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Can Family Court Order a Parent to Pay for Private School?
Jones Family Law Group, LLC

November 29, 2022

One of the many decisions addressed by a Parenting Plan when parents divorce is where the children will go to school. In Missouri, family courts assume children will attend public schools unless there is a particular or specific educational need of the child that the public schools cannot meet or unless the parents agree to

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“We’ve Decided to Divorce”: How to Tell Your Children the News
Jones Family Law Group, LLC

November 8, 2022

When couples make the decision to divorce, they often agonize over telling their children. How long should you wait before breaking the news? What words should you use? How much should you explain or leave out, and how will you answer kids’ questions? All of these fears are understandable, says Ann Gold Buscho, PhD. She

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Co-Parents: Could Nesting Work for You?
Jones Family Law Group, LLC

September 26, 2022

Children of divorced parents typically divide their time between each parent’s home. “Nesting,” sometimes called birdnesting, represents a fairly new approach to co-parenting. The child remains in one home (the family “nest”), and the parents take turns rotating in and out of the home. Would nesting work for you? Nesting requires an enormous amount of

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Can You Really Claim Social Security Benefits from Your Ex When You Retire?
Jones Family Law Group, LLC

August 29, 2022

You or your ex may qualify for 50% of the other’s Social Security benefits once retired, even if your retirement takes place after the divorce. The guidelines and rules for eligibility are strict!  Here is the breakdown on how it works: Who May Claim Social Security Benefits from an Ex? To be eligible to file a claim: You

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Can Parents Ignore Custody Orders During a Quarantine for COVID-19?
Jones Family Law Group, LLC

January 19, 2022

  The COVID-19 Omicron variant is impacting many right now. This newest variant is so highly contagious, even adults and children who are fully vaccinated and have had a booster shot can catch it if exposed. According to the CDC, Omicron is also affecting children far more than previous versions of the coronavirus. With that

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Back-to-School: 6 Topics Co-Parents Should Study & Practice
Jones Family Law Group, LLC

August 26, 2021

    It can be both exciting and heartwarming to see kids return to school, but for divorced or separated co-parents, it can be extra-challenging, too. Changes to routines mean additional demands on time and energy. COVID-19 continues to be a concern. Mix in some tension between people who used to be married, and life

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Co-Parenting: What Common Time-sharing Arrangements Look Like

In Missouri, courts require divorcing couples to submit a parenting plan that includes a complete, detailed time-sharing schedule. This is to ensure the child or children get to spend significant, meaningful time with both parents. Coming up with a visitation arrangement can seem like a daunting and emotionally draining task. Once in place, however, it

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7 Steps to Take When Your Ex Violates the Custody Agreement (and 1 Thing Not to Do)

You and your child are waiting at the time and place your former spouse agreed to in the custody arrangements during the divorce–and recently confirmed by a text or email. But your ex is a no-show–again. You can see the disappointment on your child’s face. Or maybe you’re waiting anxiously for your ex to return

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Can Grandparents Get Visitation in Missouri?

  Under Missouri law, parents have primary rights to custody, but Missouri is among the states that allow courts to grant visitation to grandparents under certain circumstances. Overcoming Hurdles Grandparents may be able to obtain visitation rights if: the child’s parents are married and apply for legal separation or divorce; or  the surviving parent unreasonably

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Can Kids Choose Which Parent to Live With After Divorce?

  In Missouri, it’s a common but mistaken belief that minor children are legally allowed to decide where they want to live when their parents’ divorce. The reality is more complex. After asking numerous questions and weighing evidence and opinions, a family court judge will award legal and physical custody based on what is in

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