Divorce Attorneys in Kansas City, Kansas
A divorce may be one of the worst experiences in your life, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to go through this alone. At Stange Law Firm, PC, you will find attorneys that will be there for you, every step of the way. Their main goal is to keep your mind at ease, knowing that your case is in good hands. Our attorneys will be there to answer all your questions and help you understand your rights.
When you retain with Stange Law Firm, PC, our Kansas City divorce lawyers will work hard with only your interests in mind. We represent our clients in Kansas City, Kansas out of our office located in Overland Park, KS.
Kansas City, KS Divorce Lawyers Representing Clients Throughout the Kansas City Area
Certain attorneys at our firm have been recognized for many different awards and accolades relating to the field of family law and divorce. You can find more information regarding each attorney and their specific awards on their individual biographies on our website.
To learn more about the Overland Park, KS area near Kansas City, we have provided the following information:
- Johnson County Circuit Clerk’s Office: More information about the Johnson County Circuit Clerk’s office can be found here.
- Johnson County Court Rules: More information about the Johnson County court rules can be found at this link.
- Map to Johnson County Courthouse: Click this link for directions to the Johnson County courthouse.
- Johnson County Family Law Forms: Find the Johnson County Family Law Forms that you are looking for here.
- City of Overland Park, KS: Click this link for more information regarding Overland Park, Kansas.
- Overland Park, Kansas Government: If you are interested in learning more about the government of Overland Park, KS, click this link.
To schedule an initial consultation to discuss your specific needs regarding your divorce matter, Call our Overland Park, KS divorce lawyers at 913-221-0332 or contact us online.
- Domestic Court Services: If you are interested in divorce court services in Johnson County, Kansas, the Domestic unit of Court Services provides services and resources.
- Johnson County Courthouse: Click here for the address and directions to the Johnson County Courthouse.
Divorce Lawyers in Kansas City, Kansas with Family Law Focus
In any Kansas divorce and family law matter, your main priority should be to find an attorney that represents you and all your needs. At Stange Law Firm, PC we solely practice divorce and family law, using the skills and experiences that our attorneys have achieved specifically in this field to better serve Kansas City, Kansas.
For your information you can read articles about family law, view informational videos and seminar videos, listen to our podcast, download our mobile application or view the support calculator for Kansas on our web page.
Kansas City, KS Divorce Attorneys Handling All Aspects of Divorce and Family Law Matters
As your full-service divorce law firm in Kansas City, we can advise and represent you on any and all issues that may arise during the divorce process in Kansas City:
- High net worth divorce in Kansas City, KS: We offer high net worth attorneys in Kansas City, KS.
- Annulment in Kansas City, KS: Our experienced attorneys in Kansas City, Kansas are able to assist in annulments.
- Kansas City, KS Uncontested divorce: We are here to help with your Kansas City uncontested divorce matter.
- Kansas City, KS Contested divorce: Our attorneys can help you with your contested divorce matter, find out how here.
- Kansas City, Kansas divorce lawyers: Find out more about Stange Law Firm, PC and how they handle a divorce matter here.
- Kansas City KS child custody and visitation attorneys: Our attorneys at Stange Law Firm are here to help you with any child custody and visitation matters you may have.
- Kansas City KS child support lawyers: Our Kansas City, KS family law attorneys are experienced and ready to assist you with your child support matter needs.
- Spousal maintenance in Kansas City, KS: Click this link for additional information regarding spousal maintenance.
- Division of property and debts in Kansas City, KS: We can help with your division of property and debt issues while you are going through a difficult divorce.
- Post-divorce modifications in Kansas City, KS: We are able to assist clients in Kansas City, KS with post-divorce modifications.
- Kansas City, KS dissolution of same sex marriages: We represent clients in the dissolution of same sex marriage in Kansas City, KS.
COMMON DIVORCE QUESTIONS IN KANSAS
Grounds for Divorce in Kansas City, Kansas
Parties in Missouri can get divorced when a there are irreconcilable differences and there is no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved. It is not necessary to show fault in Missouri to get divorced, but fault can impact property and debt division and spousal maintenance.
Residency Requirements in Kansas City, Kansas
If you are going to get divorced in the State of Missouri, either you or your wife (or both of you) must be a resident in the State of Missouri, and must have lived in the state for at least 90 days, prior to the filing of the Petition. This action should be filed in the county where the petitioner resides. Whoever is filing for divorce should generally do so in the county in which they live. In some cases, a motion for a change of venue is a possibility.
Name of the Court and Title of the Action/Parties in Kansas City, Kansas
Here are a few key names for you to make note of. First is the Circuit Court, where the petition for the divorce is filed. The first action is called a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The final action is called the Decree or Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. Depending on which party is filing the divorce, you are either called the Petitioner (the party filing for divorce) or the Respondent (the one who gets served).
