My job as your attorney is to get the best results for your situation based on your knowledge of the facts. Many issues may be uncomfortable to discuss but please remember, our discussion is protected by the attorney/client relationship. It is important that you be forthcoming and honest in your information. I can serve you best if I have been given all the facts. To make our meeting as successful and effective as possible please make a list of questions you may have so that nothing important is forgotten. Try to gather the following information or documents:

• Your contact information; phone, email, address.

• Date of marriage and timeline of events in marriage.

• Dates and facts about any previous separations, attempts at reconciliation, or marriage counseling.

• Information about any prior marriage of either spouse, including a certified copy of the divorce decree.

• A copy of any domestic contracts (e.g., a prenuptial agreement).

• Information about previous legal proceedings between the spouses or any involving the children.

• The name of your employer and your spouse's employer, including dates of employment.

• Social security and driver's license numbers.

• Tax data - your previous year’s income tax returns.

• Copies of your last three pay stubs (if you work outside the home).

• Amount of spouse's income and other household income.

• A budget or list of monthly living expenses.

• Name of bank, saving and checking accounts numbers, amounts and whose names are on the accounts.

• Any other investment information (Stocks, bonds, etc.)

• The value of a pension, whose name it is in and when they began to contribute to the pension.

• Purchase date, purchase price, remaining balances and current value of real estate.

• List all debts including amount owed, to whom, account numbers, when they were incurred, when due and whose name they are in.

• Education and employment background of both parties.

• Names and ages of children plus school and grade.

• Note any "skeletons" that may be at issue, such as drug/alcohol abuse, if either party every committed a crime, domestic abuse, or sexual misconduct.

In Kansas a divorce can be obtained in as little as 61 days if both parties agree on the negotiated settlement. In Missouri a divorce will take an average of 3 to 6 months depending on the willingness of both parties to negotiate a settlement.

Of course, some cases are so emotionally charged they may last for years.
 

Because every martial situation and divorce is different, there is no standard answer to this question. Before estimating the cost of divorce we offer a free consultation to better understand your set of circumstances and situation. From the information you provide we can then determine a more accurate estimate of the costs involved.
 

In Missouri and Kansas the divorce must be filed in the county where either party has resided for a required number of months. The residential requirements range from 60 days to 6 months.
 

Both states favor joint legal custody, which means both parents have a say in the decision-making areas that affect the life of the child. Since the child needs a primary residence one parent is usually granted residential custody, also known as physical custody. The courts do not favor splitting residential custody equally forcing the child to frequently move between homes. This is especially seen in cases involving younger children.
 

Most clients reach an agreement using the courts guidelines and factoring in their unique circumstances to develop a parenting plan. Adjustments to the visitation plan can often be made when both parents agree.

For parents who are often in dispute, a detailed parenting plan is very helpful and preferred by the court.
 

In Missouri, the court will act in the best interest of the child. Below is a list of some of the factors that will be considered;

• The wishes of the child’s parents as to custody and the proposed parent plan submitted by both parties;

• The wishes of the child as to the child’s custodian;

• The needs of the child for a frequent, continuing and meaningful relationship with both parents and the ability and willingness of parent to actively perform the functions as mother and father for the needs of the child;

• The interaction of the child with parents, sibling, and any other persons who may significantly affect the child’s best interests;

• The parent more likely to allow frequent contact with other parent

• The intention of either parent to relocate the principal residence of the child

• The mental and physical health of all individuals involved including any history of abuse of any individuals involved

• The child’s adjustment to the child’s home, school, and community