Lee's Summit Family Lawyers
Your children mean the world to you and, like every parent, you want to give them the best possible chance for a stable home and happy life. When parents are no longer living together, this goal can become difficult to achieve.
If you and your children are facing family law issues, such as custody or visitation, you need a qualified family law attorney on your side. At the Law Office of William G. Cownie LLC, we have the experience needed to assist you. We can help with your family law needs.
Paternity
When unmarried parents are seeking to establish custodial arrangements for their children, the Missouri courts refer to this family law court case as a “paternity action.” In a paternity action, we can assist you so that the family court declares the child’s biological father to be “dad,” sets up a parenting plan for the child and fixes the amount of the child support.
When it comes to family law, there are two types of custody – legal and physical. Missouri has a preference for joint legal and physical custody.
Joint physical custody does not mean the child lives with both parents equally. Rather, it relates to time-sharing between the parents. Legal custody relates to making decisions about your child’s upbringing (schooling, religion, etc.). When parents can set aside their personal differences and work together for the best interest of their children, the court will generally grant them joint legal custody. This means that mom and dad retain the roles of mom and dad in making decisions for their children.
Unfortunately, joint legal custody is sometimes a bad idea. For those families, there is sole legal custody. We have experience with the options available to you in custody and visitation, and we can assist you in fashioning a parenting plan that works for your family.
Every family is different. What works beautifully for one may spell catastrophe for another. If you and your child’s other parent can’t decide how to divide custody, you need a skilled lawyer who will look out for your interests as well as the best interests of your children. Contact Law Office of William G. Cownie LLC for the family law representation you need.
Visitation Issues
When a child lives with one parent, the other parent will normally have parenting time, which is often called “visitation.” Plans for parent visitation, grandparent visitation or other visitation arrangements are as unique as the families that follow them.
Creating a plan that works well is crucial for family stability. Having a skilled family attorney to guide you will increase your chances for a workable parenting plan. For sound advice and knowledgeable representation, contact the Law Office of William G. Cownie LLC – we’re experts in family law.
Child Support
Noncustodial parents will normally be required to pay child support. In Missouri, child support does not necessarily end at age 18: f the child attends college or other postsecondary education, he or she may be eligible for child support up to the age of 21.
Child support may also be modified if there are significant changes in the incomes (or certain child-related expenses) of the parents, or upon the emancipation of a child.
If you need to modify (or terminate) your child support order, or if your spouse owes child support, call the Law Office of William G. Cownie LLC; we can help with your family law needs.
Learn More
Call our law office or contact us to talk to a family law attorney today. We are ready to help protect what matters most to you – your family.
Proudly serving the Kansas City & surrounding areas.
