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Missouri Family Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Child Custody and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: Co-signed place for ex 2015 now have default judgement 15k she was served and I wasn’t found out this week what can I do

Signed as a co-signer in 2015 to help her out stayed 2 months to help set up and we separated, we’re going into a heated custody battle while doing record searches and requests i found a judgment against me from 2016. I was never served she was and didn’t notify me the Original debt was 3-4k... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Aug 13, 2023

I agree with Mr. Pennell about the dangers of co-signing.

For a judgment that is older than one year, the good-cause/meritorious defense bit doesn't apply. Those are the requirements to set aside a default judgment. For your judgment, if you were not properly served, you'd...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: If both party's have joint property can he or she pick up personal stuff when the other is not there?

Say one is at work and it takes a week to move out?

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on Aug 11, 2023

This answer depends on where the personal property is located and if both parties have legal rights to enter the real property used as the marital residence. The two types of property are important and distinct. Personal property is the household goods, furniture, vehicles, bank accounts,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Collections for Missouri on
Q: I'm a liable for unpaid medical bills, student loan, and really any debt from my spouse that she accrued before marriage

We are not married yet. Just inquiring to see if it will affect my credit or if creditors will come after me for any of her debt prior to out union.

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Jul 24, 2023

Probably not but it may require pre-marriage planning and documents. Consult with attorneys who do pre-nuptial agreements.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Missouri on
Q: Can I hire a lawyer & have one on back with retainer. If I dont use my back up lawyer, do I get my retainer back?

Modify custody case

Chad Garrett Mann
Chad Garrett Mann
answered on Jul 20, 2023

In Missouri, as in other states, a lawyer's obligation to return unused retainer fees to a client is guided by the state's rules of professional conduct, the specifics of the fee agreement you signed, and any applicable state laws or regulations.

According to Rule 4-1.16(d) of the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for Missouri on
Q: What are my rights as a widow?

My husband was set to inherit the house that we live in unfortunately he passed away and now my in-laws are trying to kick me out on the streets with absolutely nothing they also took my car away the one that they gave my husband and I when he was alive. What are my rights? What am I entitled to?

Chad Garrett Mann
Chad Garrett Mann
answered on Jul 20, 2023

First and foremost, I'm so sorry for your loss. Dealing with property and inheritance issues after the death of a spouse can be complex and emotionally taxing. Please note that while I can provide some general guidance on this issue, it's essential to consult with an attorney who can give... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: Prenup question to waive alimony.., My fiance and I had agreed on this to replace alimony. Is this sufficient in prenup?

SUPPORT

10. In the event that there is a separation of the Parties, the following will occur regarding spousal

support: J.A.B. Jr. will pay spousal support to J.S. in the amount of a lump

sum of $55,000 cash on the condition that they were married for a minimum of five... View More

Chad Garrett Mann
Chad Garrett Mann
answered on Jul 20, 2023

The binding effect of any provision in a prenuptial agreement, including one that purports to waive spousal support, depends on a variety of factors, not just the specific language used in the clause.

Under Missouri law, prenuptial agreements must meet certain criteria to be enforceable....
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: will they garnish a maintenance payment for back owed child support?

IF a woman who refused to work to not pay chidsupport gets a Maintenance support Check, will that be garnished for previous back owed childsupport.

Chad Garrett Mann
Chad Garrett Mann
answered on Jul 20, 2023

Under Missouri law, if a person fails to pay court-ordered child support, the state can enforce this obligation in several ways. One common method is income withholding, which can include wages, salaries, and other income like unemployment benefits, workman's compensation, and retirement... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: Before a divorce should I give a jointly owned car title to my estranged wife

It is in my safe deposit box and I think she wants to sell the car to pay her lawyer

Chad Garrett Mann
Chad Garrett Mann
answered on Jul 20, 2023

Missouri is an "equitable distribution" state, which means that in a divorce, all marital property (that is, property acquired or increased during the marriage) is divided in a manner that the court finds fair and equitable. The court considers a range of factors, including each... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: What do I do if my ex spouse refuses to remove their name off the deed or mortgage of the home?

The home was awarded to me in the divorce. My ex spouse did not ask for any part of the equity in the home while filing the paperwork. Thank you!

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 12, 2023

In a situation where your ex-spouse refuses to remove their name from the deed or mortgage of the home awarded to you in the divorce, it's important to consult with a real estate attorney who specializes in divorce and property matters. They can review the details of your case, including the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Missouri on
Q: Is there anything I can do to get my son b back we had a apartment and everything they took him off of hear say

My son got took out of school on may 22nd saying child abuse because of my ex who called them I had a lil apartment and they still took him it was clean fridge we had food this happened a month ago he was put into foster care my brother has him now but I am still fighting to get him back I have... View More

Steve D. Hardin
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Steve D. Hardin
answered on Jun 26, 2023

You need an attorney. Who will be able to help you understand and prepare a defense to the allegations or help you convince the Court that your son should be returned to you. It is hard to say what you can do yourself as we cannot see the filings and allegations in the case. Please contact an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: My friend died but she owned a home w/her husband & children. The husband is trying to sell the house. Can he do that?

