As a stepparent, you have the responsibility of caring for your stepchildren. If you live with these children, you may want to be more than a stepparent, particularly if your spouse’s ex is not involved in their lives. Have you considered adopting your stepchildren?...

Family Law Legal Blog
Mediation can help resolve these issues in a contested divorce
Spouses who are on the same page every step of the way during their divorce can undergo a seamless, amicable split with relatively few complications. If you are in the midst of a contested divorce in which you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse cannot find any common...
Creating equal-time parenting plans for your children
Despite the widespread misconception that custody courts favor the mother, judges are prioritizing equal time with both parents more than ever before. Most judges recognize the importance of preserving relationships between the child and both parents, so they look for...
3 rules to live by when dating during divorce
Everything matters in a divorce case. Your character, your choices and your judgment are all under scrutiny. It can be tricky to date others before officially finalizing a divorce. Follow these tips to protect your case. 1. Assume your spouse is recording you in...
3 reasons a judge will make custody modifications
Even when a custody plan has worked for years, shifts in circumstances may cause a parent to request a modification. Judges can change a child custody order if they deem it necessary. Here are some common reasons they would do so. 1. A parent is relocating...
Ways to get back on track after a divorce
Depending on what the process looks like for an individual, going through a separation or divorce can be a major life disruption. Getting a divorce often involves a change in living situation, an adjustment in finances, and a change in the amount of time that you...
Can you support yourself after a divorce?
As a stay-at-home parent, you face unique challenges during your divorce and have many additional concerns for the future. If you left a career or did not receive an education to care for your family, your decision impacts your ability to earn an income immediately...
What is a Parenting Plan?
In divorce, equal child visitation is not a given. Even if you meet paternity requirements, the other parent is not obligated to let you see your child. If you worry the other parent will not honor your right as a parent, apply for a Parenting Plan. If you pay for...
What not to post on social media during your divorce
Social media is a way to connect with friends and share daily happenings. Going through a divorce takes up a significant amount of your time, energy, and headspace, so sharing your experience on your social accounts may seem natural. Emotions can run high during the...
3 requirements for stepparent adoption in Missouri
The U.S. has a large number of blended families. In some cases, the merging of households is so successful that stepfamilies decide to form legal bonds as well as emotional ones. If you are a stepparent in Missouri who loves your stepchildren as if they were your...