Monthly Archives: January 2016

Tax Preparation Fees

An often overlooked itemized deduction is the deduction of tax preparation fees.  Generally, anyone you pay to prepare or assist in the preparation or review of your income tax return can be deducted on Schedule A. The tax preparation fees … Continue reading

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When Child Support Modification Takes Effect

In Missouri, the modification of a child support request takes effect at the time the motion or request is served on the other party.  It does not take effect when the change of circumstances actually occurred.  If you would like … Continue reading

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Setting Aside a Judgment

In Kansas, after a judgment is entered, a person can try and set aside, or vacate, the judgment in order to have the case re-litigated.  However, in order to set aside the judgment, the person must show that there was … Continue reading

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Reducing Your Alimony or Maintenance Payments

In Missouri, in order to try and reduce your alimony payments or maintenance payments to a former spouse, you must show that you have had a substantial and lasting change in circumstances from when the alimony or maintenance payments were … Continue reading

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Entertainment is Subject to Sales Tax

Missouri has ruled that a person must pay sales tax on any activity that occurs in any place of amusement, entertainment, or recreation.  This rule includes dance lessons, as Miss Dianna’s School of Dance learned earlier this year.  Therefore, if … Continue reading

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Resisting Arrest is Grounds for a Search

In Missouri, the courts have ruled that resisting arrest is grounds for a police officer to search the person who tried to resist and their immediate surroundings for any illegal items or evidence. If you have been charged with a … Continue reading

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When a Guardian Ad Litem is Needed

Missouri law requires that a Guardian Ad Litem be appointed to represent the children in a family law case when there are allegations of child abuse or child neglect.  Without an allegation of abuse or neglect, a Guardian Ad Litem … Continue reading

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Bank Bad Deeds in Bankruptcy

The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys has recently listed several actions that, if taken by a bank or mortgage services, constitutes an abuse of the mortgage servicing rules when a debtor is in bankruptcy.  Here are some of the … Continue reading

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Abating Child Support

A person can ask a Missouri court to abate (undo or reduce) their child support if certain conditions are met.  One condition that qualifies is that the person is denied their right to court-ordered visitation with the child.  Another condition … Continue reading

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Motions for Summary Judgment

When served with a Missouri lawsuit and you receive a motion for summary judgment, you must show that that there are disputed material facts that the court must decide upon.  If you do not respond to the motion for summary … Continue reading

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