Kids names are on deed as well as the husband. Can he sell the home without the permission from the kids? Her kids are grown adults not minors, does that change the info you have answered?

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jun 22, 2023

An examination of the present deed, and possibly the title, is needed here. Even if it is a life estate/remainder deed, the surviving husband can still ask a Court to sell the minors' interests. It depends on the deed whether the husband and the kids took the deceased wife's interest,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: I have very good reason to believe my wife is having an affair.

Would it be legal for me to put a voice recorder in her car. I am the legal owner,only my name is on the title.

Chad Garrett Mann
Chad Garrett Mann
answered on Jul 20, 2023

As a general rule, Missouri's wiretapping law is a "one-party consent" law. Missouri law makes it a crime to intercept or record any "wire, oral, or electronic communication" unless one party to the conversation consents. See Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.402.2(2)(3). So, if you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes, Criminal Law and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: If officers police reports are false with child endangerment allegations what can I do

He said she was 2 yrs old 2 blocks away unsupervised for 15-20 minutes she was almost 4 yrs old when it all happened she was playing in sand box and scooping dirt n rocks i was helping a new "friend" turning key of van he was working on and i stopped hearing her in the sad box and went to... View More

Kenneth Chike Odiwe
Kenneth Chike Odiwe
answered on May 27, 2023

Under Penal Code § 118.1 PC, police officers can be charged with a crime if they knowingly make a false statement in a report, regardless of whether the statement was made under oath. This offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Luckily, there are several things that can be done when an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Family Law and Child Custody for Missouri on
Q: I have had a restraining order against my ex husband for the last 2 years, he keeps violating it

He just recently found out where we live and sent the police out here to do a health and welfare check on my daughter at midnight. I just want to protect myself and my daughter. Her last memories of him are from when he stole a car and wrecked it and left her locked inside of it. I need to find a... View More

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on May 17, 2023

You cannot get a restraining order in MO for a child when there is a divorce decree with custody determinations in place because the divorce judgment has higher authority than an order of protection (what is referred to as a restraining order). You will need to register your divorce judgment in MO... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for Missouri on
Q: The situation: Bill is going to be declared dead in August. Bill had a child, Mark who passed away in 2019. Mark had a

Son, Zach who is still alive. Bill died in California, we live in missouri.

Bills siblings got a letter from California Inheritance Group claiming Bill had unclaimed assets and they are going to divide it between his siblings. I don’t believe that is correct I believe it should be all... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Apr 30, 2023

First, you do not need to go through California Inheritance Group to claim these funds. You can find it here and make a claim yourself: https://www.sco.ca.gov/upd_msg.html

Under the laws of California, if a person dies unmarried with living descendants and no will, the descendants...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: Are hair follicles invasivebin child custody cases in missouri?

A judge went straight to hair follicle drug tests instead of the leastbintrusive method first.

Steve D. Hardin
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Steve D. Hardin
answered on Feb 16, 2023

No they are not invasive in a child custody case. Less invasive urinalyses do not give a history of drug or alcohol abuse so the courts often want a hair follicle test.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Civil Litigation for Missouri on
Q: What’s a briefing
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 10, 2023

A Missouri attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. In the most general sense that applies nationwide, briefing means a meeting. It usually involves giving information or instructions. That's a broad definition. If this is in the context of a Missouri statute... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: Already legally separated since 2019. We both are in agreement we would like the final divorce. How do we proceed?
Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on Feb 3, 2023

You state you are legally separated. If that means you have a judgment stating you are legally separated, then you simply need to file a motion to convert to a dissolution of marriage. You can have an attorney assist you or try to find forms on the self-representation portion of the Missouri courts... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: A friend is in state custody (foster home) she’ll be 18 in March. They are wanting to move her again and she’s tired of

Moving and is thinking about running away. What can happen if she does run away

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on Jan 16, 2023

First, your friend should have an attorney appointed to them that they can talk to about this. Second, this is really going to depend on the county involved. She needs to be participating at court and taking advantage of all the programs and services available to older kids/young adults in state... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Missouri on
Q: Will I have to pay child support if the child moves in with his father who owes back child support?

This is in Missouri and the father owes 8,000 in back child support for this child.

Kristen Thurmond
Kristen Thurmond
answered on Jan 16, 2023

This has come up in several of my cases where custody has to change for various reasons. Most of the time, the judges in the courts I practice in have determine it to be a credit towards the amount you owe. Since you stated there is $8000 in arrears, you would be "paying" the new amount... View More

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