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Questions Answered by Kelisen Binder
1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: How to legally adopt a stepchild in the state of Missouri??

I got pregnant at 16 with my oldest son. His bio father was high on drugs and refused to be in his life and isn’t on the birth certificate. He’s been an in and out father until he was 22 months. He will be 8 in September and his sperm donor is trying to come back in his life but barely. My sons... View More

Kelisen  Binder
PREMIUM
Kelisen Binder
answered on May 2, 2024

You will need to contact an attorney that handles step-parent adoptions. You will have to file a petition in the county where you live, a guardian ad litem may be appointed and a home study may be necessary in order for the Court to grant your petition for step-parent adoption. You and your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: Can I change my mind after mediation if nothing was signed?

My husband has had his son in his care for his whole life. He had filed for custody and was sent to mediation. The mediator made him feel bad for not letting his birth mom see the child. He agreed to 50/50 custody, but the mom never signed the papers

Fast forward two months she sent him... View More

Kelisen  Binder
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Kelisen Binder
answered on Apr 5, 2024

Mediation itself is typically not binding unless the parties involved reach a mutually agreed-upon settlement that is then documented in a binding agreement and submitted to the Court. One of the tenants of mediation is the understanding that the parties may speak to individual counsel after... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Missouri on
Q: If I have a will when I pass away, will my beneficiaries have to go to probate court?

Also, the difference between beneficiary and TOD?

Kelisen  Binder
PREMIUM
Kelisen Binder
answered on Apr 5, 2024

In Missouri, having a will does not allow your heirs to avoid probate court. However, there are strategies to minimize the probate process or bypass it altogether for certain assets. Here are some considerations specific to Missouri:

Small Estate Affidavit: Missouri offers a simplified...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: I would like to add a name to a deed. How can this be done with a POA

Property belongs to an elder person and they would like to add a name.

Kelisen  Binder
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Kelisen Binder
answered on Jul 24, 2024

I'm a Missouri Attorney and I would be happy to chat with the owner of the property. If they are requesting an additional name to be added to a deed that is something that can be done through a quit claim deed or other instrument. It depends on the type of property and the owner's... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Probate for Missouri on
Q: How can I prove I was the beneficiary?

My cousin took the will and put her name on the account so I would not have access to anything

Kelisen  Binder
PREMIUM
Kelisen Binder
answered on Apr 24, 2024

You should open a probate estate in the county where your loved one died. If a will exists, you can file that will with the Court to inform how the estate should be distributed. Without more information I am unable to give any more specific advice. What account? Who is the deceased?

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