Family Law Talk
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Family Law Talk® with Stange Law Firm, PC on Spreaker. Stange Law Firm, PC is a multi-state divorce and family law firm . To learn more or to schedule an initial consultation, please call 855-805-0595. Please note: The choice of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Neither the Supreme Court of Missouri/Illinois nor The Missouri/Illinois Bar reviews or approves certifying organizations or specialist designations. Court rules do not permit us to advertise that we specialize in a particular field or area of law. The areas of law mentioned in this podcast are our areas of interest and generally are the types of cases in which we are involved. It is not intended to suggest specialization in any areas of law which are listed. The information you obtain on this podcast is not, nor is it intended to be legal advice. You should consu
Episodes
- Pour-over wills explained: Connecting your will and trust
This episode explains how pour-over wills work alongside revocable trusts as part of a coordinated estate plan, highlighting how a pour-over will acts as a safety net to capture any assets that were not transferred into the trust during a…
- The key person discount
When a business heavily relies on a single owner or employee, valuation experts may apply a key person discount to reflect the risk that the company’s value could decline if that individual were to leave. In this episode, we examine how th…
- Can my lawyer go to mediation?
This episode looks at whether you can and should bring your lawyer to family law mediation. We discuss how mediation works, why having legal counsel present can help you understand settlement offers and protect your interests, and how a la…
- Avoiding digital pitfalls in domestic relations matters
This episode examines the impact of digital activity on divorce and family law cases. From accessing a spouse’s accounts to managing social media and securing personal devices, we discuss common digital missteps that can create legal troub…
- What are introductory visits?
On this episode of Family Law Talk, Kirk Stange explains that introductory visits are a step-by-step way to help a parent and child reconnect when there has been a long absence. These visits usually begin with brief supervised time togethe…
- How does co-parent counseling work?
On this episode of Family Law Talk, Kirk Stange explains that co-parent counseling can help separated or divorced parents improve communication and reduce conflict, often through court referral. Sessions begin individually and move to join…
- Who prepares the settlement paperwork?
On this episode of Family Law Talk, Kirk Stange discusses that in divorce cases, it often doesn’t matter which attorney drafts the settlement paperwork as long as the terms are clear, but efficiency can be affected. One lawyer preparing ev…
- Psychosexual evaluations in child custody matters
On this episode, Kirk Stange discusses psychosexual evaluations, which are detailed assessments used in child custody cases when sexual abuse is alleged or a parent is considered a risk. They involve clinical interviews, psychological test…
- The value of trust during your family law case
On this episode, Kirk Stange discusses the importance of patience and trust during the legal process. Family law matters like divorce and custody disputes can be emotionally overwhelming, but clients who have faith in their attorney and th…
- The real estate assessor’s valuation
On this episode, Kirk Stange discusses how county assessor valuations are often inaccurate for divorce cases because they don’t involve thorough home inspections. Instead, a professional appraisal is typically more reliable and legally acc…
- Is family law simple?
On this episode of Family Law Talk, Kirk Stange explains that divorce and family law matters are rarely simple, even when parties hope for an amicable outcome. Emotional strain, differing views on fairness, and poor communication often com…
- Court date questions
In this episode of Family Law Talk, Kirk Stange discusses that preparation is key before heading to court for a family law case. Know the type of hearing, confirm if you need to attend, and plan ahead for logistics like parking and childca…
- Debt in divorce
This episode explains that after a divorce, responsibility for debt depends on whether it was incurred individually or jointly during the marriage. Even if a divorce decree assigns debt to one spouse, creditors may still hold both parties…
- Prenuptial agreement pitfalls
This episode identifies key red flags in prenuptial agreements, including rushed signing, lack of legal representation, vague terms, illegal provisions, and unfair terms favoring one spouse. It stresses the importance of fairness, clarity,…
- The debate over no-fault divorce
This episode explores the debate over no-fault divorce, which allows couples to divorce without proving fault. Critics argue it weakens marriage and contributes to family breakdown. Supporters counter that requiring proof of fault can prol…
- Who gets the pets in a divorce?
In this episode of Family Law Talk, Kirk Stange discusses the fact that in many states, pets are considered property, and courts typically award ownership to the spouse who primarily cares for the pet. Factors like daily care, financial ab…
- Dating during divorce
This podcast episode discusses how dating during divorce can lead to legal complications, impact custody decisions, and create emotional challenges. While not illegal, it’s best to wait until the divorce is final. If dating, discretion is…
- Do birds of a feather flock together
In this episode, Kirk Stange discusses the common assumption in divorce and family courts that individuals in a relationship are inherently similar, encapsulated by the phrase "birds of a feather fly together." This thought process suggest…
- The average cost of a divorce
This episode outlines the factors influencing divorce expenses, including attorney fees, filing fees, and additional costs. Attorney fees vary based on experience and case complexity, with contested divorces costing more due to disputes ov…
- What’s a motion to compel
A motion to compel in family law litigation is filed when one party fails to respond to discovery requests (like interrogatories or document requests) or provides incomplete responses. The motion asks the court to order the non-compliant p…
- Answers in family law matters
When a party is served with an initial pleading in a divorce or family law case , they must file a response. The rules vary by state, but each jurisdiction has specific deadlines within which the response must be filed. It's essential to a…
- Goodwill in divorce business valuations
When spouses involved in a divorce have business interests , it can complicate the process. Valuing these interests is often intricate and typically requires the expertise of a professional business valuator to ensure an accurate assessmen…
- The child's preference for custody
Divorce and separation cases can be complex, often involving difficult decisions around child custody, visitation, and support. Even when parents are willing to work together, these emotionally charged situations arise as both parties seek…
- Hearsay in divorce and family law litigation
Hearsay is an important legal concept that lawyers learn in law school. Under Federal Rule of Evidence 801, hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered for the truth of the matter asserted. Even many lawyers are often confused by what thi…
- The impact of realistic estrangement on child custody matters
Many people are familiar with the concept of parental alienation, but fewer are aware of the term "realistic estrangement." Parental alienation occurs when one parent intentionally seeks to undermine the other parent's relationship with th…
- The prominence of co-parenting applications
Co-parenting applications are becoming more popular in divorce or family law cases where there are children. In cases where these cases are not resolved peacefully, or where there are ongoing disagreements, more courts are ordering parties…
- How a divorce impacts your financial state
It is no secret that a divorce is an expensive process, with short-term and long-term effects on the finances of both parties. A divorce requires families to deal with emotional, legal, and financial challenges. When you are concerned abou…
- The importance of deposition objections
Depositions are expected in divorce or family law matters. All sorts of witnesses may be deposed. During a divorce or family law deposition, one attorney asks the witnesses under oath to discover relevant information. Information is releva…
- Missouri's equal parenting time presumption
The state of Missouri recently followed many other states by making equal parenting time a rebuttable presumption in divorce and child custody cases. The rebuttable presumption was enacted as part of Senate Bill 35, which went into effect…
- What is a default divorce?
