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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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Should school district influence physical custody decisions?

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Many Missouri families include school-aged children. Sometimes, a family might have concerns about the school a child must attend because of where the primary residence is located. Many parents are asking the state to allow more flexible choices pertaining to where a child can attend school, but so far, little legal action had been taken. When a parent is preparing to go to court to get a decision about physical custody, school choice may be a factor. No two custody cases are the same,

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Best time of year for a high asset divorce?

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in High Asset Divorce on Thursday, January 9, 2020. A statistically high number of online search queries about divorce occur each January. Experts say it is not a coincidence that many people choose to end their marriages early in the year. Sometimes referred to as Divorce Month, Missouri residents might be interested to learn that there may be some merit to filing in January, especially in cases of high asset divorce. Some people decide to end a marriage in January because they are looking for a fresh start in a new year.

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Politicians eyeing matters of family law

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Family Law on Thursday, January 2, 2020. Missouri families are venturing into 2020 with high hopes and noble goals. Certainly, no parent ever plans for matters in the home to go badly. Sometimes, a parent is unable to properly care for a child, and the situation may become a matter of family law. Recently, a documentary series exposed the plight of children placed in the nationwide foster care system. Some children are removed from the care of their parents only to be neglected in foster care. Others age out of the

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Considering a surrogacy agreement? You’re not alone

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Family Law on Thursday, December 26, 2019. Surrogacy is not a new idea. If a Missouri woman is facing possible complications with conception or pregnancy, she may be considering a surrogacy agreement. The process of having a child carried and delivered by another woman can be traced back to the dawn of modern civilization, and examples can even be found in religious texts like the Christian Bible. For a long time, many people viewed surrogacy as something taboo, but in recent years, society is changing its attitude. This may be due

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Leaving the state does not change child custody orders

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Thursday, December 19, 2019. Every Missouri parent can probably recall an occasion on which he or she was at odds with the other parent over an issue regarding a child. When it comes to children, it can be hard for both parents to agree on what is best. In cases where parents maintain separate households, they often are bound by the terms of a child custody order. A parent may disagree with a particular court order, and sometimes a parent may resort to desperate measures to circumvent terms

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Paternity: Rights or responsibilities?

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Fathers’ Rights on Thursday, December 12, 2019. Missouri dads are on a mission to do the best they can for their children. When a baby is born, establishing paternity is a necessary step, but it is far from the last thing on a dad’s to do list. Becoming a father might seem overwhelming, but a community outreach program aims to assist. Every parent knows that raising a child can be rewarding, but being a good father requires hard work too. In addition to making sure a child is supported both financially

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