Family Law Attorney Rolla

Issues like divorce and child custody disputes create difficult situations in a family’s life. However, with the right guidance, resolving these matters can be less difficult. Working with an experienced family law attorney near Rolla can help ensure that you protect your family’s needs as you move forward. 

I’m Scott A. Hamblin, a Missouri attorney committed to helping families overcome difficult transitions and take the necessary legal steps to prepare for the next chapter of their lives. 

Common Issues in a Missouri Divorce

Divorce is one of the most common issues I handle as a family law lawyer. While every divorce is utterly unique to the circumstances and individuals involved, there are some basics that apply to most cases and are beneficial to understand.  

• The Division of Marital Property – Marital property refers to the property, assets, and debts that you and your spouse acquired together as a married couple – regardless of the name on the lease or title. There are some exceptions, such as inheritances and gifts made in one spouse’s name only, which may be considered separate or nonmarital property, and I have helped many couples understand these important distinctions. Once determinations about nonmarital and marital property have been made, the marital property must be divided equitably. This does not always mean an even split, and I help couples negotiate for fair property division based on their individual circumstances.
• Child Custody Arrangements – If the marriage involves children, you and your spouse will have to determine a workable custody and visitation schedule that best suits your family’s needs. In most cases, both parents share legal custody, which means they make important decisions for their children together. Physical custody, on the other hand, refers to where the children live. I help families create personalized custody and parenting time arrangements that support healthy relationships.
• Child Support – Missouri requires both parents to support their children financially, and child support is the mechanism used to equalize this financial contribution. The amount of support one party may have to pay to the other will be determined by several factors, including the amount of time each party spends with the children and the income of both parties.
• Spousal Maintenance – Spousal maintenance, which is often called alimony, is not as common as it once was. However, when one divorcing spouse has a significant financial need, and the other spouse has the financial means to help, the court may order spousal maintenance to help offset the financial discrepancy. Spousal maintenance is based on a wide range of important factors that can include each spouse’s age, education, and relative health; the contributions each spouse made to the marriage; the length of the marriage; and much more. 

The Court’s Involvement

If you and your divorcing spouse can find common ground (with the help of your respective family law attorneys) and resolve these important issues, you may avoid going to court by filing an uncontested divorce. Even if you’ve come to a mutual decision on just one or a few of these elements, it may help minimize the court’s involvement in your case. I often remind clients that while negotiations can be stressful, it is nearly always in your best interest to retain your decision-making power – rather than abdicating it to the court.

Don’t Delay Consulting with a Family Law Attorney Serving Rolla

I, Scott A. Hamblin, am proud to serve family law clients like you in Rolla and beyond. I have earned a formidable track record that speaks for itself, so please don’t hesitate to contact my office today for assistance with your family law issue.