St. Charles Divorce Law Blog

Missouri residents may find themselves considering divorce for any number of reasons. Without a doubt going through a divorce is an emotional and life-changing experience. Nevertheless, there are practical matters -- like finances and property division -- to tend to. An individual facing a high asset divorce will want to make sure his or her ducks are in a row. 

Many people work for decades to accumulate savings for retirement. After so many long days grinding away at a job, a person may look forward to the day when he or she can hang up the nine to five lifestyle and enjoy his or her golden years with friends and family. When divorce proceedings occur, these assets may be at risk. 

Missouri residents, even if not fans of rap music, may recall the untimely and tragic slaying of next generation superstar XXXTENTACION last summer. The artist, who was quickly becoming a favorite among teens and young adults, was slain in a hail of gunfire. His girlfriend at the time had recently found out she was carrying a child, and she is now asking the court for help to prove paternity. 

The baby boy was born about seven months after his father's murder. The mother of the child says that, so far, no one has questioned the child's paternity, but she does not want any trouble down the road. Though the rapper himself reportedly acknowledged that he was indeed the father, a DNA test could remove any current or future doubt. 

Missouri parents may look back upon their own childhoods and be amazed at how much has changed. Over the past few decades, such advances have been made that many parents find it amusing to see the bewilderment on a child's face upon hearing that just a generation ago, children their age did not have cellphones, the internet and other technology that is now commonplace. Gadgets are not the only advances that have been made, and now people are noticing exciting new standards regarding fathers' rights. 

Not so long ago, if a couple got divorced, it was not unusual for the mother to be awarded primary custody of the children for seemingly no reason at all. Socioeconomic factors certainly played a role, but -- to borrow from Bob Dylan, "times, they are a changin," which is great news for dads across the nation. These days, mom doesn't win just because she's mom. 

Missouri residents need only tune in to the daily news to see a recent rash of tabloid-esque stories surrounding celebrity parents. Most recently, R&B singer R. Kelly was reported to be in arrears on his child support in an amount of $161,000. Further, a reputable news outlet aired a shocking report showing that the entire nation seems to be a bit behind on child support. 

The report informs readers and viewers that an estimated 30 percent of child support payments are not made in the United States. For payments that are made, it is estimated that less than 50 percent are made for the total amount owed. This statistic is shocking, especially because researchers indicate that only half of separated couples have a child support order in place to begin with.