Legal Separation in Kansas City, Kansas
Making the decision to file for a divorce is difficult for many parties. For those individuals who may not yet be ready to take that big next step, there is another option for you. Missouri divorce laws state that parties may file for a legal separation when there is a reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved. Many of the guidelines remain the same, in regards to things like spousal maintenance, division of property, child support, etc. One or both of the parties must have resided within the State of Missouri for at least 90 days prior to filing this petition. It is important that you consider all options and factors at hand prior to making any legally binding decisions when it comes to legal separation and dissolution because a legal separation can be converted into a divorce.
Spousal Maintenance in Kansas City, Kansas
According to Missouri divorce laws, the court may grant spousal maintenance to either party. This depends on a finding that the party that is seeking spousal maintenance is not able to support themselves and lacks sufficient property to provide for their own needs; or that the party that is seeking spousal maintenance is the guardian of a child whose condition is such that it would be inappropriate for that party to seek outside employment.
The court will take in and consider the following factors in ruling the amount of spousal maintenance to be compensated:
- The time necessary for the spouse seeking support to acquire sufficient education or training
- The comparative earning capacity of each spouse
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- The obligations and assets of the marriage, both separate and marital
- The duration of the marriage
- The age, physical and mental condition of the spouse seeking support
- The ability of the supporting spouse to meet both his needs and the needs of the spouse seeking support
- The conduct of the parties during the marriage
- And any other relevant factors
The order establishing spousal maintenance must also state whether the award is modifiable or non-modifiable. If the award is modifiable, the court may modify the award only upon a showing that the circumstances have changed so considerably as to make the terms unreasonable.
Distribution of Property in Kansas City, Kansas
Missouri divorce laws call for an equitable distribution of assets. This means that the court will divide the marital property between the parties as it deems equitable and fair, after setting aside each party’s separate property. This essentially means that you get to keep what belongs to you (property you owned prior to the marriage) and all shared property (property you owned during the marriage) will be divided equally between you and your ex-spouse. The court will consider the following factors in dividing the property between the parties:
- The economic circumstances of the parties at the time of the division of property
- The contribution of each spouse to the marital estate
- The value of the non-marital property set apart to each spouse
- The conduct of the parties during the marriage
- Custodial arrangements for minor children
Child Custody in Kansas City, Kansas
Missouri courts will determine the issue of child custody based upon the best interests of the child. A partial list of aspects that the court will consider in determining the best interests of the child include:
- The wishes of the parents, the need of the child for a frequent and meaningful relationship with both parents
- The interaction and interrelationship of the child with both the parents and any siblings
- The wishes of the child
Prior to awarding custody, the court shall first consider awarding joint physical and legal custody to both parents. If the court decides that joint physical and legal custody awarded to both parents is not in the best interests of the child, the court shall next consider joint physical custody, with one party being awarded sole legal custody. If that arrangement is also found to not be in the best interests of the child, the court shall next consider joint legal custody with one party granted sole physical custody. If that arrangement is not in the best interests of the child, the court would next consider sole custody to either parent, or a third-party custody arrangement.
There will be no preference given to either party based upon the parent’s age, sex or financial status, nor because of the age or sex of the child, in determining custody.
When custody of a child is at issue in a proceeding for dissolution of marriage the court shall order the parents to attend educational classes regarding the effects of custody and dissolution of marriage upon the children. The court may also order the parents to attend an alternative dispute resolution program to resolve any disputes regarding issues of custody or visitation.
Child Support in Kansas City, Kansas
As with every other family law issue, the court will determine the matter of child support. The court may order either or both parties to pay an equitable amount necessary to support their child or children. Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 88.01 and Form 14, some of the factors the court will take into consideration while determining the amount of child support include:
- The financial needs and resources of the child
- The financial resources and needs of the parents
- The standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the marriage not terminated
- The child’s physical and legal custody arrangements
Legally, your liability to pay child support shall end upon the death of the child, the marriage of the child, the child entering active duty in the military, the child becoming self-sufficient, the child reaching eighteen (18) years of age, or, if the child is enrolled in a secondary school program of education, when the child reaches the age of twenty-one (21) years of age.
You may also be required to provide health insurance for your child. In addition, if you were already paying for health insurance for your children and spouse prior to the divorce, you are obligated to continue paying for it from the time of filing until the divorce is final (meaning you cannot cancel health insurance for your children and spouse during the divorce proceedings).
Name Change in Kansas City, Kansas
A spouse may request a name change back to their former or maiden name. This request may be granted by the court upon the divorce.
Contact Kansas City, Kansas Divorce Attorneys
If you are thinking about hiring a divorce attorney in Kansas City, KS, contact us online or by calling the number below:
Overland Park, KS Office: 913-221-0332. Click to learn more.