Saint Louis Area Divorce Attorney

If you  have questions about a divorce in Missouri, please call (314) 725-9850.

Divorce in Missouri is commonly called “no fault”. In order to qualify for a divorce, either Husband or Wife must plead that their marriage is irretrievably broken due to irreconcilable difference. Even though Husband or Wife’s “conduct” during the marriage is not required to be pled, Husband and Wife’s conduct and other factors during the marriage are important considerations in the division of marital property, the apportionment of marital debt, the award of spousal support (sometimes called “maintenance” or “alimony”), and the award of attorney’s fees.

Legal Separation is sometimes an alternative to Divorce. At times, due to Husband or Wife’s health insurance needs, religious considerations or  other personal factors, it may be more appropriate to accomplish a separation between Husband and Wife by obtaining a Court order and Judgment of “Legal Separation”

Divorce or Legal Separation requires the parties to consider:

  • Child Custody and Child Support: As you divorce you  this is the most important issue to many parents. We will help you develop a custody and support plan that meets the needs of your children and is in your children’s best interest. If you are facing a custody dispute, Diekman & Leightner will aggressively protect your parental rights of custody and make sure your that the award of child support is fair and based on the proper considerations.
  • The division of Marital Property. The Law Offices of Diekman & Leightner will assist you in determining what constitutes  marital property, and what property may not be subject to division at divorce.
  • The Apportionment of Marital Debt. The Law office of Diekman & Leightner will assist you in determining what debt Husband and Wife should each have apportioned to them, and in what amounts that debt should be set aside to each party.
  • The Award of Separate property. The Law office of Diekman & Leightner will assist you in determining what property is legally separate property and what property should be divided. This determination  is far more complicated than you might suspect, and an experienced attorney is essential to assisting you in this matter.
  • The Award of Spousal Support: (Money paid to you by your spouse on a monthly or other time period.)  Diekman & Leightner will assist you in determining your need for spousal support and whether your spouse can afford to help pay that spousal support.
  • Attorney’s fees and costs: Divorce may be a friendly separation or a long legal battle. Either way, you or your spouse may be required to assist in the payment of the other’s attorney’s fees and costs.

WHETHER YOUR DIVORCE IS A SIMPLE LEGAL PROCESS OR A COMPLICATED LEGAL PROCESS, YOU NEED EXPERIENCED REPRESENTATION.

At Diekman & Leightner, each attorney has over 30 years of experience in handling these legal issues. The best way to protect your rights is to hire an experienced law firm who knows how to fight for your rights and help you get a fair Divorce or Legal Separation.

 

CALL AT 314-725-9850 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT – AFTER 6:00 P.M CALL 314-369-2571

Child Custody And Support Attorney

If you  have questions about a child custody issue, a child support issue, a paternity issue, or grandparent’s rights, in Missouri, please call (314) 725-9850 for a Free Consultation.

  • Child Custody: The physical and legal custody of your children is most often the most important concerns you may ever face. The experienced attorney’s at Diekman & Leightner understand that the thought of not having your children with you as much as possible, can be very disheartening. However, we understand the law regarding custody and the factors which go into developing a parenting plan that is in the best interests of your children, and maximizes your parenting time. Let us help you go through the challenge of developing the parenting plan for your children.
  • Child Support: Finding the right amount of child support is necessary.  Many factors go into determining who should pay child support and the amount that should be paid. There are child support guidelines set up in Missouri, but those guidelines and be deviated from
  • Paternity: Even if your child’s parent is on the birth certificate, you may wish to establish a custody plan which divides the time between each parent, and set up a child support order.
  • Grandparent’s rights: Visitation of the minor children by their grandparents may be established in Missouri. These grandparent rights are often limited. We can help you determine what rights Grandparents may have, and help protect your interests.
  • Moving: Before relocating your children, there are procedures you need to make to ensure that you may relocate. Diekman & Leightner are experienced trial attorney’s that will fight to protect your rights in any request to move.

At Diekman & Leightner, each attorney has over 30 years of experience in handling these legal issues. The best way to protect your rights is to hire an experienced law firm who knows how to fight for your rights and help you get a fair Custody and Support plan.

 CALL AT 314-725-9850 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT – AFTER 6:00 P.M CALL 314-369-2571

LGBT & Family Law

The  Law Firm of Diekman & Leightner has actively represented GLBT for over a combined 60 years, including extensive litigation, mediation and appellate work.

The United States Supreme Court has found that same sex marriages  shall be legal in  all 50 states. This historic decision now means that same sex couples can be married, and therefore also may assert their rights associated with Divorce, Legal Separation, Pre Marital agreements, Domestic violence and other legal issues.

Prior to the landmark ruling by the Supreme Court, Diekman & Leightner has represented same sex couples in assuring that their non married property rights   were enforced and pursued litigation to ensure that contractual rights of support were enforced. We have represented same sex couples to establish parenting plans and support orders for their children, as well as numerous other issues.

Since the ruling legalizing same sex marriage, Diekman & Leightner has worked with same sex couples on navigating through Missouri’s Divorce and Family Court  in Divorce, Pre nuptial Agreements, Domestic violence, Custody and Child support.

Our experience in these matters are essential in helping you through your Domestic Relations and Family Law issues.

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT  (314) 725-9850 – AFTER 6:00 P.M. CALL (314) 369-2571

Spousal Support & High Asset Division

The  Law Firm of Diekman & Leightner has actively represented  parties in the division of significant assets for a combined 60 years. The division of your assets and the payment of spousal support or what is commonly called maintenance is an essential part of any family break up.

You need to ensure your rights  are protected, and Diekman & Leightner we we will fight to protect your rights.

  • Tax issues in Divorce: Our firm has been licensed in the United States Tax Court  for over 25 years.
  • Family businesses and small corporations: We have worked dividing and selling small corporations and family business for over 60 years of combined experience.
  • Retirement and Pension: Our experience on these issues will be of significant value in making sure you retirement is protected.
  • Earnings from separate and marital property: At Diekman & Leightner we can help you with your family law issues on your DRIP accounts,  stock options, deferred compensation packages  and other business investment.
  • Maintenance and Spousal Support: Our experience will help ensure your rights, and guide you through the tax issues which effect these awards.

YOU CAN COUNT ON OUR BUSINESS LAW AND TAX EXPERIENCE IN ASSISTING YOU IN HIGH ASSET DIVORCE CASES AND SIGNIFICANT MAINTENANCE CLAIMS.

 

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT  (314) 725-9850 – AFTER 6:00 P.M. CALL (314) 369-2571