Best Divorce Lawyers in Independence

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Independence, Missouri?

  The Independence Police Department accepts non-emergency calls at (816) 325-7300.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Independence, Missouri?

  The Independence Police Department Records Unit is at 223 N Memorial Drive, Independence, MO 64055, and inquiries are made at 816-325-7010.

• Can evidence of fault be introduced in divorce proceedings in Independence?

  Yes, one may introduce evidence of fault in court proceedings inside Independence and the rest of the state. While Missouri is a no-fault state where any irretrievably broken marriage may be dissolved, a party is allowed to prove fault when pursuing sums for spousal support. The kinds of fault examined include the dissipation of marital property and infidelity.

• If a couple has lived in Independence for seven months but had a newborn child five months prior, can either of the spouses file for a divorce?

  Not yet, neither of the spouses is allowed under the state law followed in Independence to file for a divorce. A couple that is married with children must wait for six months, and in that time their kids must reside in the county where the court is. Since the child is only four months old, there is no way that the six-month period has been followed.

• If a father in Independence who has no custody of the kids suddenly gets laid off due to poor economic conditions, how may he seek financial relief from support obligations?

  A father in Independence who does not have custody of the kids may seek financial relief following job loss by asking the courts for a modification of the divorce decree. A modification is due if a party to the divorce suffers from a continuing and substantial change in circumstances, and this is possible when economies fail and lead to layoffs.

• What are the difficulties faced by couples in Independence who wish to divorce after the age of 50?

  Couples in Independence who wish to divorce after the age of 50 face additional challenges owing to the length of their marriage because long marriages will usually involve a lot of properties subject to division. At that age, individuals also have few years left before retirement and stand to lose chunks of their 401 (k)s and pensions.

• Do the courts in Independence prefer mothers over fathers when deciding child custody matters?

  No, the courts in Independence do not have any particular preference for either fathers or mothers when deciding child custody issues. The biggest consideration is the best interests of the child and factors include the ability to provide for the kid's emotional and social needs plus the very wishes of the offspring concerned.