FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
Kansas City Family Law Attorney Delivers Comprehensive Counsel
Established Missouri Lawyer Handles a Wide Range of Domestic Cases
The steps that you take during a divorce, custody dispute, or some other domestic matter could affect you and those you love for years to come. For more than three decades, Howard L. Lotven, P.C. in Kansas City has provided effective legal counsel to northwest Missouri clients facing critical life transitions. Whether your marriage is ending, you are looking to secure the child support you are owed or you are considering entering into a prenuptial agreement, I will safeguard your interests and work diligently to make a positive difference for you.
Jackson County Firm Guides Spouses Through the Divorce Process
No one looks forward to a divorce, but a seasoned family law attorney can help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve a result that helps you preserve your financial and emotional well-being. I offer thoughtful guidance on each element of Missouri divorce law, including:
Starting the dissolution process — Most Missouri divorces are granted on a no-fault basis. This means that the marriage is dissolved due to the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship.
Property division — Most assets and debts accumulated by either spouse while the parties were wed are subject to division upon their divorce. During settlement discussions and litigation under the state’s equitable distribution standard, my firm gathers the relevant information and presses for a fair allocation.
Alimony — Spousal maintenance payments can be ordered by the court or agreed upon by the parties when one party has provided most or all of the household income. Frequently, periodic post-divorce alimony is granted so that a stay-at-home spouse can establish or re-establish their ability to earn a sufficient living.
Regardless of whether serious disagreements exist between you and your spouse or your divorce terms are relatively uncontested, my firm delivers sound advice and advocacy from start to finish.
Knowledgeable Advocate Represents Parties in Paternity Cases
My firm assists clients with voluntary and involuntary paternity proceedings to help fathers gain custody rights and mothers secure proper child support. Establishing legal fatherhood doesn’t just build a closer relationship, but also potentially affects health insurance coverage and benefits that might be available to your child. Whether you are looking for an order requiring scientific testing or simply need assistance preparing the requisite documents, my firm offers thorough guidance until the matter is resolved.
Experienced Adviser Drafts Enforceable Prenuptial Agreements
As you approach your marriage, there are serious issues to consider along with the fun and excitement associated with starting a new life together. By working with couples on prenuptial agreements, I give both prospective spouses the opportunity to protect assets they are bringing into the marriage and establish a sense of financial security even if the relationship eventually ends. Though these documents cannot cover issues pertaining to child support and custody, my firm takes care to help clients develop fair agreements that are enforceable under Missouri law no matter when they need to be used. Even if you’re married already, you can execute a postnuptial agreement to clarify property division and alimony terms and guard against expensive, stressful disputes should you divorce.
Compassionate Lawyer Works to Create Fair Child Custody Arrangements
After a divorce, parents of minor children will have to communicate and cooperate, perhaps for many years. As a seasoned family lawyer, I know how to bridge the gap between parties when negotiating a parenting plan that addresses legal and physical child custody, as well as an appropriate parenting time schedule. When consensus is not possible, I prepare a thorough argument for the court in pursuit of arrangements that truly are in your son or daughter’s best interests.
Skillful Attorney Assists with Various Child Support Issues
Regardless of where a child lives, both parents must provide for them financially. The state uses a formula that considers each parent’s income along with their contributions to health insurance and day care costs to set a rate. I assist parents so that accurate information is used for these determinations and that special circumstances, such as specific medical needs, are accounted for. My firm also advocates for parents during modification actions and enforcement proceedings when a noncustodial parent fails to meet their legal obligation. Steps that can be taken in this situation include wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension, and the placement of a lien on the nonpaying party’s real property.
Contact a Knowledgeable Kansas City Family Lawyer to Set up A Free Consultation
Howard L. Lotven, P.C. advises northwest Missouri residents on a full range of family law concerns, including divorces, child custody arrangements, and paternity disputes. For a free consultation, please call or contact me online. My office is in downtown Kansas City.