Boehmer Law LLC Welcomes New Attorney

Boehmer Law LLC is pleased to welcome the newest member of our firm, Mr. Edward T. Little.

 

Edward was born and raised in Southern Illinois. After graduating from high school, he moved to the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Edward attended Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville where he earned a Bachelor degree in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration.

 
While attending SIUE, Edward was named to the Dean’s List for his academic success. His success in the classroom then earned him a membership in the nation’s oldest, largest, and most selective honor society for all academic disciplines, Phi Kappa Phi. In addition to his academic success at SIUE, Edward was an active leader in his fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi. Edward was also a collegiate athlete, playing both baseball and soccer.

 
Upon graduating from SIUE, Edward pursued his passion for law with a degree at Southern Illinois University School of Law. During his time at SIU Law Edward interned at the Missouri State Public Defender, gaining valuable experience in criminal defense. In addition, Edward interned for a nonprofit legal aid foundation specializing in family law and a private practice firm specializing in personal injury.

 
Edward is currently handling paternity, divorce, modifications and all other family law matters. If you would like to schedule a free consultation appointment with Edward, please call him at Boehmer Law at 636-896-4020 today.

Divorce from a Child’s Perspective

Divorce is a scary, confusing time in a child’s life—no matter what the age.  While it may not always come as a surprise, it can still alter a child’s world of what they believed to be true and good.  Imagine being a child and then believing the people you love most in the world now ‘hate’ each other.  Now add the feeling of having no control over what your own life and the uncertainty of what the future holds.

At Boehmer Law, we know what it can be like for children when their parents are going through a combative divorce.  It is key to remember that children examine what you say, and they can feel your struggles as well.  In the middle of having your family breaking up, it is easy to get caught up in your own life and not be aware of what is happening to your kids.   Some kids act out, some kids shut down.  Everyone reacts to the stress of this time differently.  Watch for dramatic behavior swings or mood changes—these are big clues on what is going on in your child’s mind.  Open the lines of communication in a ‘consequence free’ tone so your kids can talk to you about their hurt, anger, fears or whatever else is on their mind.

If you find yourself lashing out at your ex-spouse, be aware of your surroundings and be careful around your children. As we have suggested before, seeking the advice of a good family therapist is almost always beneficial. Remembering the impact of your emotions on your children may allow you to choose the time to break down, and to keep the adult issues between the adults.  Kids never need to be the go-between parents as this puts them in the awkward position of potential misdirected anger being pointed in their direction.

If you need help with a divorce of family law matter please contact Boehmer Law LLC by calling 636-896-4020 for a free consultation visit.  See how our St. Charles, MO divorce lawyers and Missouri family law attorneys can help you.

What Does THAT Mean?

At Boehmer Law LLC ,we understand that when you or a loved one is going through a divorce or family law issue, it can be a stressful time. Sometimes it may feel a bit confusing with all the terms and phrases that can be used. With words like “GAL”, “modification”, “petition”, “motion,” or “Form 14” being thrown around, it can be confusing, and maybe a little intimidating. Just in case you do not already know, here is some information that may help you out.

GAL: (Guardian ad Litem) In some Missouri family court cases, it is necessary for the Court to appoint a guardian ad litem. A GAL is usually an attorney and can be appointed in divorce, paternity and custody modification cases to represent the best interests of the children involved in the domestic matter.
Petitioner: The person who files the divorce or modification petition.
Respondent: The person on the receiving end of the divorce or modification petition.
Answer: The response filed by the respondent to the petition. Much of what is in the petition is not controversial (names, addresses, etc.), so those allegations will be admitted. If the respondent doesn’t agree with any allegation, then that allegation is denied.
Petition: The document that gets the legal process started. The petition sets out certain basic facts—where you live, the date you got married, if you have kids (or not), if you work outside the home, etc.—and then states that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” Those last two words are required. Each factual declaration in the petition is referred to as an “allegation.”
Motion: Any request made to the court after a petition is filed.
PDL Motion: (Pendente Lite), essentially means while the divorce is pending. A PDL motion is a request for the court to enter orders that are in affect while the case is pending. The PDL motion can address issues such as parenting (child custody), child support, maintenance, attorneys’ fees, and/or protective orders (to protect assets or individuals). If the court grants any of these requests, the result can be referred to as a “PDL judgment” or “PDL order.”
Hearing: A proceeding before a judge. Sometimes these are “testimonial” hearings, in which evidence and testimony are presented. In other cases they are “non-testimony” motions, when lawyers argue issues before a judge but no witnesses appear. Judges issue orders following these hearings.
Form 14: Missouri’s mechanism for determining the amount of child support to be paid is a chart with calculations imbedded within it. It is based upon several factors, including both parties’ incomes, the cost of medical insurance, and the parenting schedule.
These are just a few of the terms that divorce lawyers use frequently. If your lawyer uses any words that you don’t understand, do not be afraid to ask what they mean and how they affect your case.
Please contact the St. Charles, Missouri divorce lawyers and Missouri family law attorneys of Boehmer Law LLC with your divorce and family law questions. Your first consultation visit is free so call 636-896-4020 to set an appointment.

