At Evans & Dixon, LLC - we take a unique approach to family law. We balance our exceptional legal expertise with care and compassion, delivering intelligent and creative solutions while carefully managing the inevitable emotional impact of the process.
Whether you are going through a divorce, a custody case, a modification, or an enforcement matter, or if you are making financial arrangements before or after you marry, we will guide you through every turn with expertise and reassurance.
We offer tested expertise across all process options, whether that involves going to court, mediation, or a combination of both. We will work with you to select the best process for your particular case, providing first rate legal guidance and clarity about your options.
Expertise in Divorce and Separation Matters:
The issues associated with a divorce or legal separation may range from those involving the children you may have together, to dividing up your assets, to resolving ongoing financial support matters between you. We will work hand-in-hand with you to do everything we can to manage the emotional and financial costs of the process, while tailoring our advice to help you to obtain a fair and just solution to all of the issues you may face – regardless of how complex they may seem.
We offer a truly holistic approach with exceptional family law advice and representation on all issues including:
- Division of assets and spousal support in divorce and separation matters
- Child support for children you may share
- Custody orders and parenting plans to serve for children’s best interest
- Pre- or post-nuptial agreements
- Same sex relationships and modern families
- Abuse in relationships
Expertise in Financial Arrangements in Divorce and Separation Matters:
Feeling secure about your financial future is often one of the primary concerns when a marriage breaks down. Whatever the complexities of your assets, or the circumstances that you face, we will provide legal and emotional support, together with clear guidance on the financial decisions to be made.
Reaching a financial settlement can be a very challenging task, but we will work by your side every step of the way in order to secure a successful outcome. We will advise you on what is fair, reasonable, and realistic - whether you are involved in a negotiated settlement, or if a judge is required to make the final decision. We will draw on our many years of experience representing separating spouses throughout Mid-Missouri to help you make informed and well-considered choices, both in terms of process and outcome. It is our standing goal to handle your case in a manner that best ensures your present and future financial welfare.
At Evans & Dixon, we have experience in both advising clients who have accumulated significant wealth and complex holdings, as well as in advising clients who wish to apply our expertise to assist them in equitably dividing simpler estates. Regardless of your circumstance, our depth of knowledge and practical experience will ensure peace of mind during this difficult process.
Expertise in Separation of Unmarried Couples:
Contrary to popular belief, couples who cohabit but who are unmarried do not benefit from the same legal rights as married couples when the relationship comes to an end. The concept of ‘common law marriage’ simply does not exist in Missouri.
As the law presently stands, the types of financial claims that can be made by unmarried partners are limited. The absence of legal protection can lead to uncertainty and financial difficulty at the end of the relationship unless a claim can be made with respect to ownership of property, or a financial claim on behalf of a child. If you share a child, unmarried parents do benefit from similar legal rights and protections as married parents upon their separation. Missouri courts have the authority to enter judgments declaring parenthood, to enter legal and physical custody orders and comprehensive parenting plans, and to adjudicate claims for reimbursement of certain necessary expenses incurred by a parent on behalf of their child.
Obtaining expert legal advice is crucial to understand what your rights and obligations may be, and how you can protect yourself should your relationship end.
Expertise in Child Custody Cases:
Whether you and your child’s other parent can work together to come to a parenting agreement, or if conflict between you has made that seem truly impossible, we are equipped to confidently walk you through each step of your custody matter ensuring that you receive clear but kind advice and guidance from the beginning of your case, all the way through to its conclusion.
At Evans & Dixon, we are acutely aware of the emotional and mental toll contested custody cases can take on both parents and their children. That is why we take care to involve mental health professionals, mediators, and other professional partners when appropriate in order to achieve the best possible outcome for your children. Similarly, once we understand your circumstances, we strive to gently set reasonable expectations and goals for you regarding realistic outcomes within the confines of our legal system in order to allow you to achieve resolution in these often painful cases.
Attorney Contact: Helen Wade | 573-607-1011 | hwade@evans-dixon.com