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Visitation in the age of social distancing

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Missouri parents may be feeling especially stressed lately. We are are living in unprecedented times, and families may feel like each day there are new restrictions and guidelines that can affect daily life. For parents that have a visitation order, spending time with a child may suddenly be a difficult decision. In many places, the courts are closed except for emergency situations. Many households have had to change the weekly routine on the fly, particularly where schools are closed and parents may be working

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Stimulus check may be withheld for late child support

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Paternity/Child Support on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. For many Missouri families, the past few weeks have been a bit chaotic. Parents that try to keep up with national news have found that the headlines are changing quickly, and it has become difficult to stay abreast of the latest legislation. Congress recently approved a stimulus package to help taxpaying citizens while many schools and businesses are closed, but parents that owe back child support may not be eligible to receive these funds. At last calculation, nearly six million American parents are owed

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Child custody bill does not pass state senate

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Missouri parents may have heard that pending legislation may affect their families. A bill proposing changes to child custody laws within the state made headlines as lawmakers in support of the bill explained why in most cases, 50/50 custody should be the norm. Some parents may have postponed legal action to see if the law would pass. When it came time for the senate to vote, the bill was met with opposition. Those against the changes said that granting equal custody to both parents

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Is your parenting plan ready for COVID-19?

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Missouri parents may be feeling like the world turned upside-down overnight. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, most school districts have closed their doors to children for the next several weeks as Missouri joins other states in an attempt to prevent the further spread of the pandemic. Adults are being encouraged to work from home if possible, and all across the country, special rules are being put into place to close or limit hours of businesses deemed nonessential. With kids off school for the foreseeable

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Child support not a punishment for parents that must pay

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Paternity/Child Support on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. A recent study estimates that the cost of raising a child in the United States can exceed $230,000. Missouri parents probably have no trouble believing this number because the cost of living continues to rise and people worry about how to provide everything their child needs. In cases where a child’s parents maintain separate households, it is not unusual for a court to order child support payments. Child support payments are not meant as a punishment for a parent required to make these payments.

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Getting married? You might consider a prenuptial agreement

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Family Law on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. When Missouri couples are planning their weddings, divorce is likely the last thing on their minds. It can be hard to imagine one’s marriage coming to an end before it even begins, but a bit of legal preparation now can protect a person’s assets in the future. A prenuptial agreement might be the way to go, and experts say today’s brides and grooms are embracing the prenup like no generation before. Contrary to popular belief, prenups are not just for the rich and famous.

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Child custody: kids need Dad too

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Fathers’ Rights on Thursday, February 27, 2020. Parenting decisions can be tricky, and Missouri parents might be among the thousands of Americans preparing to navigate the legal system in a court of family law. Historically, it seemed that, during child custody proceedings, it was widely believed that a child was better off living primarily with one parent, often the mother. Though modern rulings tend to support a more even split when it comes to parenting time, a notable psychologist warns that misinformation and antiquated thinking can negatively affect a child. Dr.

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Do you and your ex have a parenting plan?

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Raising children is a tall task, and can be even more so when parents maintain separate households. If parents are not on the same page or have trouble getting along, the outcome can be detrimental to a child. Even if parents do not see eye to eye or there is bad blood between them regarding personal matters, establishing a parenting plan can be a helpful way to ensure that a child’s well-being is the priority of both parents. A court order will often detail

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Adoption, family law and your tax return

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Family Law on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Missouri parents are probably preparing to file their annual tax returns. Whether a person hires a professional to prepare their taxes or decided to prepare a return by themselves, people usually want to know what deductions and credits are available. Since tax laws can change each year, parents who finalized an adoption in 2019 — a matter of family law — might be unaware that the federal government is offering a tax credit just for them. This year, the IRS is offering a credit

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Paternity more than a legal term

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in High Asset Divorce on Monday, February 3, 2020. The importance of a father’s role in a child’s life is well-established, but recent research suggests that fathers who actively participate in the lives of their children provide benefits that go beyond parenting. When a child is born in Missouri, establishing paternity is an important way to ensure that fathers can be involved with their child’s future. A new study suggests that paternal involvement is far more important than a few weekend visitations a month. Researchers from a leading university say that a father being

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Unusual child support case raises eyebrows

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Paternity/Child Support on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. Missouri parents understand that it is important to do their best to fulfill court-ordered financial obligations to a child. Child support payments are a way to ensure that even in cases where both parents share the expenses involved with raising a child even if they maintain separate households. If a parent fails to make these payments, he or she can face legal penalties like fines and even jail time. Recently, an unusual scenario has many Arizona residents wondering if such policies need updated provisions

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Visitation request: Should you consult a lawyer?

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. It can be difficult to make decisions about what is best for a child. Recently, Missouri grandparents reached out to a psychologist that answers questions in a local newspaper. The grandparents are in a situation faced by many parents and legal guardians, and their quandary suggests that when it comes to a request for visitation, it may be advisable to utilize the legal system. The grandparents have had custody of their granddaughter for a few years now. They state that the behavioral issues she

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