How to Prepare for Divorce & Custody Issues in Missouri
If you have decided to end your marriage, prepare yourself for the ensuing divorce and custody issues that may arise. If you live in Missouri, there are a number of steps you can take so that you and your attorney will have all the information ready when you need it.
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Instructions
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Hire a divorce lawyer. You can find a lawyer by using a number of guides, including various legal-related websites, the phone book or the Missouri Bar Association. You can also talk to friends you have that have gone through divorces and see if they can recommend a divorce lawyer.
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Record the assets and debts you and your spouse share. Under Missouri divorce law, property is divided into two categories: marital property and non-marital property. Note which assets and debts are non-marital property, which is property you don't share. Examples of non-marital property include any property you inherited or were gifted, any property acquired before the marriage and any property obtained after a legal separation from your spouse.
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Gather any information pertaining to your finances and those of your spouse. You may have to show these during the divorce process. Keep track of bank statements, investment statements, pay stubs and any other pertinent records regarding finances. You will also want to have your tax returns, including your Missouri state tax returns, from the last several years on hand.
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Gather general documents to prove your marriage status and the parental status of any children. This includes your marriage certificate, birth certificates and Social Security cards.
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Collect materials that provide qualitative information about your marriage and your relationship with your children. This can include: photographs of your family; letters written by you, your spouse and your children; and any home recordings of you, your spouse and your children.
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Prepare a list of questions you have for your attorney about your divorce, Missouri divorce law and the Missouri divorce process. Understand that each state has its own laws regarding divorce, so just because you are familiar with divorce laws in one state does not mean that it will be applicable to a Missouri divorce.
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Tips & Warnings
If you or your spouse are business owners, you will also want to provide financial information related to your business, including profit and loss statements as well as tax returns.
Divorce can be a very emotional process. If you are finding it difficult to emotionally prepare for divorce, seek the help of a professional counselor or therapist.
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Resources
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