A difficult separation is never easy. When you file your divorce petition and serve your spouse the papers, but they ignore or avoid the petition, it can make the situation even more frustrating. When you face a stressful divorce process l…
- Caucus mediations in divorce and family law matters
Mediation is a popular alternative dispute resolution method in divorce or family law matters. Many opt to participate in mediation seeking a settlement outside of court. Many picture being alone in a room with the mediator and the other p…
- When to litigate
Most divorces are resolved through out-of-court methods, such as collaborative divorce and divorce mediation. These options are preferred due to their privacy, cost-effectiveness, and their emphasis on collaboration over contentious argume…
- Hiring a family lawyer
Many wonder when they should hire a lawyer in the months and weeks before a divorce or family law matter. “Should I do it now? Can I wait until later?” Questions like these are typical. As a divorce or family law matter looms, many are in…
- Preparing for a meeting with a divorce lawyer
Finding legal counsel that you can rely on is a crucial step when you decide to get a divorce. A divorce is a complicated and emotionally straining process, and a diligent and dedicated divorce lawyer can guide you through proceedings more…
- When is an annulment possible?
A divorce is the most well-known way to end a couple’s marriage, although there are other legal routes available. Legal separation is possible for some couples who want to retain the legal existence of a marriage but separate their assets…
- What if my spouse doesn't accept the divorce paperwork?
Any divorce is a complicated and difficult process, both legally and emotionally. Even spouses who agree on most things can have a lot of stressful hurdles. In some situations, the issue may be that one spouse refuses to sign the divorce p…
- The importance of pleading panels
Most lawyers and law firms want to organize their clients’ case files. Organization can be key to having a successful outcome. Clients should also want their lawyers to be organized. When a lawyer is organized, it can save them money in le…
- Establishing paternity rights
Establishing paternity can be a wonderful way to ensure both parents have the same responsibility for their child. However, it can also be potentially complicated if parents do not agree on the biological parents of a child or if a married…
- Does cohabitation end spousal maintenance?
Spousal maintenance is sometimes awarded in a divorce case as a monthly payment from one ex-spouse to the other. The purpose of maintenance is to ensure that each spouse retains a similar standard of living after the divorce. It can also g…
- Do you need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce
You are not required to be represented by an attorney in an uncontested divorce. However, an attorney can help a couple in an uncontested divorce in many ways. An attorney can make an uncontested divorce go more smoothly, and less stressfu…
- Interfaith child custody disputes
Religion can often come into play in child custody disputes. Whether it is a divorce or custody case between unmarried parents, parents may often be of different faiths. Who Gets to Decide What Faith The Children Practice? When Will The Fa…
- Updating your estate plan
Estate plans are an exceptional tool for safeguarding assets, protecting your interests at the end of your life, and ensuring your loved ones receive the most benefits possible from your estate. It is important that you continually update…
- Signs that a divorce may be looming
Although divorce is fairly common, many couples do not know the warning signs that divorce may be in their future. Unfortunately, this means that many couples miss the opportunity to prevent or avoid divorce. Knowing signs that divorce may…
- Challenges in a high-net-worth divorce
A high-asset divorce occurs when one or both spouses have significant assets from during their marriage. In addition to the challenges that any divorce faces, including financial strain, emotional turmoil, and the potential for contentious…
- What makes a gray divorce challenging?
Divorce is rarely easy for any couple, but a gray divorce brings additional challenges, financial complications, and emotional difficulties that are not present in every divorce. Couples who decide to get a gray divorce may be making the r…
- How can grandparents get visitation rights?
Grandparents can play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. When parents are married, or together, many grandparents can get access to and visit their grandchildren without any problems. But sometimes, grandparents can hav…
- What to make of a trial continuance?
Sometimes, a client can appear in court with the idea that a trial will occur. However, the trial ends up being continued. For many clients, a continuance can lead to more stress, anxiety, and fees. A trial date can be continued for many d…
- What are findings of fact and conclusions of law?
Most understand that a court enters a judgment after a contested divorce or family law matter results in a trial. In the judgment, the court enters a ruling in terms of the result of the case. The case outcome binds the parties in terms of…
- What are business records affidavits in divorce and family law matters?
Business records can be vital to divorce or family law matters. One method of getting business records admitted into court is through a business records affidavit, where the custodian of records signs the affidavit and verifies the authent…
- What is a non-contested hearing?
A non-contested or uncontested hearing can be a common event in a divorce or family law matter that settles outside court. Many do not understand the purpose of these hearings or why they are sometimes necessary. Further, individuals who h…