Divorce is one of the most stressful times in anyone’s life. Access to your children, home, assets and future income are about to be dramatically altered. The amount of uncertainty can be overwhelming.

A large percentage of divorcing couples in Missouri do not use a lawyer. Even those individuals with an attorney feel the pressure of a system that few people understand. Divorce in Missouri explains the state’s complicated process in a simple step by step fashion. And for couples who what to avoid a trial, but need some assistance in reaching a settlement, the chapters on Mediation and Collaborative Divorce discusses the benefits of these useful alternatives. How to select and use a lawyer or a mediator is covered in detail, including the likely costs involved and how to manage these relationships.

Minor age children are the number one priority for both the parents and the Missouri court. Divorce in Missouri provides the reader with a clear understanding of the issues surrounding custody and child support. An entire chapter provides an explanation of the rights grandparents have in Missouri regarding the children.

After the child-related issues, maintenance (alimony) and asset distribution are usually the greatest concerns. Every state has its own approach to spousal support and property distribution. Maintenance decisions can be very complex. The source and type of the assets have a lot to do with how a Missouri Court will distribute them to the parties. Knowing how a judge is likely to rule on these two issues will help the divorcing spouses maintain realistic expectations and reach an equitable agreement sooner.

Whether you use a lawyer, a mediator or do it all by yourself, Divorce in Missouri is an invaluable tool for reaching a successful settlement. Other books try to discuss divorce in all 50 states. They cannot possibly provide the details on Missouri laws that are so important to your divorce. Divorce in Missouri is the only book focused entirely on the divorce laws of Missouri. With so much at stake Divorce in Missouri is required reading.