After your divorce proceedings have been completed in Jackson County, the hope is that you and your now ex-spouse will be able to work together on those ongoing issues which require collaboration (namely, the custody of your kids). Such a task may not be easy, as evidenced by many of those that have worked with us here at the Stange Law Firm eventually seeking to have the parental rights of their former spouses terminated. The law may support your decision if you indeed feel that such a step would be the best option in your case. However, completing such an action can often be difficult.
Terminating parental rights in Missouri
How do I file for child custody?
If you are in a situation where you want custody of a child that you currently do not have legal custody of, then you have to go through the Missouri court system to gain those legal rights. According to the Missouri Courts, gaining custody begins by filing a petition with the court. You need to have established paternity and not have a current custody order for the child to file this petition.
How is a visitation schedule determined?
As divorced parents in Missouri, you and your ex-spouse will need to face an issue that other couples may not necessarily need to: child custody. Determining and maintaining child custody arrangements can be a big source of tension after a divorce, and issues related to visitation and child custody rights can often cause trouble for everyone involved. At Stange Law Firm, PC, we work to help you get through any difficulties you may be having regarding child custody.
Determining jurisdiction in interstate custody cases
One of the more common reason married couples in Jackson County may give as to why they are choosing to divorce is that they have grown apart. If such perceived distance caused issues in their marriage, one can only imagine how much more exacerbated those may become when the actual distance between them increases. In many cases, that distance may span across state lines. When it comes (and a couple has child custody issues that need to be resolved), a whole new level of complexity can be introduced to a case.
Arranging custody during the summer months
With the arrival of spring in Jackson County, parents inevitably look forward to the summertime to plan for when their children will be out of school. As a recently divorced parent, you may be looking forward to your kids' summer break with extra anticipation this year given that it will allow you to spend more time with them. You may want to include an extended vacation as part of that time, yet would such a venture work with your custody schedule? We here at the Stange Law Firm have worked with countless clients in the same position, and are happy to tell you that the law allows for extended custody periods exclusively during your children's summer break.
Child custody and unfit parents
Child custody is a common point of contention between separating Missouri parents. Although one parent may deem the other unfit for child custody, courts generally prioritize the child's best interest by looking at the entire picture: a parent's financial situation and mental stability are often points of focus. However, when a parent has lost child custody in the past, or has inflicted abuse toward a child, legal action may be the next step.
Raising children after a divorce
Raising children is never an easy task but for Missouri residents who have gotten or are getting divorced, the challenges associated with parenting can be even greater than when they were married. Even after two people are no longer married, they must still find ways to work together for the good of their children. In this way, they are not really able to be full divorced of one another.
Untangling child custody disputes
Home is a place to unwind, bond with family and friends and enjoy peace of mind -- these aspects are especially ideal for children who are affected by divorce. Millions across the nation struggle with making two homes what one used to be. Yet a 2016 Missouri law has caused many parents to develop concern in regards to how much time, exactly, they are able to spend with their own children. Much confusion has surrounded this 50/50 parenting law, and some fathers in particular have decided to speak out.
When a child custody battle is a life or death matter
All too often, child custody battles involve some level of child abuse. Countless parents across the nation have experienced the crippling stress of attempting to gain full custody of children in dire situations. When an ex-spouse or partner fails to provide their child with proper emotional and physical care, that failure constitutes as abuse. Parents in Kansas City have the right to dispute child custody arrangements when they fear their children are unsafe.
What is third-party custody?
Like most grandparents in Jackson County, your deep regard for your grandchildren is only matched by the love you feel for your own kids. You of course want to see your own children succeed as parents, yet not at the expense of your grandkids' well-being. If the issue of your grandchildren's custody does come up, you may feel as though you owe it to them to ask the court to consider giving you custodial rights.
