Missouri Family and Divorce Lawyer Blogtag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-5544032009-11-11T19:50:06-06:00Missouri family and divorce law articles:
Divorce/Dissolution/Modifications
Child Custody/Support/Visitation
Paternity/Adoption/
Wills & Estate PlanningTypePadFinally, time to blog againtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341d2b0153ef0120a6839303970b2009-11-11T19:50:06-06:002009-11-11T19:50:06-06:00Thank you to everyone who has stayed with me these last few months, perhaps reaching into a year, while I have not blogged or posted anything new. The divorce is final, the girls have settled down, and time for a...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2009/11/finally-time-to-blog-again.htmlMove to New Area of Missouritag:typepad.com,2003:post-459451382008-02-21T10:26:33-06:002008-02-21T10:26:33-06:00These past few months have been interesting for me and my children. We have moved to the mid-Missouri area that includes the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. This area includes Camdenton, Eldon, Laurie, Lake Ozark, Osage Beach and Versailles. For...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2008/02/move-to-new-are.htmlChild Support - coming to MOtag:typepad.com,2003:post-419998682007-11-25T15:35:20-06:002007-11-25T15:35:20-06:00In Missouri our child support continues past the age of 18 years and ends at the end of the child's graduation from college or the age of 21, whichever comes first. In special circumstances such as a special needs child...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/11/child-support-.htmlNew Perspective on Representing Clientstag:typepad.com,2003:post-419983702007-11-25T14:40:31-06:002007-11-25T14:40:31-06:00I have represented divorce clients for almost 18 years now. I thought I always had compassion and understanding about my clients' needs, and I did. I just didn't understand it exactly from their viewpoint or perspective. Now I do. I...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/11/new-perspective.htmlIdentity Theft - Something to Think Abouttag:typepad.com,2003:post-383999572007-09-02T21:26:04-05:002007-09-02T21:26:04-05:00I have posted about identity theft on my business blog, which can be found at http://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/joplin_mo_business_blog/. This is not the usual credit card identity theft or fraud but medical identity and social security number theft or fraud. I suggest all...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/09/identity-theft-.htmlSB62 - Castle Doctrine Bill Signed by Blunttag:typepad.com,2003:post-361087302007-07-04T10:23:05-05:002007-07-04T10:23:05-05:00I have previously posted about Missouri's Senate Bill 62 - the "Castle Doctrine" bill that prevents persons who justifiably defend themselves in their home and vehicle from being criminally prosecuted or sued civilly. To read more about this go to...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/07/sb62---castle-d.htmlImmigration - Costs to Children When Parent Deportedtag:typepad.com,2003:post-357117662007-06-23T21:48:30-05:002007-06-23T21:48:30-05:00However you feel about illegal immigrants being in this country, there is one area I believe we all can agree upon - when the parents are torn away from their children, it is the children that will suffer the most....Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/06/immigration---c.htmlBehavior by Client in a Custody Hearingtag:typepad.com,2003:post-357111882007-06-23T21:08:40-05:002007-06-23T21:08:40-05:00In the past I have talked about the behavior of clients and how the behavior could possibly alter the outcome of a custody hearing. Recently another attorney, Ben Stevens of the South Carolina Family Law Blog, wrote about being called...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/06/behavior-by-cli.htmlMegan's Law - Missouri's Sex Offender Registration Acttag:typepad.com,2003:post-354315022007-06-16T23:22:56-05:002007-06-16T23:22:56-05:00I'm a criminal defense attorney as well as a family law attorney. There are some cases that I choose not to take - whether they be criminal or involve the family court system. One type of case I will not...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/06/megans_law_miss.htmlTemporary Custody Orders in Modification Actionstag:typepad.com,2003:post-345848702007-05-27T23:03:40-05:002007-05-27T23:03:40-05:00In the case of State of Missouri ex rel. Jennifer Lynne Milner v. Carlton, et al., the Southern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals found that the temporary custody order of the trial court in a modification action violated...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/05/temporary_custo.htmlAdult Abuse - Order of Protection - Stalkingtag:typepad.com,2003:post-345607242007-05-26T23:10:09-05:002007-05-26T23:10:09-05:00Most cases involving orders of protection involve female vs. male or female vs. female. You do not see too many involving just males. Recently the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, had an opportunity to review a case wherein a...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/05/adult_abuse_ord.htmlMore Suggestions on Preparing for a Divorcetag:typepad.com,2003:post-345589662007-05-26T21:14:26-05:002007-05-26T21:14:26-05:00I want to take the liberty of directing you to another attorney's blog and his suggestions on how to prepare for a divorce. The firm of Sherman & Jeffries have the Alabama Family Law Blog and have posted a series...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/05/more_suggestion.htmlSocial Security/Medicare Elgibilitytag:typepad.com,2003:post-344181822007-05-23T15:55:21-05:002007-05-23T15:55:21-05:00If you are a stay-at-home parent, do you know how your Social Security and Medicare benefits are affected by a divorce? You should be, especially if you are being asked to give up your interest in your spouse's Social Security...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/05/social_security.htmlNew Books & Website to Reviewtag:typepad.com,2003:post-344159102007-05-23T15:46:43-05:002007-05-23T15:46:43-05:00Here are a couple of books that give information on the divorce process and what a divorce entails. They are: Your Pocket Divorce Guide by Linda C. Senn and The Divorce Recovery Journal co-authored by Linda C. Senn. You might...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/05/new_books_websi.htmlMissouri Child Support FAQstag:typepad.com,2003:post-337093282007-05-05T23:33:33-05:002007-05-05T23:33:33-05:00The following has been provided to the public by the Missouri Bar: The purpose of this pamphlet is to answer some of the questions frequently asked about obtaining and enforcing support orders, and to give you an idea of the...