Kelly, Symonds, Reed & Jansen

You probably will not have to divide your personal injury settlement or award if you divorce. Missouri law differentiates between marital and nonmarital elements of payments you received for injuries.

Child Protective Services or CPS may be called to investigate claims of: • Child abuse • Criminal acts by a parent • Drug or alcohol abuse • Child endangerment • Domestic violence If you are accused of neglecting or abusing your child, or if you accuse your spouse or partner of those actions, then an investigation or family assessment could take place.

If your child is refusing visitation with your co-parent due to a reason that directly concerns their safety, immediately bring this to your attorney or other legal professionals' attention.

"Zero tolerance" refers to the fact that underage drinkers who have any amount of alcohol in their system are immediately subject to being charged with a DUI. The percent can range from 0.00 to 0.02 percent BAC, depending on the city or state.

It is wise to work with a personal injury attorney after you have suffered an injury at work or in a car wreck. Why? They're familiar with situations like yours and can give you more information on the medical documents or other information you'll need to make a solid case. Your attorney is familiar with negotiating and getting you the best possible settlements. If you can't settle, then your attorney will also be able to help by representing you in court.

All marital dissolution cases start the same, including uncontested; one spouse has to file the divorce petition. The court then serves the petition to the other party. The petition must be served within a specific time frame — typically 30 days. However, the courts may grant an extension if your spouse has moved out of state. After your spouse receives the petition, they have X number of days to respond. After they respond, both parties must:  • Sit through the waiting period • Sign and file consent divorce forms • Pay any filing fees • Wait for the court to approve the filing

An ex parte order of protection is a temporary order. The court issues it before a person receives notice of an order of petition or has had an opportunity to be heard in court.

Thinking about drafting a prenuptial agreement may seem unromantic or as if you are assuming your marriage will fail, but that is not the case. It is a simple way to protect your financial interests and make it easier for both parties in case of an unexpected turn of events in the future. For many Missouri couples, a prenup is a smart move, regardless of income level, age, or the likelihood of divorce.

It depends on the circumstances. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that any resident of a home can refuse to allow police to search without a warrant as long as they’re home at the time. However, if you aren’t home and the police show up, your roommate can invite them to come in and look around.

When difficult decisions need to be made, consider how the impact of the choice you will make will affect the well-being of your children. This outlook can help you keep your parenting focused on your children even in situations where outside influences threaten to distract you from your role as a parent. It can be hard to avoid focusing on what you dislike about your ex or emotions of anger or sadness about the loss of your marriage. Keep your parenting efforts focused on your children when you are with your children. While your feelings are important to acknowledge, you can do so outside of your time with your children.

When the police charge you with a DUI, it can be an issue. It can be a serious issue when they charge you with a DUI, and you already have one or more DUIs on your record. A DUI can change the way you enjoy your rights, future, and freedoms, which is why it is so important to fight to defend yourself from these charges.

Missouri is a no-fault state for divorces. That means you don’t have to provide grounds for asking the court to grant a divorce. If you’ve been cheated on, you can still try and prove in court that there was infidelity to affect the divorce outcome, including things like alimony, child custody, and property divisions.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has upturned everyone’s lives, from work to school to summer plans. With spouses stuck together in close quarters, tensions can rise quickly. Familiarity breeds contempt. Financial woes & stress may even lead to the desire to separate or divorce.