St. Charles Divorce Law Blog

With the end of the school year fast approaching, Missouri parents are making plans to keep their little ones entertained during the summer months. For those who are divorced, paying for activities such as summer camps and vacation can be a challenge for the custodial parent. One way to help meet this need is for the non-custodial parent to make timely and accurate child support payments. 

Currently, if a parent falls behind on payments, he or she can face consequences in criminal court. Fines, a loss of driving privileges and jail time are some of the ways a court can punish a parent for non-payment. Many parents are asking the state of Missouri to change the way delinquent child support cases are handled. This is because some of these consequences, especially losing a driver's license, only makes them fall further behind, causing a child to go without even longer. 

Missouri is trying to ensure that progress continues to be made when it comes to families that reside within the state. A new bill, which supporters hope will soon be made a law, revolves around how courts handle child custody. Currently, it is not against the norm for one parent to have more custody than the other, but many parents insist such policy is unfair. 

Under the new bill, 50/50 custody would become the norm, unless the court is made aware of a legitimate reason that a child would be better off spending most of his or her time with one parent. A judge will now have a list of criteria to consider. If each parent can meet a child's needs, 50/50 custody will become the status quo. 

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.