What Is Family Law In Missouri?
Laws govern our conduct and help people determine what’s right and what’s legal from what’s illegal. These laws cover everything from how you drive your car to what happens when a loved one passes away without a will. Many laws have their own names or nicknames used to describe them in a recognizable way. Despite how it may sound, family law isn’t a law on the books in Missouri. It refers to a practice of law that attorneys can specialize in. Here’s what you need to know so you can decide if it’s time to call a Missouri family law attorney.
Family Law Explained
Family law refers to different legal proceedings and processes surrounding your family or family life. Some common types of cases that family law attorneys can help with include the following:
- Adoption
- Divorce
- Name changes
- Legal separation
- Child custody
- Prenuptial agreements
- Grandparents’ rights
- Establishing paternity
- Alimony or child support modifications
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should give you a general idea of the types of cases that a Missouri family law attorney can help with.
What Family Law Covers
Family law covers different situations that families face each day. And divorce is just the beginning. Your family law attorney can help you file for divorce or separation. But they can also help you petition the state for custody of a grandchild, niece, nephew, or biological child, or help you adopt the child you’ve been fostering for years. Family law is about helping families live their best lives and ensuring that the state recognizes them as the family they are.
Signs It’s Time to Reach Out to a Missouri Family Law Attorney
Most of family law cannot be taken care of on your own. You’ll need to work with an experienced Missouri family law attorney if you want to make legal changes to your status. So, what does this look like and when should you reach out to an attorney? Here are a few common scenarios to watch for:
- You and your spouse want to pursue a legal separation or divorce
- Your ex-spouse stopped sending you alimony or child support
- You think you’re the biological father of a child and want to pursue legal visitation rights
- You want to change your name after transitioning
- You want to change your child’s surname after getting remarried
- You need help figuring out how to change your gender so you can be recognized as your true self.
- You want to take guardianship of a younger sibling who is unsupported by your parents
Family law attorneys are there to help you navigate complicated legal situations and ensure that you receive the support you need to thrive.
How Columbia Family Law Can Help
At Columbia Family Law Group, our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way, whether you and your spouse are trying to get divorced or you’re in the process of adopting a child. Our team knows that every family is unique and we’ll give you the attention and focus you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.