Jennifer J. Dougan, Esq.

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.

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Dougan Law Firm, LLC, represents clients with different traffic issues ranging from a simple speeding ticket to a misdemeanor DWI. Contact us to see if we can help you with your traffic problem.

Traffic and Speeding Tickets

Most traffic and speeding tickets are moving point violations that can cause your auto insurance rates to increase due to points being added to your driver's license. An accumulation of too many points, in too short of a timeframe, on your driving record can also result in a license suspension. At Dougan Law Firm, LLC, we work diligently to get your ticket amended to a lesser charge by working with the local prosecutors. Understand that pleading guilty to a charge, without first consulting with an attorney, can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license for the accumulation of too many points and can cause severe ramifications to your ability to legally operate a motor vehicle.

At Dougan Law Firm, LLC, we have experience in all matters of estate planning. Dependent upon your heirs & estate, we can direct you to the most effective instrument to pass your estate. Some cases require a simple will while other cases warrant a trust.

• Durable Power of Attorney
• Medical Power of Attorney & Healthcare Directive
• Will and/or Trust

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