Child Custody Lawyers in Kansas City, MO in Jackson County
Child custody disputes are among the most challenging issues a parent can face. When questions arise about parenting time, decision-making authority, and ongoing involvement in a child’s life, it is natural to feel anxious about protecting your rights and your relationship with your children. In these situations, having an attorney who understands what is at stake can make a meaningful difference.
At Stange Law Firm, PC, we understand that the well-being of you and your children is at the center of every custody case. When you retain our firm to assist with a child custody matter in Kansas City, Missouri, including cases in Jackson County and Lee’s Summit, our attorneys are committed to guiding you through each step of the process. We work to ensure that issues involving both legal custody and physical custody are thoroughly addressed and clearly presented.
In some child custody cases, reaching a negotiated resolution may help reduce conflict and provide greater stability for children. However, settlement is not always possible when parents have different views about what is in their child’s best interests. If your case becomes contested, our attorneys are prepared to advocate for you in court, making certain your position is heard and your parental rights are protected.
To better serve our clients, Stange Law Firm, PC maintains two locations in Jackson County, Missouri—one in downtown Kansas City and one in Lee’s Summit. Having offices near both courthouses allows us to remain accessible and makes it more convenient for clients to meet with their attorneys throughout their case.
Kansas City, Missouri Child Custody Lawyers Ready To Boldly Represent Your Interests in Custody Cases in Jackson County and the Surrounding Areas
At our firm, we represent clients in a wide variety of child custody matters. Some of these matters include:
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Joint custody, physical custody and legal custody arrangements in Kansas City, MO
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Visitation rights and parenting time enforcement in Kansas City, MO
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Kansas City, MO Relocation cases: View information about relocation cases in Kansas City here.
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Kansas City, Missouri dissolution of marriage lawyers: Find a list of our Kansas City dissolution lawyers here.
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Kansas City, Missouri, paternity attorneys: View a list of our Kansas City paternity attorneys.
You can also learn more about the Jackson County Court by visiting the following pages below. It is still critical, however, to talk about your individual situation with a knowledgeable child custody lawyer.
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Jackson County Circuit Clerk’s Office: More information about the Jackson County Circuit Clerks office can be found at this link here.
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Jackson County Court Rules: More information about the Jackson County court rules can be found here.
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Map to Jackson County Courthouse: Are you in need of directions to the Jackson County Courthouse? Click on the link provided to help!
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Jackson County Domestic Relations Law Forms: Find the Jackson County forms you’re looking for here.
Child Custody in Kansas City, Missouri
Child custody matters in Kansas City, Missouri are governed by Missouri family law and commonly arise in dissolution cases, paternity actions, and proceedings to modify an existing custody order. When parents are unable to reach an agreement on custody and parenting time, the court will enter an order designed to protect the child’s best interests and promote long-term stability.
How Missouri Courts Approach Custody Decisions
Missouri courts determine custody by evaluating what arrangement best serves the child’s overall welfare. In doing so, judges may review a wide range of factors, including:
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The custody proposals and parenting schedules offered by each parent
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The child’s need for consistent, meaningful involvement with both parents
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The child’s educational progress, emotional well-being, and social development
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Each parent’s ability to provide structure, stability, and appropriate care
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Whether a parent is willing to encourage and support the child’s relationship with the other parent
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The physical and mental health of the parents and the child
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Any history of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
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The child’s wishes, when the court finds the child’s age and maturity make them appropriate to consider
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The effect of expected changes, such as relocation, on the child’s routine and environment
Missouri law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender, income, or marital status.
Legal Custody and Physical Custody Explained
Missouri recognizes two primary components of child custody: legal custody and physical custody. Either form may be awarded jointly or solely, depending on the circumstances and the child’s needs.
Legal Custody
Legal custody refers to the authority to make major decisions affecting a child’s life, including education, medical care, and general upbringing.
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Joint legal custody allows both parents to share in decision-making responsibilities
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Sole legal custody places decision-making authority with one parent
Physical Custody
Physical custody addresses where the child resides and how parenting time is divided.
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Joint physical custody allows the child to spend substantial time with both parents, though the schedule does not need to be evenly split
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Sole physical custody places the child primarily with one parent, with parenting time awarded to the other
Courts may order any combination of legal and physical custody that best supports the child’s needs and well-being.
Parenting Time and Ongoing Parental Involvement
Missouri law encourages custody arrangements that allow children to maintain frequent and meaningful contact with both parents when appropriate. As a result, courts often consider parenting plans that provide equal or nearly equal parenting time unless evidence shows that a different arrangement would better serve the child.
Custody Matters Involving Unmarried Parents
When a child is born to parents who are not married, the mother is initially presumed to have custody. A father must establish legal paternity before requesting custody or parenting time through the court. Once paternity is established, either parent may seek a custody determination.
Domestic Violence and Child Safety Considerations
Courts must consider any allegations or evidence of domestic violence or abuse when deciding custody matters. If safety concerns exist, the court may restrict parenting time or impose conditions such as supervised visitation to protect the child.
Visitation Rights
A parent who does not have primary physical custody is generally entitled to reasonable visitation, unless the court finds that parenting time would endanger the child’s physical health or emotional development.
Modifying a Child Custody Order
Child custody orders may be modified when circumstances materially change. A parent requesting a modification must demonstrate that a substantial change has occurred since the prior order and that the proposed modification would better serve the child’s best interests.
Child Custody Matters in Kansas City
Families in Kansas City resolve child custody matters under Missouri family law through the local courts serving the area. Parents are typically required to submit a detailed parenting plan, and the court may encourage mediation or other alternative dispute-resolution methods when appropriate. Ultimately, the court’s goal is to establish a custody arrangement that supports the child’s long-term stability, security, and overall well-being.
Contact Kansas City, Missouri Child Custody Attorneys in Jackson County
If you are going through a child custody matter in Kansas City, MO, our attorneys will be glad to help you. We represent clients in Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Independence and the surrounding areas. Contact us online or by calling the number below to schedule a confidential consultation.
Jackson County (Kansas City), MO Office: 816-631-0307 | 1201 Walnut Street, Suite 975, Kansas City, MO 64106
