By Molly Murphy

Attorney

Cordell & Cordell, P.C., Jefferson City, Mo., office

Custody battles are hard on kids of all ages.  It is especially hard for tweens and teenagers.  They are old enough to understand what court is, and that Mom and Dad are fighting over them.  Some children even become their parents’ confidantes or are used as a pawn between their parents. 

In this role the teenager, who is still a child, becomes a mediator.  Or, they become one parent’s staunchest defender.  Any of those roles is a hard place to be.  It is especially hard on teenagers, as they are still developing their own relationships with their peers.

However, be aware that getting your child involved in your case could backfire on you.

By Molly Murphy

Attorney

Cordell & Cordell, P.C., Jefferson City, Mo., office

As we all know, the economy has been in a slump.  Many people have lost their jobs or seen their paycheck and hours cut.  Every client or potential client I meet with asks how much child support might be. 

Most clients are horrified at how high child support can be even with their lowered income.  Many wonder how they can survive paying child support with not much left over for all of their bills.  It can be especially galling when the other parent seems to be buying new things all of the time.  (If this becomes a larger issue, ask your attorney about a Motion for Accounting of Child Support by the Custodial Parent).

So you want to know: How can I lower my child support?

Written by Molly Murphy, Cordell & Cordell, PC   

 You have separated or broken up, and you are facing life without the partner who has helped you raise your child.  The one thing you can both agree on is that you love your child.  Hopefully you can both agree that you want what is best for your child.  As you know, you both may have very different ideas on what that is.  The following are some ground rules you should live by for your child’s sake: