December 2020 - Stange Law Firm, PC: St. Charles Divorce Law Blog

What Are the Benefits of Estate Planning in St. Charles, MO?

October 18, 2023

People work hard during their lifetimes to obtain wealth and maintain that wealth for the future of their families. It can often feel overwhelming to plan for your end-of-life care and for the distribution of your wealth after your death. However, effective and comprehensive estate planning has several benefits for you, your estate, and your family. When you work with a St. Charles estate planning attorney, you create a legally enforceable estate plan that covers needs specific to your estate. What Is Estate Planning? An estate plan is a set of various documents and beneficiary designations that ensure your wishes

Does Spousal Maintenance End If an Ex-Spouse Is Living With Someone Else in St. Charles?

September 18, 2023

Spousal maintenance is sometimes awarded in a divorce case as a monthly payment from one ex-spouse to the other. The court may order maintenance, or spouses may agree to certain terms for spousal maintenance in a separation agreement. The purpose of maintenance is to ensure that each spouse retains a similar standard of living after the divorce. It can also give a lower-earning spouse time to become self-sustaining. However, these maintenance payments are not permanent, and they are subject to modification if circumstances change. Many individuals may wonder if they still have to give their ex-spouse maintenance payments if the

What Makes a Marriage Invalid in St. Charles?

August 7, 2023

Marriages are frequently ended through divorce, but they can also be found invalid and ended through annulment. While divorce proceedings dissolve a marriage, annulling a marriage means it legally did not exist. An annulment is not possible for every couple wanting to end their marriage. There are certain reasons why a couple could get an annulment in Missouri. If you qualify, an annulment could be a more straightforward way to separate. However, it’s important to understand when an annulment is or isn’t beneficial. Understanding an Annulment A divorce ends a marriage from the date of separation, while an annulment determines

What to Consider in a High-Asset Divorce

July 15, 2023

Every divorce has complex legal issues coupled with emotional hurdles. High-asset or high-net-worth divorces can be even more complicated. High-asset divorces require extra care and attention for issues like property evaluation, business ownership determinations, property division, alimony, and tax impacts. These divorces may be higher profile and take longer than other divorces because of the high number and value of assets. There are several things to consider before beginning a high-asset divorce. Examining and Categorizing Assets Any divorce requires documentation of assets and debts. This is even more essential in a high-asset divorce, as the court or mediation proceedings will

What Do I Do If My Spouse Won’t Sign the Divorce Papers?

June 26, 2023

Any divorce is a complicated and difficult process, both legally and emotionally. Even amicable spouses have a lot of stressful hurdles. In some cases, the issue that one spouse faces is that the other party refuses to sign the divorce papers. In these situations where divorces are very contested, divorce proceedings can be longer and more draining. It’s important to know what to do if you face this situation. Why Spouses Refuse to Sign Papers Some respondent spouses believe that if they don’t respond to or acknowledge the divorce papers, they can avoid or draw out a divorce. Some spouses

Understanding Protective Orders in St. Charles, Missouri

May 19, 2023

Filing a protective order in Missouri can help protect you from violence or otherwise dangerous situations. If you are unsafe, it’s important that you file a protective order to keep yourself or your loved ones legally protected. Types of Protective Orders in Missouri A protective order is a court order by the state to prevent a person from harming or harassing another person. It is granted on behalf of a person who has suffered domestic violence by a present or current member of their household or has been a victim of sexual assault or stalking. If a protective order is

What Is Divorce Mediation and Is It Right for You?

April 19, 2023

The media often depicts divorces as contentious, involving heated arguments that tear families apart. In reality, this is not always the case. In fact, many divorces are quite amicable, and both parties act with dignity. It can be difficult to determine which way your divorce process will go. Some couples enter divorce feeling unified and open to communication but ultimately have difficulty with all the details. Others feel combative at first but end up unifying around a common goal. If you and your spouse are open to communication and collaboration during the divorce process, mediation may be an option for

Understanding the Connection Between Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse

March 4, 2023

Domestic violence and substance abuse are significant problems affecting many individuals worldwide. Unfortunately, these two issues often occur together. Victims of domestic violence often experience substance abuse. Individuals with substance abuse issues are also frequently involved in domestic violence situations. Understanding the link between these two problems is essential for developing effective strategies to address them. The Link Between Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse Substance abuse can lower inhibitions and increase aggression. When people abuse drugs or alcohol, they often experience a loss of inhibition and control, which can lead to increased violent behavior. This can manifest as verbal, emotional,

From Blended to Bonded: Navigating the Legalities of Adoption and Stepparenting

February 7, 2023

Adoption and stepparenting are two significant life events that bring along a range of challenges. This can make the transition from a blended to a bonded family unit quite complicated. The complexities involved can range from blending two families, handling different parenting styles, or finding one’s footing in a new dynamic. However, you can build a harmonious and loving family environment with the right approach, patience, and understanding. Be Patient Adopting or becoming a stepparent involves significant changes, and forming a blended or bonded family takes time. Be patient and allow yourself and your family time to adjust. Don’t expect

The Complications of Dementia and Will Planning

December 7, 2022

Planning your will can be a stressful and emotional endeavor. For those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, the task of writing and finalizing a will can be complicated. Between memory loss, failing cognitive capabilities, and difficulty with speaking, dementia can be devastatingly difficult to deal with. However, when trying to form a document that stipulates who receives your possessions, dementia can drastically affect your ability to create a will that dictates your true wishes. Dementia impacts millions of Americans each year, half of whom are living past the age of 85. Diseases like early onset dementia, however,

How To Speak With Your Kids About Divorce

November 7, 2022

Divorce is a complex and emotional topic for anyone to discuss. It can be even more complicated when you are going through it. You may feel like you are walking on eggshells around your kids, not knowing what to say or how to say it. This can lead to unhealthy communication habits, like withholding information or being too vague, leaving kids feeling confused, suspicious, and less likely to trust you. To protect your relationship with your kids and help them understand and cope with this significant life change, here are some tips on how to talk to them about divorce:

Preparing for the Holidays With a Custody Order After Divorce in St. Charles, MO

October 9, 2022

The holiday season is typically demanding for parents, especially divorced parents beholden to strict custody orders. So, if you are living in St. Charles and bracing for your first holiday season as a divorced parent, it’s natural to worry about the potential conflicts you might face with your co-parent as you balance your respective holiday schedules. When parents share custody of their children and live relatively close to one another in the St. Charles area, their custody order is likely to require them to split the time they spend with their children on each holiday. The children may spend the

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