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Stange Law Firm

Why Is Estate Planning Important for Those With Minor Children?

An estate plan may seem like something you only need to worry about near the end of your life, but this isn’t the case. Estate planning is not only for individuals with significant inheritance. They also provide for your medical and financial care if you are incapacitated and ensure your wishes are carried out. A comprehensive estate plan ensures that any minor children you have are protected in the tragic event of your death. You want to ensure they are cared for and are able to benefit from your assets. Essential Choices to Make Regarding Children in an Estate Plan

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How to Establish Paternity in Missouri

Married parents of a child are the presumed legal and biological parents of that child in Missouri. However, if the parents are not married, there is no legal presumption of parentage. Instead, only the parent who gave birth to the child is considered the legal and biological parent. To change this, certain steps must be taken to establish the other parent’s parental rights. Parental rights include the right to make legal decisions for the child, the right to custody and visitation, and the right to provide or receive child support. There are several ways that a parent can establish their

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How to Know If Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets in a Springfield Divorce

A complex part of a divorce is the division of assets and property. This process includes financial statements and valuations of all marital and separate property. Because Missouri is an equitable distribution state, the value of separate assets is important when the court determines how to separate marital property. In most divorces, spouses are honest about these financial details, and the division of property goes smoothly. However, there are times when a spouse may decide to hide assets during a divorce. This is common if one or both spouses have a business or if one or both parties have a

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Does a Divorced Parent Have to Pay for Their Child’s College?

College is a big expense for anyone, and divorced parents may wonder how they are expected to pay for their child’s college tuition. Ideally, parents who divorce will decide together how they will save for and handle their children’s college costs in the future. Unfortunately, the issue of college tuition can also become a contentious issue to work out during divorce, along with child support, custody, and spousal support. College Costs in Missouri Parents have financial responsibility for their children. In Missouri, it’s not mandatory for divorced parents to be responsible for college tuition. However, the court can order parents

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How to Manage Newly Blended Families

Although divorce is a difficult process, the aftermath is not always easier. Many people heal, grow, and remarry after a divorce. It is also common for remarriages to include children from previous spouses and families. Joining families together in this way creates a “blended family.” Blended families are all unique, and it is normal to experience issues and setbacks when joining loved ones together. This is especially true if your children are older. They may be dealing with the psychological aftermath of divorce, the death of a parent, or other scenarios that lead to remarriage. Our team works with families

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The Role of Social Media in Family Law Cases: Dos and Don’ts

Social media has become ubiquitous in our lives. Therefore, it is no surprise that it has also impacted the field of family law. In fact, it has become an increasingly relevant source of evidence in family law cases, ranging from child custody disputes to divorce proceedings. However, using social media can be a double-edged sword. Individuals need to be mindful of the dos and don’ts of social media in family law cases. Dos: Be aware of your privacy settings. Many social media platforms allow users to adjust their privacy settings. This allows them to limit the visibility of their posts

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Understanding the Common Threads of Divorce in Springfield, MO

Divorce is a complex and often devastating process that affects individuals, families, and communities. While every divorce is unique and has its own set of circumstances, there are common reasons that often lead to the end of a marriage. The following are some of the common threads that can be seen in divorces in Springfield, MO. Infidelity: Infidelity is one of the most common reasons for divorce, and it can profoundly impact a relationship. When one partner cheats on the other, it can erode the trust and intimacy that form the foundation of the relationship. This can result in deep

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The Divisive Estate of Anne Heche and How to Avoid It

Earlier this year, actress Anne Heche, known for her film roles in the late 1990s, was killed in a tragic car accident at 53, leaving behind two sons. To make the tragedy worse, Heche had failed to complete a will, making it far more difficult on her children. Without a will, instead of being in control of dividing and giving her estate as she saw fit, it was instead under the control of California law. The story continued to hit headlines as Homer, her oldest son, attempted to petition a Los Angeles court to ask for ownership of Heche’s estate.

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