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/05/missouri_child_.htmlCase Review - Requirements for Change in Custodytag:typepad.com,2003:post-333373802007-04-25T23:15:16-05:002007-04-25T23:15:16-05:00Strobel v. Strobel was decided by the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, on April 17, 2007. In this case the parties sought a modification of the original dissolution judgment as it pertains to the custody of the children. The...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/04/case_review_req.htmlCareful What You Say or Printtag:typepad.com,2003:post-332026882007-04-22T20:15:45-05:002007-04-22T20:15:45-05:00Posted on April 20, 2007 by Charles Meyer of the Pennsylvania Family Law blog: Let the lesson be learned: In this day and age of technology, what you say, in whatever format, could be used against you later. This morning's...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/04/careful_what_yo.htmlPrivate Investigatorstag:typepad.com,2003:post-331992782007-04-22T19:16:06-05:002007-04-22T19:16:06-05:00There are times when your attorney will request that a private investigator be hired on your case. Private investigators can be help obtain documentation regarding lifestyle, assets, income, roommates, friends, paramour and parents, including criminal history checks , work history,...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/04/private_investi.htmlHoliday Tips tag:typepad.com,2003:post-330690482007-04-19T09:26:00-05:002007-04-19T09:26:00-05:00The holidays are very hard for parents when they are going through a divorce or are divorced. No parent wants to spend a holiday without his or her child. In a perfect world the parents would get along well enough...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/04/holiday_tips.htmlRecommended Reading for Divorcestag:typepad.com,2003:post-330684302007-04-18T20:59:05-05:002007-04-18T20:59:05-05:00Below is a list of recommended reading if you are contemplating, going through, or recovering from a divorce. It includes books for your children as well as yourself. This list was compiled by Leigh Joy Carson: For Children ages 3-6...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/04/recommended_rea.htmlSuggestions When Going Through A Divorce tag:typepad.com,2003:post-327853582007-04-13T09:58:00-05:002007-04-13T09:58:00-05:00I was pleased to read an article on DivorceNet from an attorney that I am familiar with in the family law area. Leigh Joy Carson has written an article, Suggested Guidelines for Parents During Separation or Divorce Proceedings, that contains...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/04/suggestions_whe.htmlDivorce Tax Tipstag:typepad.com,2003:post-327849222007-04-12T09:34:00-05:002007-04-12T09:34:00-05:00When you are deciding on a settlement agreement with your soon to be ex-spouse, you need to consider the tax implications involved. There is a good article at DivorceNet which lists tax mistakes people make during the process of a...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/04/divorce_tax_tip.htmlLink of the Daytag:typepad.com,2003:post-327864222007-04-11T22:50:12-05:002007-04-11T22:50:12-05:00Last month I was honored to be the "Link of the Day" at Robert Kraft's P.I.S.S.D. blog. Here is the article: Link of the Day - Missouri Family Law Blog and Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog For the month of...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/04/link_of_the_day.htmlCivility Standards for Family Lawyerstag:typepad.com,2003:post-327843882007-04-11T21:18:07-05:002007-04-11T21:18:07-05:00Have you ever noticed that some attorneys are just downright rude to the other attorneys? I have and apparently others have too. It is not very pleasant to see or to be on the receiving end. The American Bar Association's...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/04/civility_standa.htmlProposed Legislation - Another Safety Measure Against Sexual Offenderstag:typepad.com,2003:post-325182962007-04-04T16:27:30-05:002007-04-04T16:27:30-05:00The Jefferson City News Tribune today included an article regarding proposed legislation by Rep. Ward Franze from West Plains, Mo. that would allow a new special code to be included on the front of driver's licenses issued to convicted sexual...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/04/proposed_legisl.htmlGuardian ad Litemstag:typepad.com,2003:post-318280522007-03-19T00:00:56-05:002007-03-19T00:00:56-05:00Tonight I am going to voice an opinion about other attorneys. I'm talking about attorneys that have been appointed as guardian ad litems (GALs) to represent children in divorce, custody, juvenile, or probate cases. The way some of these GALs...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/03/guardian_ad_lit.htmlShould a Father Regain Custody of a Child When Convicted of Felony Offenses Against Another Child?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-315203722007-03-13T10:08:00-05:002007-03-13T10:08:00-05:00If a parent was convicted of sexual abuse, sodomy and rape of two children, ages 5 and 6, before the effectiveness of a statute that would prevent the parent from being reunited with his child or having his child placed...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/03/should_a_father.htmlCase Review - Disqualification of GAL Absolute Righttag:typepad.com,2003:post-315135662007-03-12T06:10:00-05:002007-03-12T06:10:00-05:00In State ex rel. Dreppard v. Jones the Eastern District Court of Appeals stated that in a modification action, if a party timely files his or her motion to disqualify the guardian ad litem (GAL) under section 452.423.1, that party...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/03/case_review_dis.htmlCase Review - Termination of Parental Rightstag:typepad.com,2003:post-315123002007-03-11T17:16:04-05:002007-03-11T17:16:04-05:00Is it right to terminate a mother's right to her child when she is not the cause of his behavioral problems? This was the issue in In the Interest of B.T. B.T. had severe behavioral problems which included head-butting, growling...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/03/case_review_ter.htmlCase Review - Criminal Non-Support and Paternitytag:typepad.com,2003:post-312838422007-03-07T07:00:00-06:002007-03-07T07:00:00-06:00Recently the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, handed down its decision in State v. Salazar. The defendant had appealed his conviction for criminal nonsupport based upon: violation of his due process rights by the trial court refusing to order...Penny J. Umstattd-Copehttp://4stateladylawyer.typepad.com/mofamilyanddivorcelawyer/2007/03/case_review_cri.html