50/50 Child Custody

50/50 Child Custody in Missouri Obtaining a 50/50 child custody arrangement, where both parents share equal responsibility for their child, is often an ideal situation for many families in Missouri. However, the decision ultimately rests on what the court believes is in the best interests of the child. Missouri law encourages both parents to remain…

Adoption

Adoption Law Missouri: What You Need to Know Thinking About Adopting in Missouri? Here’s How It Works. Adoption is a life-changing decision — not just for the child, but for the entire family. In Missouri, adoption legally creates a permanent parent-child relationship between individuals who aren’t biologically related. Whether you’re a stepparent, relative, or loving…

Annulment

Annulment Law Missouri: What You Need to Know Understanding Annulment in Missouri If you’re questioning the validity of your marriage, you might be wondering whether an annulment is possible under Missouri law. Unlike a divorce, which ends a legally valid marriage, an annulment declares that the marriage was never legally valid in the first place….

Child Custody

Child Custody Laws in Missouri: A Parent’s Guide to Custody Rights and the Legal Process Understanding Child Custody in Missouri When parents in Joplin, Missouri, or the surrounding areas separate or divorce, one of the most emotional and challenging aspects is determining who will have custody of the children. Missouri child custody laws prioritize the…

Contempt Action

Contempt Action in Missouri Family Law: Ensuring Compliance with Court Orders in Joplin, MO and Beyond When a parent, spouse, or other party fails to comply with a court order in a family law case, you may need to take action to ensure the court’s decision is enforced. In Missouri, filing a contempt action can…

Divorce

Divorce Law in Missouri In Missouri, divorce is legally known as a “dissolution of marriage.” You don’t have to prove fault (like adultery or abandonment) to file. Missouri is a “no-fault divorce” state, which means the court only needs to find that the marriage is “irretrievably broken”—in other words, there’s no reasonable chance of reconciliation….

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Laws & Orders of Protection in Missouri: What You Need to Know If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence in Missouri, know that you are not alone—and there is legal protection available. The law is designed to help survivors stay safe, get space, and take legal action against abuse. Whether…

Guardianship of Minors

Guardianship of Minors in Missouri: What Families Need to Know Supporting the Child You Love—With the Legal Protection They Deserve If you’re caring for a child whose parents are no longer able to do so—due to absence, addiction, incarceration, or any other reason—you might be wondering how to make your role official. In Missouri, this…

Legal Separation

Legal Separation Law in Joplin, Missouri and Surrounding Areas: An Overview Legal separation in Missouri provides couples with an alternative to divorce, allowing them to live apart while remaining legally married. This can be an ideal option for couples in Joplin and the surrounding areas who may not be ready to completely end their marriage…

Modifying Child Custody Orders

Modifying Child Custody Orders – Missouri Family Law Life changes, and sometimes those changes require adjustments to existing child custody arrangements. Whether due to a change in work schedule, relocation, or shifts in a child’s needs, modifying a child custody order is an important part of family law in Missouri. Understanding the legal process and…