A & L, Licker Law Firm, LLC:A Caring Approach to Missouri Family Law

Divorce isn't an easy decision. It represents a change in the daily life of a family and affects all aspects of that life, including: children, housing, finances, schedules and future plans. It is also an emotional decision. You put time and energy into your marriage, but divorce can also be a new beginning.

Whether you are seeking a separation agreement, starting divorce proceedings, or revising an existing support agreement, you need a caring and professional lawyer who will help you to get through this difficult time while protecting your new future. The family law attorneys at A & L, Licker Law, LLC, will guide you through the Missouri divorce process and look out for your interests while minimizing the impact on your family.

Divorce

In Missouri, divorce proceedings begin with the filing of "The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage."This legal document declares the grounds for divorce. In a no-fault divorce, the petition declares that the marriage is irretrievably broken, and there is no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved. Fault grounds include:

• Adultery
• Incompatibility
• Six months' abandonment
• Living apart by mutual consent for one year
• Two years' living separate and apart

However, divorce is much more than filling out a form. It is a major change in life. If you are getting divorced, you may have concerns about your future and, if you have children, your children's future. The most complicated part of a Missouri divorce is the safeguarding of that future.

When parties cannot agree on equitable division of property, spousal support, and child support, or refuse to cooperate, divorce proceedings may become complex and time-consuming.

Separation agreements

A separation agreement is often used as the model for the future divorce agreement. A separation agreement is a legally binding agreement between spouses that addresses issues such as child custody, financial support, debt payment, living arrangements, property division, insurance coverage and other matters during a trial separation or until a divorce becomes final. Considering all the factors that are shared in a marriage, these agreements may be quite lengthy. When creating a separation agreement, you want to make sure that your interests are protected from the start. This will save time and money in the long run.

A separation agreement often provides the template for future decisions involving child custody, child support and spousal support.

• Legal custody determines who has the authority to make major decisions regarding a child's upbringing.
• Physical custody refers to where a child lives.
• Child support refers to the court-ordered obligation of either or both parents to provide for the financial support of a child.
• Spousal support (alimony/palimony) is the court-ordered obligation of one spouse to support the other financially on a temporary or permanent basis.

The Missouri family lawyers at Licker law firm understand that your family's health and happiness are your highest priority and that you want these priorities reflected in your Missouri separation or divorce agreement. We will do our very best to protect the interests of you and your children during this difficult time and help you on your way to a brighter future.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the A & L, Licker Law Firm, LLC at (636) 916-5400.

                                                                         

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Library for Family Law:

• Understanding St. Charles family law attorneys Missouri Child Custody Law: Protecting Your Child’s Best Interests   
  If you are divorcing in Missouri and you are a parent, your biggest concern is likely the safety, welfare and happiness of your children. This article explains how child custody decisions are made in the state of Missouri. The St. Charles family law attorneys at A & L, Licker Law Firm, LLC, understand there is nothing more important than your child’s welfare. If you need assistance with Missouri child custody or Missouri child support arrangements, contact the Licker Law Firm at (636) 916-5400.
• Child custody and support   
• Divorce   

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Frequent Questions for Family Law:

• What is divorce?
• What is alimony?
• What is child support?
• What is a pre-nuptial agreement?
• What is an annulment?