Liberty Family Lawyers

Guiding Clients Through Family Law Matters Since 1980

If you're currently going through a family law case, whether it be divorce, child support modification, adoption, or any other related matter, it is important to have the guidance and support of an experienced family lawyer by your side.

At Gate Shields, we understand the complexities and nuances of family law, and our team is committed to providing you with quality legal representation. With over 260 years of combined experience, our seasoned attorneys possess a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the intricate terrain of family law with confidence. Trust us to advocate for your rights and work hard to protect your interests every step of the way.

To learn more, get in touch with our family law attorneys in Liberty, MO. Dial (800) 574-4428 or sending us a message online. We look forward to assisting you.

Family Law Cases We Handle in Liberty

Family law encompasses a wide range of legal matters, such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and more. At Gate Shields, our dedicated team of family law attorneys in Liberty takes pride in providing comprehensive legal support to clients facing various family law cases.

We handle the following matters:

• Divorce, both Contested and Uncontested
• Child custody and Visitation
• Child support
• Alimony/Spousal Maintenance
• The Division of Marital Property and Debts
• Modifications of all Family Court Orders
• Paternity Establishment Cases
• Premarital and Post-Marital Agreements
• Mediation in Divorce and Other Family Law Disputes
• Relocation with Children
• Guardianships
• Adoptions

We understand that each family law matter is unique and requires a personalized approach tailored to the specific needs and goals of our clients. Our team can work diligently to understand your situation, develop a strategic plan, and advocate for your best interests throughout the legal process. With Gate Shields by your side, you can rest assured that your family law matter will be handled with the utmost professionalism, care, and dedication.

Understanding Missouri's Family Laws

Family law encompasses an expansive spectrum of legal issues related to familial relationships, and Missouri has its own set of regulations governing these matters. Whether you are facing a divorce, child custody dispute, or other family-related legal challenges, having a Liberty family lawyer who understands the nuances of Missouri's family laws is crucial.

• Divorce: Missouri follows a "no-fault" divorce system, allowing couples to end their marriage without giving blame to either party.
• Child Custody and Support: When children are involved, custody and support matters become paramount. In the state of Missouri, courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements.
• Spousal Maintenance (Alimony): In certain cases, one spouse may be entitled to receive spousal maintenance, commonly known as alimony. The court considers aspects like the length of the marriage, each party's financial situation, and the contributions made to the marriage when deciding on alimony.
• Property Division: Missouri follows the principle of equitable distribution when dividing marital property. This does not necessarily mean an equal split but rather a fair and just division established on various factors.

What Are The Grounds For Divorce In Missouri?

In Missouri, individuals seeking a divorce have the option to file under the grounds of both no-fault and fault-based circumstances. As a Liberty family law attorney, we aim to guide our clients through understanding these grounds to make informed decisions about their cases.

A no-fault divorce in Missouri is based mostly on the idea that the marriage is irretrievably broken and that there is no chance of it being saved. This method focuses on both parties realizing that the marriage cannot last and does not require proof of misconduct by either party.

Conversely, fault-based divorces, albeit less frequent, have one side claiming particular grounds for the marriage's breakdown. These can involve but are not restricted to, infidelity, prolonged abandonment, abduction, abusive behavior, or living apart for a significant time.

As your Liberty divorce attorneys, we stress how crucial it is to assess the particulars of your case in order to ascertain the most suitable grounds for divorce. This calculated move may have an effect on spousal support, child custody, asset split, and other facets of the divorce process. Our goal is to defend your rights by offering knowledgeable legal counsel while you navigate the intricacies of Missouri's family law system.

How Is Child Custody Determined in Missouri?

In Missouri, child custody determinations are made with the best interests of the child as the paramount concern. As a dedicated Liberty custody attorney, our primary focus is to help clients understand how Missouri courts approach these decisions in family law cases. The court considers a variety of factors to ensure that the child's welfare is prioritized above all else.

Key factors include the wishes of the child's parents regarding custody, the need for a stable and consistent home environment, the interaction and relationship of the child with parents, siblings, and any other person who significantly impacts the child's best interests, the child's adjustment to home, school, and community, and the mental and physical health of all individuals involved.

Missouri courts also consider which parent is more likely to consent to significant, ongoing, and regular communication with the other parent. The goal is to encourage and support the child and both parents in having a positive relationship.

What is Mediation?

While our family lawyers excel in litigation, we are equally proficient in mediation, an alternative method of dispute resolution. Mediation offers a simpler and cost-effective approach, enabling families to engage in open discussions and reach positive resolutions without the involvement of a judge.

Other benefits of mediation can include:

• Time savings
• Flexibility
• Privacy
• Less hostility

Furthermore, mediation often leads to more favorable outcomes since parties come to a mutual solution. If you're in Liberty, reach out to our family lawyers today to determine if your situation is suitable for mediation.

Why Should You Hire a Family Law Attorney?

While it is possible to handle family law matters on your own, it can often be daunting and overwhelming. By enlisting the help of a knowledgeable and experienced family law attorney, you’ll have a trusted advocate by your side throughout the process.

A few benefits of hiring a family lawyer include:

• Experience: A family lawyer helps you navigate through the complex legal system. They have a deep understanding of state laws and important deadlines. With their experience, they can identify potential challenges in your case, explain legal jargon, and much more.
• Organization: A family law attorney can make sure you have all the necessary documents and evidence, preventing mistakes and missed deadlines. By keeping you organized, a family lawyer can help alleviate some of your stress.
• Representation: A qualified family lawyer can represent you in court, preparing your case for trial and presenting it effectively.
• Objectivity: A family lawyer can provide objectivity, helping you make rational decisions. Family law cases can be emotional, but a family lawyer has an outside perspective to help guide you.
• Save Money: Hiring a family lawyer can save you money by avoiding costly mistakes. They’ve seen many cases similar to yours over the years and can help you make decisions that are to your benefit.

At Gate Shields, our dedicated team is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need during your case. With our experience and personalized approach, we strive to pursue the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Contact Our Family Law Attorney in Liberty Today

When you find yourself facing a family law matter in Liberty, it's crucial not to handle it alone or choose just anyone. With years of experience and a deep passion for helping our clients, our team at Gate Shields is committed to providing exceptional support and guidance throughout your family law journey.

Our team understands that every situation is unique, which is why we can take the time to listen intently to your specific circumstances. By doing so, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of your needs and concerns, enabling us to find a solution tailored to your individual case.

Get in touch with our Liberty family lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation. Call (800) 574-4428 or send us a message online.