The family law attorneys at Douglas, Haun & Heidemann, P.C. are committed to assisting clients in need of legal services in dissolution of marriage; legal separation; paternity; child custody, visitation and support; and rights of unmarried parents regarding child custody, visitation and support. We represent clients in adoption and grandparent visitation, draft and review pre-marital and post-marital agreements, and represent children in need of care in Juvenile Court. We help individuals with enforcement of judgments; modification of prior court orders for custody, support and visitation; income withholding and garnishment for child support and maintenance; and Orders of Protection under the Adult Abuse Act. All family law matters are handled in strict confidence.
Why You Should Hire A Springfield Family Law Lawyer
Family law cases can be very complex and requires lots of time and knowledge on Missouri family law. It’s important to have an experienced, knowledgeable family law attorney on your side to help advocate for you and your family. An attorney can help save you a lot of time and money in the long run and ensure the case is handled fairly and you and your family’s rights are protected. A family law attorney can act as a buffer between you and the other party and the other party’s attorney. A Springfield family lawyer will organize your case, document and file the necessary paperwork, and ensure the other party is served properly. Family law cases are already typically emotionally charged and highly stressful, a family law lawyer can help you understand the ins and outs of Missouri family law and provide you with options and sound legal advice. At Douglas, Haun & Heidemann , our experienced team of family law lawyers will work hard for you and ensure you are represented fairly and properly.
Dissolution of Marriage/Divorce
In Missouri, the legal process of getting a divorce is called dissolution of marriage. Dissolution can be a lengthy and emotional process and there are many things to consider during the divorce to protect yourself and your children. An experienced family law attorney can help guide you through each step of the process and ensure you are advocated for. A lawyer helps with the long list of paperwork required as well as provides you with expert advice. Our team at Douglas, Haun & Heidemann, P.C. are highly experienced and know the ins and outs of Missouri family law.
Legal Separation
Unlike a dissolution of marriage, a legal separation does not end or terminate the marriage, but still puts orders into place that are similar to a divorce/dissolution. These orders can include child custody, child support, spousal support, and division of property and debts. In the case of reconciliation, the legal separation can be set dismissed. On the other hand, a legal separation can be converted to a dissolution of marriage after 90 days from the day the legal separation was signed by the judge.
Paternity
Establishing paternity is an important step that helps unmarried parents gain legal rights to child custody, visitation, and child support. This can include unmarried fathers who are being denied time with their children, establishing paternity for a father who denies a biological relationship with a child, or mothers who are trying to establish paternity to enforce child support. If a paternity acknowledgment was not signed at the time of the child’s birth, there are two other ways to establish paternity. The easiest option is a signed affidavit acknowledging paternity of the child or children. If there is uncertainty of who the biological father is, paternity can be established using a DNA test.
Child Custody
When parents divorce or are separated, child custody is a very important aspect that should be considered. Child custody will help determine who will care for the children, financial responsibilities for the children, and will also determine who will make decisions regarding the child or children. When the parents of children cannot agree on child custody arrangements, the two parties will typically go into mediation to help determine a child custody plan that both parents can agree on. If an agreement is not reached, then the court will determine an appropriate parenting plan that aligns with the best interests of the child. Having a family law attorney on your side is crucial to help in advocating for you and your children and will also help you avoid costly mistakes that could potentially interfere with the wellbeing of your child. A family law lawyer can also help ensure a sufficient amount of child support is being paid, and will also ensure you will not overpay in child support. A lawyer can also help with grandparent visitation cases and adoption cases.
Premarital and Post-Marital Agreements
Premarital agreements, also known as prenuptial agreements, are legally binding agreements couples both agree to prior to marriage. Premarital agreements outline how debts and assets will be divided between the couple if the marriage ends or one person dies. The agreement can also pre-determine alimony (commonly known as spousal support) payment amounts and how long those payments will be made, if at all. There are many reasons couples choose to enter premarital agreements, including one party having children from a previous marriage whose interests they want to protect, coming into the marriage with a significant amount of assets, or entering the marriage with a significant amount of debt. Post-marital agreements are similar but are entered to once a couple is already married. Some couples don’t like the idea of a premarital agreement but realize how useful they can be as they get older or as they gain wealth. Premarital and post-marital agreements must follow a certain set of requirements in order to be considered valid. Both parties must reach the agreement willingly, and neither party should be under duress or coerced into signing the agreement. Both parties must disclose all debts and assets prior to entering the contract. Having a thorough Springfield Family Law Attorney can help ensure your prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is valid and will be upheld in a court of law.
Call 1.800.743.5728 to speak with one of our award-winning family law attorneys today during a consultation. Our compassionate team will work hard for you and will advocate for you and your family.