Family Law
A Basic Guide for Understanding Guardianship and Conservatorship in Missouri
This is a guide book published with funding from the Missouri Long-Term Ombudsman Program – Missouri Department of Health and Human Services. To view, click on the pdf document below.
Adoption
What is adoption?
Adoption is the legal process which establishes a parent/child relationship between two people who are not otherwise biologically parent and child.
Who is involved in an...
Adoption in Missouri
What is Adoption?
Adoption is a legal process that establishes a parent/child relationship between two people who are not otherwise related by blood. There are three sets of participants...
Are You Being Denied Court-Ordered Custody or Visitation?
LSSM has prepared a document that will provide you crucial information if you are being denied court-ordered custody or visitation. Click on the document below to learn more.
Child Support in Missouri
The purpose of this article is to answer some of the questions that parents and custodians frequently ask about obtaining and enforcing child support orders, and to give you an idea of the...
Custody
What is Custody?
There are two kinds of child custody:
Legal custody, which means who makes important decisions for your children (like health care, education, and welfare),...
Custody - Relocation of Child by Parent for More Than 90 Days
Missouri RSMO 452.377. Relocation of child by parent for more than ninety days, required procedure — violation, effect — notice of relocation of parent, required procedure. —
1. For...
Divorce
What is a Dissolution of Marriage?
A Dissolution of Marriage is another term for divorce.
When can I file for a Dissolution of Marriage in Missouri?
Either you or your spouse must be a...
Divorce in Missouri
Divorce
A divorce can take place if the marriage is irretrievably broken. The case is decided by a judge without a jury. In Missouri, either the husband or the wife must have lived in the...
Does your Child Have a Father - Paternity
This is a brochure developed by the Missouri Department of Social Services. If you click on this link you will be leaving this website. To return, simply press the blue back button on the upper...
Grandparents as Caregivers for Grandchildren
If you are a grandparent raising grandchildren, you are not alone: 5.8 million U.S. children under 18 live in grandparent-headed households (Census 2010). LSSM has prepared the document below to...
Guardians and Conservators in Missouri
What is a Guardian?
A guardian is a person who has been appointed by a court (usually the probate division of the circuit court) to have the care and custody of a minor or of an adult...
In Your Child's Best Interest - A Handbook for Separating or Divorcing Parents
The Office of State Courts Administrator (OSCA) has developed a handbook entitled, "In Your Child's Best Interest, A Handbook for Separating/Divorcing Parents." If you plan to represent yourself...
Marriage
Requirements for a Valid Marriage
A marriage causes many legal consequences that affect a couple’s future life together, including: filing tax returns, employment-related benefit pro-...
Missouri Free Legal Answers
Missouri Legal Answers is a statewide virtual legal advice clinic. This program is provided through the assistance of the American Bar Association and is free. Qualifying users post their civil...
Moving Children After Court Ordered Visitation
Missouri has laws about changing the permanent residence of your children after a divorce or custody matter is final. If you do not follow these laws, you may risk losing custody or visitation...
Name Change
Can you change your name without going to court?
Yes, a person can change their name through usage. However, changing your name in this way is not recommended because there is no official...
Non-Marital Custody and Visitation - LSSM
"Know Your Rights" when dealing with non-marital custody. Click on the document below for more information.
Paternity
Mothers
What is paternity?
Paternity means fatherhood. If a man's paternity of a child is established, it means that he is the legal father of that child. There are numerous rights and...
Representing Yourself In Court In A Family Matter
Representing Yourself In Court - OSCA
If you click on this link you will be leaving this website.
Also, you may view a brochure entitled, "Handling Your Case in Family Court" by clicking on...
Self-Representation and Missouri Court Forms
The Office of State Courts Administrator (OSCA) provides forms for self-representation with a family law matter. To view family law forms and information on how to represent yourself, go to:
You Are Still Parents
A divorce or break-up doesn’t end your duty to be a good parent. You may feel hurt, and you may have many things to worry about, but you need to help your children cope with the uncertainty of a...
