Lee's Summit Divorce & Custody Attorney
Responsive. Compassionate. Strategic.
Questions I Get Asked Most
Below are the questions I get asked most, grouped by where they come up in a case. Each one links to the guide that answers it in full, with the Missouri statutes and the Jackson County local rules that actually apply. If your question is not here, call or text 816-888-0632.
Starting a case
How do I file for divorce in Jackson County?
What paperwork do I file to start a divorce in Jackson County?
How long does a divorce take in Missouri?
What is a case management conference?
What is a temporary orders hearing?
How do I prepare for a temporary orders hearing?
What is discovery, and what can the other side make me produce?
What is mediation like, and should I go without a lawyer?
Custody and parenting time
Is Missouri a 50/50 equal parenting time state now?
How are custody and parenting time decided in Jackson County?
What is a parenting plan, and what makes one enforceable?
Should we use a co-parenting app like Our Family Wizard or TalkingParents?
When does my child get input on custody?
What is a guardian ad litem, and what does one actually do?
How does a GAL investigation work, and how should I handle it?
When is a psychological evaluation worth requesting?
Paternity/Establishing Parent Child Relationship
Can an unmarried parent get equal parenting time?
What is the difference between signing an acknowledgment and filing a petition?
I signed an acknowledgment and now I have doubts. Is it too late?
What if the other parent will not cooperate?
Child support and money
How is child support calculated in Jackson County?
How do child support modifications work?
How is a child support order enforced?
When does child support end in Missouri?
Am I entitled to maintenance, or will I have to pay it?
How is retirement divided, and what is a QDRO?
What is a separation agreement, and how do I know mine is fair?
How are businesses and complex assets divided?
Changing an order
How do custody modifications work in Jackson County?
What are Missouri's relocation notice requirements, and how do I object?
How does a relocation modification work?
Can I appeal a Missouri family law judgment?
Enforcement and emergencies
What is an emergency custody order, and how do I get one?
What is a Family Access Motion?
What can I do about parenting time violations?
What happens at a contempt hearing? What are the penalties for contempt?
What defenses get raised in contempt cases?
High-conflict cases
What is parental alienation, and how do I protect against it?
What evidence actually proves alienation?
What is the GAL's role in an alienation case?
My spouse is a narcissist. What should I expect?
My spouse has started a smear campaign. What can I do?
How do you approach strategy in a contested custody case?
Working with me
Why is the consultation $100 instead of free?
Do you offer flat fees for contempt motions and orders of protection?
What does a divorce cost in Jackson County?
Does hiring a local attorney actually matter?
Still have a question? Call or text 816-888-0632. Not knowing is worse than any answer I can give you.