Best Divorce Lawyers in Blue Springs, MO

There are usually only three options when it comes to the house: the wife receives the house and pays out the husband's share of the equity to the husband; the husband receives the house and pays the wife her share of the equity; or the house is sold and the profit and loss are split in some ratio. The court will usually first look to see if one of the spouses wants and can afford the home, and will also consider how the award of the home would affect the children.

Yes. If paternity is in question, then it is imperative that the issue be raised in the divorce. The court will always grant the request as long as there is a reasonable basis for it, and it will probably divide the cost equally between the parties. If paternity is an issue and it is not made part of the divorce case, once the divorce is granted, the child is deemed to be that of the husband, and it will be very hard, if not impossible, to undo later.

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.

In Missouri, after a custody order is entered, a party having custody cannot relocate without first notifying the other parent. If the other parent does not object in court in the time required, and the moving parent has met all statutory requirements, then the parent may relocate. However, if the other parent timely objects, then the court will conduct a hearing to determine whether it is in the best interests of the children to relocate. Also, the children cannot be moved out of Missouri while a case is pending, absent agreement or order of the court.

If you have made all efforts to locate your spouse, and he or she cannot be found, Missouri courts will allow service by publication in lieu of personal service. This means that an notice is published in a local legal publication or newspaper for a period of 4 consecutive weeks, and if no response is filed, then the other party is deemed to be served, and a default divorce proceeding can then occur. However, it is very important to understand that the only thing the court can do is dissolve the marriage, and award custody of the children if jurisdiction is proper. The court cannot divide property, award spousal support, child support, attorney fees, or any other money judgment. Also, the Petitioner must sign an affidavit and testify as to the reasons the other spouse cannot be located, and the efforts made to locate them.