Hi,

I am sorry that your family is experiencing something like this. It appears to be very strange that a judge would just enter a default judgment so abruptly like this. Are you sure that a court date or two was not missed? Normally, the court gives pro se litigants (individuals proceeding... View More

The first thing to do is try to text or email the other parent why he or she is refusing to return your child. If they do not respond, give a valid reason, or agree to return the kid promptly to you, then you can file a family access motion and what is known as a writ of habeas corpus if it appears... View More

You need to look into filing a paternity action as soon as possible if you don't already have a custody order in place. If there is one, then you need to be filing to modify it. If you have legitimate concerns about the kids' safety, you need to file for an order of protection. Consult an... View More

This is going to be very dependent on the judge who entered the first order and how they handle modifications. You need to find an attorney who practices in the county where your custody order was entered to see what your options are.

Removing a guardian ad litem (GAL) is a difficult task if the case has been going on for a while. In the first few days of a GAL being appointed you can ask for a new one without cause. After that, you have to show good cause to have one removed. This means you have to show the judge that he or she... View More

If you already have a custody order in place, you will need to file a motion to modify your order to have the children live with you. You have to show a continuous and substantial or significant change in circumstances since the last order was entered. If you do not have a custody order, then you... View More

You should not leave your teenage children alone for long periods of time as it will open you up to neglect claims. The better option is to merge households at your earliest convenience or find in-home care for your mother. You may need to contact the state to see what services you can find for... View More

Usually that language is to state an address to (1) have one address for important mail to come to so it is not missed and cannot be send to multiple places and (2) direct which school district to use unless otherwise stated in your agreement, parenting plan, or judgment. If the rest of the... View More

The St. Louis County Circuit Court’s webpage has some common forms online. A defamation petition is not common nor something that pro se litigants generally file and successfully litigate. For example, do you know the essential elements of a defamation cause of action in Missouri? The... View More

To get custody of the children you will need to file for a guardianship over the minors. If the father wants the children it would have to be a contested guardianship case. Either way you will need to hire an attorney.

This is not a self help project. You will need an attorney to help you.

Consider filing a Petition for Guardianship and/or a Petition for Third Party Custody. I suggest discussing these options with an attorney in your area. Generally the Guardianship will be heard faster and there are options for emergency guardianship depending on the facts surrounding the... View More

What does it mean to leave for milk?

You should closely review and comply with the terms of your Judgment or Order that established your custody. Missouri has a relocation requirements and notice in every custody judgment and parenting plan. I suggest you review and strictly comply with the relocation notice requirements.

A motion pendente lite is latin for "pending the litigation". The motion requests orders while a case is pending such as custody, visitation, child support or maintenance orders in divorce litigation. Pendente lite motions are often abbreviated as "PDL". Those temporary... View More

Try serving her at different locations. Suggest requesting and using a special process server. If you still cannot get her served, you can have her served by publication in a legal newspaper in the county where she resides.

I agree with Caroline, there are a few options such as adoption, third-party custody, guardianship or the like. What’s best for your situation depends on the facts of your case and your ultimate goal. Contact a family law attorney to get more information.

I would need to know some more information to know if the case was properly brought in whichever state it was filed. You need to make sure that you respond within 30 days (in a number of states, it's 21 days), or ask for leave to file out of time with the court.

Do you mean how much it would cost to go to court? Unless there's someone there to adopt the child (or they are considered abandoned, etc.), the court will not terminate his rights just so he doesn't have to pay child support.

To be eligible for emancipation in Missouri, you need to be able to support yourself financially and have a place of your own. That doesn't mean you cannot have roommates or live elsewhere, but you would have to show the court that you would be able to afford a home and have an income, etc.... View More