|
Family
Law
Danna
McKitrick's Family Law team serves families and individuals in crisis.
Whether
you're reacting to changing family relationships or you wish to
solidify agreed-upon arrangements, we have a hard-working team of
experienced and caring attorneys who can guide you through the legal
process with practical, competent, and cost-effective solutions
to your domestic problems.
Our
most frequently sought Family Law services are:
Adoption
laws are some of the most complex - applying at the state law level,
and sometimes at the federal level, as well. We are well versed
on the legal processes leading up to and finalizing domestic and
international adoptions and surrogacy.
Adult
and Child Orders of Protection are obtained
for people who have suffered from abuse such as in stalking, harassment,
domestic violence, or situations where physical abuse is threatened.
Our Family Law attorneys take abuse very seriously and are compassionate
but tough as they guide people in obtaining the legal protection
they need to be secure. In some cases, we defend spouses falsely
accused.
Child
Custody arrangements, including legal
decision-making and physical custody, are usually the most important
considerations in any dissolution of marriage or paternal rights
proceeding. Though we all recognize the needs of children for consistency,
permanence, and stability, balanced with frequent and meaningful
contact with each parent, competing spouses often disagree about
which parent will better meet their children's needs. Our Family
Lawyers have helped hundreds of families work successfully through
these difficult arrangements whether in mediation, through formal
negotiations, or by court hearing.
Child
Support & Enforcement
The number of custodial parents who have not received court ordered
maintenance or child support is staggering. Our Family Law Team
has been extremely successful in obtaining delinquent support using
both traditional and innovative methods of pursuing amounts owed.
Dissolution
of Marriage is a difficult and stressful
time for everyone involved. Danna McKitrick's attorneys bring clarity
and wisdom when things can seem muddied. We work to protect you
throughout the process by guarding your personal and financial interest,
and to lend perspective where it may be hard to see clearly.
Legal
Guardianships and Conservatorships
are legal arrangements by which a person, trust company, or care
facility is allowed to make decisions on behalf of a minor or incapacitated/disabled
person. When a person is not able to manage his or her personal
or financial affairs, we can assist the family in formalizing their
arrangements. We often represent family members or nursing homes
who initiate protection for people in their care.
Paternity
actions are brought to establish the relationship between a father
and child. Once paternity is established, issues of custody and
support can be resolved.
Pre-
and Post-nuptial Agreements define
married couples' rights and responsibilities during marriage and
upon conclusion of the marriage by death or dissolution. Pre- and
post-nuptial agreements are not just for the wealthy, nor do they
imply "pessimism" about the future of your marriage
instead, they are smart part of a proactive approach to protecting
your financial future and, in many cases, the financial interest
of children from prior marriages.
Relocation
of Children when custody or shared
custody is in effect has recently become more difficult in Missouri.
The moving parent must first comply with notice requirements and
then obtain consent or a court order before relocating a child anywhere,
whether out of state or even within the child's existing neighborhood.
Valuation
and Division of Assets is an extremely
important area within a legal separation or divorce. A hasty decision
to skip this step, perhaps without fully understanding the value
of the assets involved, can lead to regret later. Our Family Lawyers
are excellent at effectively representing you when marital property
is identified, disclosed, valued, and divided. When holdings include
ownership of closely held business stock options, investment portfolios,
retirement plans, and real estate holdings, complexities will likely
include the potential tax impact of these holdings. We work closely
with your CPAs, financial planners, licensed real estate appraisers,
and our own very experienced tax attorneys to represent your long-term
best interests.
|