What Makes a Great Lawyer?

Lawyers have existed since ancient times, developing rules, and helping those they represent in an attempt to maintain peace and order in communities. Today, attorneys can be found all over the world and handle all of legal matters such as criminal charges, family law issues, personal injury matter and all sorts of civil litigation matters. However, not all lawyers and legal representation is the same.  Why settle? Boehmer Law has criminal lawyers, family lawyers, divorce lawyers, and personal injury attorneys ready to work for  you.

What does it take to be successful in this demanding field? Here are some of the qualities a top lawyers possess that you should look for in choosing who will help you or your loved ones in legal matters:

Ability to Listen:  You want a lawyer who listens to the client’s situation and is able to identify the issues that exist in the situation.   You want a lawyer who has the time to sit down with you and discuss the information of your case.

Reading the Situation:  Lawyers need to respond accordingly to whatever a situation might be.   A good lawyer should be able to understand people and their motivations and read a broad situation.  For example, when attempting to resolve a matter before it goes to litigation, a good lawyer can (a) identify what the other side is looking for in order to resolve the matter, (b) get a sense of the other side’s position – Are they bluffing?  Is the other side prepared to fight?  Is one of the parties in desperate financial straits and close to being unable to settle? and (c) sense when the time is right to strike the best possible deal for their client.

Experience:  Not all lawyers have the same experiences.  Some lawyers have never tried a case and are not willing to—make sure you ask a lot of questions to find out what types of experiences your lawyer has with your particular type of case and how it will benefit you.

Analytical Skills: A great lawyer has excellent analytical skills and is able to readily make sense of a large volume of information.  A great lawyer will see the strengths and weaknesses in a case, and will know how to use the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses as they review all the information and create strategies to best help your situation.

Creativity: A great lawyer is creative and able to think of reasonable solutions when problems and unique situations arise.

Logical Thinking Ability: A great lawyer is able to think logically and make reasonable judgments and assumptions based on information presented.

If you are looking for great legal representation from award-winning attorneys that are here to fight for your rights—all Boehmer Law today at 636-896-4020 or visit www.boehmerlaw.com today.  Your first consultation visit is always free—do not wait.

Boehmer Law, LLC Welcomes Kevin D. Morris to The Firm

Boehmer Law is pleased to announce the addition of our newest attorney, Kevin D. Morris.

Kevin D. Morris is a St. Charles, MO native. Kevin graduated from Duchesne High School where he played football and basketball. After graduating Duchesne, Kevin attended Missouri State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Entertainment Management. Kevin was on the Dean’s List for academic excellence and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. During his time at Missouri State, Kevin also completed an internship in sports marketing with Iron Mountain Sports.

After graduating Missouri State University, Kevin attended the University of Missouri-Columbia Law School. Kevin graduated in the top one-third of his class and was an active member of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity. During this time Kevin worked for the St. Louis Rams Public Relations Department and in their training camps. While in law school Kevin also worked as a law clerk and worked on political campaigns.

Kevin is a St. Charles, MO attorney and has been practicing Family and Divorce Law, Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Employment Law and Civil law in the St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri area. Kevin’s case experience includes divorce, modifications, DUI/DWI, debt collection, employment law, civil litigation, business litigation, debt collection, and personal injury law. Recently, Kevin worked on a civil litigation case that resulted in a seven figure settlement for the client and contributed to workers compensation case which successfully resulted in a deceased client’s disability benefits in excess of six figures being transferred to the deceased’s son.

