There are many reasons that an individual or a couple may wish to adopt a child: some same-sex couples who cannot conceive together choose to adopt in order to expand their families and some people simply want to provide a better life for children who have no caregiving relationships with their parents. Regardless of the reasons, those who wish to adopt are encouraged to do so, but armed with the necessary knowledge.
What are Missouri's adoption laws?
Some Missouri counties struggle with same sex marriage
Thanks to a landmark decision by the Supreme Court, same-sex couples can now legally be married in every state in the country. This means there is an entirely new demographic of people who will need legal assistance with family law matters, such as prenuptial agreements, adoption or even divorce. The ability to marry comes with many other issues that same-sex couples will need to address. Of course, there are some counties in which that is still not the primary concern of same-sex couples.
Stange Law Firm, PC set to open new office in Boone County in Columbia, Missouri
Missouri women accused of child abuse
One of the primary responsibilities of family law is to protect children who cannot protect themselves. This is why when couples are going through a divorce, a great deal of focus is put on determining the custody arrangement based on what is in the best interests of the child. The courts want to ensure that the children will be treated well and cared for so that they develop into healthy, productive members of society.
Seven dead in domestic violence shooting
Family law covers a wide range of legal matters, including divorce, child custody and prenuptial agreements. While these are perhaps the most common and well-known practices of family law, domestic violence may be the most important because of the potential drastic consequences. This is not to understate the serious impact that a divorce or custody agreement can have on a family, but to raise awareness about a family issue that may not be widely recognized.
Super Bowl ad highlights domestic abuse
Things to know about child support in Missouri
Child support is one of the most hotly contested areas of family law. It is a popular stereotype regarding divorced couples in our society: neither party is happy with child support. It seems that in every movie or television show, the divorced husband feels that he is paying too much in child support, or the divorced mother bemoans that her husband's substantial paycheck should allow him to spare a bit more for the sake of the child. Of course these stereotypes exist for a reason, and many divorced couples genuinely feel this way.
What are Missouri's views on same-sex marriage?
Same sex marriage is gaining popularity across the country. Some states have legalized it, and many other states have cases in the courts that are trying to challenge the bans on same-sex marriage. So far this year, the Supreme Court has upheld rulings that permit same-sex marriage in five more states, and although Missouri is not one of those states, the issue is cropping up in our court system.
Social media clauses gaining popularity in prenuptial agreements
Prenuptial agreements have long been a hotly contested area of family law. Many claim that they are simply a necessary precaution that couples can use to protect their separate property in the event of a divorce, while others claim that it shows a lack of trust and suggests that one or both parties believe the marriage might fail. Regardless of which side of the platform you stand on, a product of the digital age is making its way into prenuptial agreements, and it just might cause you to take a second look.
Oklahoma woman alleges child support fraud
Family law is an extremely important legal practice because it affects the relationships individuals have with some of the most important people in their lives, from grandparents to spouses to children. While not everyone needs to explore family law matters in depth, there are plenty of individuals who face serious family law issues, such as domestic violence and divorce. One of the biggest factors in a divorce case is the final verdict regarding children, and while judges always do their best to ensure that divorce agreements are fair, it doesn't always work perfectly.
