Many Missouri family law attorneys who have been in practice since September 11, 2001 have experienced an increase in their cases involving families with Military retirement plans. In today’s blog we discuss a potential pit fall when dividing a marital interest in these plans. In the years following September 11, 2001…
We are pleased to announce, that in order to better serve our clients effective the week of June 12, 2016, we are moving our office to 533 Jefferson Street, St. Charles, MO 63301. All other contact information including our phone number and email will remain unchanged. Thank you! Doug Bellon…
With the prevalence of private grade schools and high schools in the St. Louis area, family law attorneys and judges are often faced with the question of how to pay for the costs associated with these schools when one or both parents decide to send their child to private school. …
Missouri family law attorneys and judges often wrestle over how property is to be divided when that property was acquired during the marriage from one party’s separate or pre-marital assets. In today’s blog we examine the Source of Funds Rule and its potential application in divorce proceedings in Missouri. It is…
After receiving an Order in a divorce judgment of spousal support or alimony, which is referred to as maintenance in Missouri family courts, many times there are questions and concerns surrounding the term of these maintenance payments and whether they can ever be altered. As discussed previously on our blog,…
As a family law practitioner one of the most common explanations, given by new clients, as to why they have remained in an unhealthy and often times oppressive marriage is the feeling of being financially trapped due to the unknown financial consequences if they leave the marriage . This is…
In Part I of our most recent blog we discussed how important it is to determine an attorney’s level of experience with family law and those specific issues which are of particular importance to the client. Further, we addressed how important it is that potential clients evaluate their comfort level…
Choosing the right attorney to help assist and guide you through the divorce process is critical. But, what do you need to know when you first meet an attorney to help you make the correct choice? In this two-part blog we examine 5 factors that are critical in this process.…
In 2012, alone, there were 41,494 reported incidents of domestic violence in Missouri according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. In today’s blog we examine the use of an Adult Order of Protection as a tool against the perpetuation of domestic violence. Domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions in the…
In our previous blog we discussed the difference between sole legal custody and joint legal custody and the importance of having a well drafted parenting plan. In today’s blog we discuss those factors that will be considered by your family court Judge in determining legal custody in a contested custody…