St. Joseph Child Support Lawyers

To file for divorce in Missouri, either spouse must have resided in the state for at least 90 days prior to filing, and the petition must be filed in a county where either spouse currently lives. Spouses don’t need to prove a fault, or reason, for the divorce, as Missouri is a no-fault divorce state. As long as they cite that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” with no chance for reconciliation, they may proceed with divorce.

Some common disputes spouses will have to resolve in a divorce include:

• who will look after the children and when;
• who will provide child support and/or spousal support (alimony);
• how the marital property will be divided (including the marital home);
• how marital debts will be distributed.

Our family lawyers at Kranitz, Sadoun & Carpenter have significant experience helping spouses through divorce and related family law issues. Whether you seek legal representation to file a divorce petition or to settle any ensuing disputes, our firm is here to help.

Adopting in Missouri

Just as we help families pursue other paths in separation, we also help unify them. Adoption can be a stressful process, especially when the only thing on your mind (rightfully so!) is bringing your new child into your home. There are many legal strings attached, but we can help you handle those while you focus on creating a comfortable home environment for the newest addition to your family.

Generally, any adult over the age of 21 (single or married) is eligible to adopt a child. They must also:

• be in good mental and physical health;
• pass a child abuse and criminal record background check;
• have a relatively stable income;
• live in a structure (house, apartment, etc.) that meets licensing standards;
• be willing to work with the child's birth family (if applicable);
• complete a training and assessment process.

The above also apply to those who wish to become foster parents.

If the child to be adopted is 14 years or older, they must consent to the adoption. There is also a required 6-month home residency requirement as part of the adoption process, though this may be waived by the court in special situations. Also keep in mind that there is a 1-year statute of limitations to challenge the adoption, which means interested parties in the adoption (e.g., the birth parents) have a 1-year window to oppose or object to the adoption. Reach out to our family law attorneys for more information on the adoption process and what to look out for.

Obtaining Orders of Protection

Another important family law matter is legal protection in the face of family or domestic violence. Any individual who has experienced the following or is in fear of experiencing the following from a family or household member (e.g., spouse, child, parent, roommate) may request an order of protection:

• stalking;
• harassment;
• assault or battery;
• coercion;
• unlawful imprisonment;
• sexual assault;
• abusing a pet.

In the presence of the above, a victim may petition for an order of protection. Missouri offers two types of orders – ex parte orders and final orders. Ex parte orders are granted based on the victim’s petition and testimony without a hearing. In other words, ex parte orders may be granted without the abuser’s prior knowledge and without their presence in court. An ex parte order is valid until the court hearing for a full (final) order of protection that lasts for longer, which usually takes place within 15 days. 

Kranitz, Sadoun & Carpenter helps clients in St. Joseph with a range of family law issues. From filing for divorce to petitioning for adoption to obtaining an order of protection, our attorneys are equipped with the experience and knowledge to effectively strategize your case.

Don’t face a family law issue alone; put a skilled negotiator and litigator on your side to protect your parental and spousal interests. Contact Kranitz, Sadoun & Carpenter to get started today with one of our Missouri family law attorneys.