What’s commonly called a divorce is referred to as a dissolution within the legal system. Missouri does not require that one party be at “fault,” only that the marriage be irretrievably broken. However, conduct during the marriage (affairs, abuse, etc.) may be taken into consideration by the Court when dividing marital assets. Within the dissolution, all assets and debts must be disposed of between the parties.
Uncontested Divorces
Even if you and your spouse agree on every term of your dissolution that doesn’t mean that an attorney is not necessary. Each party should have an attorney draft or review documents to ensure all documents are in proper form and properly convey the parties’ intentions. All Courts have specific rules that must be adhered to. If your documents don’t conform to a Court’s rules, it may not be accepted for filing. At Dougan Law Firm, LLC, we are well-versed in all of the local Courts’ requirements for document preparation, and we routinely review documents to ensure they comply with all rules. Our firm regularly represents clients in Clay and Platte counties, and we clearly understand what’s required to get your dissolution finalized.
Contested Divorce
If you and your spouse cannot agree to the terms of your dissolution (child custody and visitation, who gets certain items, who gets certain debts, etc.) then your dissolution is considered contested. This track may require several appearances before the Court in advance of a trial. When you are in a contested situation, it is imperative you hire an attorney. If you proceed without an attorney (pro se), the Judge will expect you to know all the same evidentiary rules that your spouse’s attorney has learned through schooling and experience.
Modification to Visitation or Child Support
When a parenting plan or child support order is in place, and changes have occurred that make it necessary to change either of these items, a modification will be necessary. This process includes several of the same steps required to obtain a dissolution. At Dougan Law Firm, LLC, we know the requirements to begin an action to modify an existing order and will work hard to advocate for your position in the modification.
Paternity Actions
When a child is born to parents who are not married, paternity actions are commenced to establish the father/child relationship. Additionally, a parenting plan is developed that clearly outlines each parties’ parenting time with the child, and child support orders are issued. Whether representing the father or mother, our goal is to protect your parental rights and ensure custody and child support orders are established in a fair and equitable manner.
Adoption or Guardianship
Dougan Law Firm, LLC, represent clients who are seeking to adopt a child from within the State of Missouri or from another state. Federal rules apply to an adoption that crosses state lines and it is important that your attorney understands those rules. Removing a child from their home state, and moving them to another state to be adopted, may result in a felony charge against you if the proper rules are not followed. At Dougan Law Firm, LLC, we know these rules and would be happy to help you adopt your new family member.
Additionally, we can help clients gain guardianship and/or conservatorship over a minor child when his or her parents are unfit, unwilling, or unable to fulfill their role as a parent. Dougan Law Firm, LLC, can also help you gain guardianship and conservatorship for an adult that is unable to meet their personal needs or manage their own financial resources. A guardianship action on a minor or adult does not have to be permanent. A guardianship can be terminated if certain requirements are met and the Court is satisfied that the deficiency has been removed. Dougan Law Firm, LLC, can assist you in terminating an existing guardianship and conservatorship if circumstances have changed such that a termination should be issued.
Voted "Best in the Northland" in 2011
Jennifer Dougan has lived in the Northland her entire life and welcomes the opportunity to give back to her community. Jennifer practices exclusively in Platte and Clay counties.
While Jennifer was in law school, she clerked for the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office, Commissioner Sherrill Rosen in Jackson County, and a local Northland attorney. She was also a member of the UMKC family law clinic, which allowed her to practice law under the direct supervision of an attorney.
LICENSES:
State of Missouri
Western District of Missouri Federal Court
EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s of Public Administration from Park University – summa cum laude
University of Missouri – Kansas City Law School – Dean’s honor roll
MEMBERSHIPS:
Platte County Bar Association
Kansas City Missouri Bar Association
Platte City Chamber of Commerce
EXTRACURRICULARS:
2017 – Platte County Bar Association President
2016 – Platte County Bar Association Vice President
2015 – Platte County Bar Association Treasurer
2014-2016 – Gerner Early Childhood Education Center PTA Treasurer
2010 – present – Member of the Missouri Volunteer Attorney Project
2009-2010 – Co-President of the Family Law Society
2008 – Vice President of Association of Women Law Students
AWARDS:
2011 – Voted Best of the Northland
2017 – Voted as one of the nineteen best child support lawyers in Kansas City by Expertise