples include neglect, unsafe conditions, substance misuse, or a parent being unable to provide care.
Yes—some orders are temporary while the court reviews longer-term solutions.
Orders for Protection
If you are dealing with threats, harassment, or abuse, an Order of Protection can provide immediate legal safeguards. We help clients take quick, informed steps to pursue protection—or respond effectively if an order has been filed against them.
It can restrict contact, require distance, address residence issues, and include other safety-related terms.
In urgent cases, courts may issue temporary orders quickly, followed by a hearing for longer-term protection.
Yes—protective orders can impact parenting time and exchange arrangements.
You still must take it seriously, follow the order, and prepare a strong response for the hearing.