Divorce vs. Legal Separation – Which Is Right for Me?

Almost every couple experiences minor disagreements now and then, but no one deserves to suffer in a marriage filled with constant conflict, tension, or abuse. If you believe that ending your marriage is the right choice for your family, know that you have several options for handling your situation. In Missouri, you can file for divorce to dissolve your marriage or pursue a form of legal separation known as separate maintenance. Each of these legal processes has its own set of requirements, benefits, and disadvantages. The information below can help you understand the difference between divorce and legal separation and

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How Does Alimony Work in a Springfield, MO, Divorce?

Divorce involves many complex financial issues, some of which can create uncertainty and persistent economic stress for many years. One of the most contentious issues in any divorce case in Springfield, MO, is alimony, also known as spousal support or spousal maintenance. If there is a significant difference in income between you and your spouse, or if one of you controls far more separate property than the other, alimony could potentially come into play as a key financial element of your divorce order. Missouri is an equitable distribution state in terms of property division in divorce, meaning that judges handling

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Springfield, MO, Alternative Dispute Resolution FAQs

If you and your spouse have decided to divorce, or if one of you has filed a divorce petition in Springfield, MO, it’s natural to have lots of questions about what to expect during dissolution proceedings and how your divorce is likely to influence your future. Unfortunately, when most people think of the divorce process in Missouri, they imagine emotionally charged litigation and protracted court battles that take months or even years to resolve. The reality is that divorce litigation is primarily considered a last resort when resolving modern divorce cases in the US. Most divorcing couples in Springfield, MO,

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Your Guide to Legal Separation in Springfield, MO

It’s common for married couples to have arguments and even experience significant tension throughout their marriage. In some cases, however, couples cannot resolve these issues effectively, and their marriages break down. While it may seem like this kind of situation should end in divorce, this is not the only option available if your marriage is troubled. Springfield, MO couples can take advantage of legal separation for several reasons. Separation may give them time to reflect and determine the best option available for handling their current circumstances. Legal separation offers the benefits of divorce without ending the marriage. Separation thus allows

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Critical Financial Concerns in Springfield, MO Divorce Cases

If you are planning to end your marriage in Springfield, MO, it’s important to understand the significant impact your divorce is likely to have on your financial situation. Regardless of your income and whether you expect to pay or receive child support and/or alimony from your soon-to-be ex-spouse, there are several important financial considerations everyone must address in their divorce proceedings. Taking time to carefully evaluate your financial situation and the potential outcomes of your divorce can pay off significantly in the long run. Even a straightforward divorce case has the potential to cause difficult financial problems for the divorcing

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What Does the Adoption Process Require in Springfield, MO?

Adoption is one of the most important functions the Springfield, MO, family court system serves. Adopting a child can provide several benefits to both the child and their parents, but navigating this process is often more complicated than many adoptive parents realize at first. An experienced Springfield, MO, family law attorney is a great asset to have on your side as you begin the adoption process. Your legal team can help ensure that you and your spouse meet all the procedural requirements for adoption and provide you with valuable guidance and coaching as you prepare to begin the adoption proceedings.

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Signs Your Springfield, MO Marriage Is Coming To A Close

Though divorce is fairly common these days, many couples don’t see it coming. A lot of times, problems in a marriage begin to pile up, and the relationship reaches a breaking point that feels confusing or sudden to the members of the relationship. Though it may seem like a divorce comes out of nowhere, there are actually many reliable signs that a marriage is coming to a close, or is at risk for divorce. Here at Stange Law, we work with a lot of couples who have already reached the divorce breaking point. Because we see these scenarios so often,

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What Happens If Divorce Mediation Fails in Springfield, MO?

Divorcing couples throughout the Springfield, MO, area and across the United States choose mediation more frequently than ever before when handling their divorce proceedings. In most cases, divorce mediation provides both spouses with an expedient and effective alternative to typical divorce litigation, allowing both of them to move on with their lives and incur fewer legal expenses than they could expect in protracted court cases. The mediation process is simple in theory, and while it can provide several advantages over litigation, it is not a completely foolproof way to ensure an entirely stress-free divorce experience. Mediation can only work when

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