Missouri Child Custody Legal Questions

The Court may assess the costs for fees, such as guardian ad litem fees, attorney's fees, deposition fees, or court costs against a respondent-the person responding to a petition for an order of protection-when it has been alleged that a child is in need of protection, even under the Adult Abuse statute.... Read More

You best course of action is to retain a family law attorney in Missouri as that is where your son lives. The attorney will be able to file the appropriate pleadings for you to seek some custodial time with your son. We handle this type of case in our office and would be able to discuss this further.... Read More

In Missouri, absent any exigent circumstances, a parent seeking to relocate a child's residence for more than 90 days must give any other party with custody or visitation rights written notice, by certified mail, of the intent to relocate the child. The notice has specific requirements, including the address and phone number of the new residence, the date of intended move, the reason for the relocation, and a proposed revised custody or visitation schedule. The notice must be given at least 60 days before the relocation. Any other party having custody or visitation rights may object to the move by filing a motion with the court that originally entered the custody or visitation order within 30 days of receiving the notice. Failure by the relocating parent to give proper notice will be considered by the court as a factor in deciding whether custody should be modified and whether the child should be returned.... Read More

If you have an order for child custody and visitation, and your are the primary custodial parent of her, you can contact the local police to enforce that order and get her back. Your biggest problem is going to be the amount of time you let your daughter stay with your ex.  He could try to commence proceedings in Missouri under the UCCJEA and even come to California to assert that the status quo has changed and he should now get custody of her and be allowed to keep her in Missouri.  You should meet with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.  Time is your enemy here!... Read More