Kevin resides in St. Charles, MO and enjoys golf, fishing, traveling and cheering on his favorite Missouri teams like the Cardinals, the Blues and the Missouri Tigers.

Please feel free to contact Boehmer Law and speak with Kevin. Your initial consultation is free, so call 636-896-4020 now to make your appointment. Visit www.boehmerlaw.com for more information.

Missouri Paternity and Non-Paternity Issues

At Boehmer Law, our Paternity Lawyers and Family Lawyers in St. Charles, MO understand that not being certain of the identity of a child’s father can be agonizing and emotionally overwhelming for everyone involved.  Paternity (fatherhood) of a child can occur within marriage or outside of marriage.

Making an accurate determination about the paternity of a child is critical. The results of these actions can have a serious impact on everyone involved. Child support, custody and visitation, parental rights and other considerations from the outcome of a paternity action.

A father who is not married to a child’s mother can verify (or disprove) paternity by acknowledgment or by genetic testing. In the state of Missouri, whether a couple is married or not married, if a paternity is assumed, either party can also file for a petition of non-paternity to disprove that someone is the father of a child(ren) in question.

You Can Voluntarily Acknowledge Paternity

In many states, you can acknowledge paternity without actually proving it, as long as all parties agree.  Keep in mind, if a man proves through genetic testing that he is not the father, it can be difficult for the court to accept a claim for paternity.  When your child is born, you can usually sign an acknowledgment at the hospital. Your name will appear on your child’s birth certificate as the father. You can usually also acknowledge paternity at a later time, by contacting your state’s department of vital records or department of health.   Keep in mind by claiming that one is the father of a child, they are also assuming all the responsibilities of fatherhood.

What if I change my mind?

After you acknowledge paternity, you may decide to take another look at your paternity if evidence comes to light that you may not be the child’s father. In Missouri, if you have suspicions that you are not the father of a child, you can file for a petition for non-paternity to prove through genetic testing that you are not the father of a child.  This may be important down the road if there are issues with regards to child support and inheritance rights.  At any point in time during a child’s life you can file for a petition of non-paternity.

Your Actions Can Establish Paternity

In Missouri, the law assumes you are the father of any child born during your marriage. You don’t have to do anything to prove paternity, but you might want to disprove it. Even if years have passed during which the child believes you are her father, this is possible.  Even if a mother does not want to do any type of genetic testing, the courts may require her to submit the child for testing if someone wants to prove or disprove paternity.

Ways Paternity Can be established

DNA Test

A DNA test is the most conclusive scientific test offered today.  A child inherits half of its DNA from its father, so scientists analyze samples of both parties to determine whether the man’s DNA could have contributed to the baby’s.  If you need a test to legally prove the identity of your baby’s father, a neutral third party, such as a doctor, must collect a cell sample from the baby and the potential father by softly rubbing the insides of each person’s cheeks with cotton swabs. The samples are then sent to a lab, which determines whether the men can be excluded as possible fathers. If one cannot be excluded, the lab will determine the probability that he is the father. Probabilities from DNA tests tend to be above 99 percent.  Prenatal DNA testing can also be done if necessary.

Agreed Paternity Stipulation

If no DNA testing is done and all parties involved with a paternity case agree that someone is the father of a child, the court will recognize that paternity.

Let one of the Family Attorneys at Boehmer Law help you today.  The laws surrounding the establishment of paternity, as well as its rights and duties, are very complicated.   If you have any questions about proving or disproving paternity for a child please call Boehmer Law today at 636-896-4020.  Your consultation visit is free and confidential—we will listen to the facts of your case and advise you on what we believe to be the best course of action.

Our clients in these types of cases include:

• Unmarried men who are being deprived of a relationship or visitation to their children by a mother
• Mothers who are trying to establish paternity to secure child support
• Assumed or alleged fathers who refute any biological relation to the child

Our paternity issues lawyers represent and help our clients on all sides of paternity issues. We know the law, we know your rights, and we will fight hard on your behalf because we understand what is at stake.

Call for your free consultative appointment today at 636-896-4020.  We are conveniently located off Boones Lick Road in St. Charles, MO—let us get working for you!