Missouri Family Law, Traffic Ticket, Wills and Estates Lawyer
The advice you need at rates you can afford
The attorneys at the Law Office of Shannon McKinney, Attorney at Law, LLC have the skill and experience needed to advise clients on family law, divorce, adoption, municipal law, will planning, probate and estate administration matters throughout Missouri. Our firm offers personalized service, tailored to provide effective advocacy for our clients. Our attorneys are willing to talk to clients about their specific needs and to prepare recommendations for how to proceed. We handle cases involving:
Family law
Family conflicts are by nature heated and shadowed by emotion. Our attorney advises clients on family law and divorce matters involving separation of assets, parenting plans and sharing custody in a confidential and discrete setting. We invite you to call or email us to schedule an initial consultation concerning:
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Divorce
It is vital to consult with your lawyer before you sign agreements to create a parenting plan or separate joint assets during divorce. There are considerations that may not have occurred to you, such as whether you can afford mortgage payments and property taxes on your individual salary if you decide to keep the marital home. Knowing what to expect is the first step in developing a robust divorce agreement or parenting plan that can withstand the years to come without dramatic alterations. Our attorneys can advise you on post-marital issues including:
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Adoption
Adopting a child should be one of the most joyous occasions in your life. Our attorneys handle independent placement and private placement adoptions involving children in foster care as well as adoption of children from a former marriage and relative adoptions. Our firm offers comprehensive legal services to assist you with providing a child with a stable home. Our scope of practice includes:
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Guardianships
Guardianships do not terminate the parent-child relationship, but serve as a way for friends or family members to assume the custody and care of an underage minor or incapacitated adult for a specified period of time. A guardianship generally ends when a child reaches the age of majority or when both the parent and guardian agree to terminate the arrangement. Our attorney provides comprehensive legal services to both parents and guardians in need of assistance with any issues or problems that arise with a guardianship situation, including the unwillingness to relinquish custody and access to funds held in trust. Our scope of practice includes:
- Representation of parents: Physical illness, military deployment, drug or alcohol problems, death of a parent, or allegations of child neglect are common reasons why a parent might seek to appoint a guardian. Even if you are simply contemplating the possibility of your own passing, drafting a guardianship provision that anticipates the financial aspects of providing for your children is an important first step.
- Representation of guardians: Guardians are responsible for meeting the basic needs of the child or disabled person who becomes their ward. Guardians are also entitled to financial support from the parent. Some parents leave their children money that is held in trust, and you as the guardian must make requests for funds from the trustee responsible for safeguarding the interests of the child or incapacitated adult who is the beneficiary. In other cases, child support payments can be obtained through legal channels.
Municipal traffic tickets
A traffic ticket can cost you more than just an expensive fine. If you accumulate enough points, a ticket can cost you in rising insurance premiums and the possible the loss of your license. It is always easier to fight a first offense or a second offense rather than a third or fourth offense because your driving record demonstrates a history of driving procedures. Our attorneys deliver comprehensive legal advice that can help you get the best possible results by negotiating with the municipal prosecutor assigned to your case. Our scope of practice includes:
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Will preparation
Hiring a lawyer to prepare your legal will is an important first step toward ensuring that you preserve a legacy of wealth and peace of mind for your heirs. An attorney can provide you with the information you need to protect your assets and pass them on as you see fit. Our firm’s broad range of legal services can help you obtain the best possible outcomes. A will allows you to:
- Distribute your assets according to your wishes. The potential for legal fees and court costs can be minimized by drafting a legal will. A will allows you to designate specific gifts to beneficiaries and to lay out your preferences in the event of death or incapacity.
- Minimize the taxable consequences of your decisions. The value of the estate is determined by calculating the worth of all your tangible and intangible assets, including homes owned in the United States and abroad, bank accounts, stocks, retirement accounts, mutual funds, bonds, promissory notes, copyrights, patents, trademarks, yachts, jewelry, castles, planes, trains and automobiles. Estate taxes only apply to estates that are worth more than a specific dollar amount. After reviewing your financial statements, our attorney can tell you how to take the steps needed to avoid unnecessary estate taxes.
Estate administration
As the executor or administrator of an estate, you should know that the probate process can be fraught with complications. As the executor, you are responsible for handling probate and paying off the creditors of the estate while making sure that the beneficiaries receive their due. The advice of an attorney can be invaluable to you as you complete these important tasks. We invite you to call or email us to find out how we can help you.
Experience the difference a cost-conscious lawyer makes
Get the advice you need to make life-altering decisions. Talk to a lawyer at the Law Office of Shannon McKinney, Attorney at Law, LLC about your legal rights and options. Our firm takes pride in delivering comprehensive legal advice at affordable legal rates.
