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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Is It Better to Wait for the Economy to Improve Before Divorcing in Springfield, MO?

The looming recession has many couples wondering if they should put their plans to divorce on hold. Economic uncertainty can be a significant source of stress for couples; it can also make divorce more complicated and expensive. For people who understand divorce is the best solution for their relationship but still have a high-functioning marriage, the option to wait out the recession may be appealing. However, there are a few different areas to explore before making this decision. The Benefits of Divorcing Earlier Divorcing earlier rather than later can provide some key benefits regardless of the state of the economy.

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What Happens When a Parent Refuses Their Parental Responsibilities in Springfield, MO?

Child custody disputes can be incredibly challenging for any parent in Springfield, but some parents do not try to be as involved in their children’s lives as other parents. Some parents repeatedly fail to uphold their parental responsibilities, such as meeting for custody exchanges or making child support payments on time. While honest mistakes and unpredictable emergencies can happen at any time, any willful violation of a lawful family court order can have severe consequences, especially for a custody order. There are only two methods of legally deviating from a child custody order in the state. The first is through

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Revising an Estate Plan After Divorce in Springfield, MO

Estate planning can be an uncomfortable topic for some people, and it can be difficult for anyone to imagine the end of their life. However, giving estate planning appropriate thought and effort can pay off tremendously for you and your family. A comprehensive and legally enforceable estate plan provides you with peace of mind knowing your family can hopefully avoid a complex probate process after your death. When designed with care, an estate plan can make your wishes known to your family when it comes to how you want to distribute your assets to your beneficiaries and how you would

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FAQs: Property Division in Springfield, MO, Divorce Cases

One of the most contentious aspects of most modern divorce cases is property division, or the formal legal process of dividing marital assets and debts in divorce. Every state enforces different statutes for handling property division, and Missouri is one of many US states to enforce an equitable distribution law. This means a divorcing couple must split their marital property in the fairest possible way. While the equitable distribution principle may seem fair and straightforward, divorcing spouses rarely agree as to what is “fair” regarding the division of their property. State law enables both parties to retain ownership of their

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How to Have a Successful Divorce Mediation: Tips and Tricks

One of the most challenging aspects of divorce is learning how to communicate with your ex-spouse to make important decisions. Because tensions are high, it’s often difficult to have a constructive conversation without the help of a third party. This is where divorce mediation comes in. Divorce mediation is a communicative process where you and your ex-spouse meet with a neutral mediator to discuss the terms of your divorce. The mediator will help navigate the flow of the conversation and keep the sessions on track to discuss key topics, such as child custody arrangements, spousal support, and the division of

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