When the time has come for professional help; when you are faced with the complexities of the legal system, call Adams Law Offices for personal, quality, sound advice. Your family needs the security of knowing you have someone on your side.
ADAMS LAW OFFICES represents clients in all areas of family law. Our concerned, friendly approach to our clients helps them through some of the most difficult times of their lives. Family Law encompasses all those actions which affect you, your spouse, and/or your children.
We can help you through a divorce, a child custody dispute, a child support modification, a DCSE case, an adult abuse/child protection (ex-parte) action, a paternity suit, a step-parent adoption, and other actions having to do with your family. The attorneys and staff are experienced and well versed in all areas of family law.
Your first consultation regarding your family law matter is free.
Call 816-228-1776 today to schedule your appointment.
We will reserve a time for you to discuss your concerns and to advise you of your rights and responsibilities under Missouri law.
Divorce:
Dissolution of Marriage (what Missouri calls divorce) is a complex legal action which affects every aspect of your family - child custody and support, division of the property you have acquired during the marriage, and can include a provision for grandparent visitation rights.
Child Custody:
In Missouri, custody is normally joint legal and physical with one parent's address used for educational and mailing purposes. This leaves a great deal of leeway for the parents to create a custodial arrangement which is in the best interests of their child. Of course, regrettably, parents cannot always agree on what is best for the child, and the Courts have to make the decision. When this happens, all things are considered from work schedules to instances of abuse or neglect. It is absolutely necessary for you to have competent legal representation when child custody is involved. Remember, an attorney can only represent one parent. Don't make the mistake of thinking your spouse's attorney is on your side.
Child Support:
Child support is calculated using a statewide formula which takes into consideration the gross income of each parent, child care expenses, health insurance expenses, and other ongoing, necessary expenses that the child may have. Although this calculation is most often followed, there are circumstances under which it can be modified. Our office can help you determine what child support may be in your individual case.
Property Division:
Whether you have minor children, your children are grown, or you and your spouse do not have children, even if you've been married for a short period of time, the proper documents must be prepared to divide your property and/or protect any property that is non-marital (not acquired during the marriage or inherited during the marriage and kept separately). There are a myriad of pitfalls in properly dividing those things such as real estate, retirement plans, investments, debt, even household goods. The "rule of thumb" is that marital property is divided 50/50. There are specific circumstances where this division can be modified - either by agreement of the parties or by Court order. ADAMS LAW OFFICES can advise you, during your first consultation, what your best course of action may be to protect your assets.
PATERNITY:
If you are the mother or the father of a child and you were never married to that child's other parent, you need a Court order to establish your rights as a parent. Just because dad's name is on the birth certificate does not legally establish his rights or responsibilities as a parent. For your own protection and that of your child, be you the child's mother or father, it is absolutely necessary for that child's custody and support to be established. Even though you may be living together, a paternity order will protect the child should one of you die. If you are the unmarried parent of a child, call our office, set up your appointment, protect your child.
Another fact to be aware of: DCSE (the Department of Child Support Enforcement) only procures an order for child support. A DCSE order does not establish custody. If you have a DCSE order for child support, that means that there is no custody order. Neither parent can claim to have custody of the child. Again, call us so that we can help you with your custody order.
ADULT ABUSE/CHILD PROTECTION (ex-parte order):
IF YOU ARE THE PETITIONER:
Missouri law provides a safety net for victims of abuse. If you are the subject of abuse, stalking, or credible threats against your safety or the safety of your child, you may be granted an ex-parte order of protection. Once you are granted an order of protection, a court date is set. The person who is accused of the abuse is served with the paperwork and is allowed to come to court on the court date and defend against the accusations. The order you receive is just that, an order, a piece of paper. If you are truly afraid of the person, go to a place of safety such as Hope House or the home of a relative. If the abuser is coming across your front yard, go out the back door. Call the police from the neighbors'. Come see us so that we can guide you through the legal labyrinth.
IF YOU ARE THE DEFENDANT:
Also, unfortunately, there are times when an order of protection is issued for a person who has not been truthful with the court. This sometimes results in the loss of the accused's home, possessions, and contact with his/her children through the actions of a vengeful Petitioner. Do not attempt to represent yourself in an action such as this. If an order of protection has been filed against you, call our office and allow us to help you through this all-important process.
ADOPTION:
STEP-PARENT ADOPTION:
When you have been married to your spouse for a period of nine months, it is possible for your spouse to adopt your child/children. Normally this is done when the other natural parent is deceased or consents to the adoption. There are times, however, such as when the child has been abandoned for a period of time, that the adoption can be granted without the consent of the other natural parent. We will be more than happy to talk with you about your step-parent adoption.
INDEPENDENT ADOPTION:
ADAMS LAW OFFICES can help you with the adoption of a child under certain circumstances, such as grandparent adoption, adoption of a relative, or adoption of a child whose natural parents have chosen to allow you to adopt their child. We do not find adoptable babies for our clients, nor do we match birth mothers with adoptive families. We will direct you to an appropriate agency if requested.
Adult adoption is also a service we can provide for you.
ADAMS LAW OFFICES serves Jackson County, Lafayette County, Cass County, and Johnson County, Missouri. Kansas City, Raytown, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Buckner, Independence, Harrisonville, Pleasant Valley, Pleasant Hill, Lone Jack, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, JaCoMo, Lexington, Oak Grove, Odessa, Bates City, Liberty, Lake Waukomis, Smithville, North Kansas City, and other outlying Missouri areas.
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