When divorce, custody, child support, or another family-law issue affects your family, you need clear guidance about your options. The Law Office of Chad G. Mann helps people in Springfield and throughout Southwest Missouri with divorce and legal separation, child custody and parenting plans, child support, property division, spousal maintenance, and orders of protection. You work directly with Chad Mann from the first conversation through the resolution of your case. Read our guides on what to expect in a child custody evaluation in Missouri and what evaluations may involve.
Schedule a consultation with a Springfield family law attorney. Call (417) 842-8679 or contact us online to discuss your situation directly with Chad Mann.
Family Law Services in Springfield, Missouri
Family law covers decisions about your marriage, children, finances, and safety. Missouri law governs how courts address divorce, parenting plans, child support, property division, maintenance, and orders of protection. The sections below explain the matters our firm handles and how we can help you prepare for the next step.
Our family-law services include:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and parenting plans
- Child support
- Property division and marital assets
- Orders of protection
- Spousal maintenance (alimony)
Divorce and Legal Separation
Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither spouse has to prove wrongdoing to end the marriage. Under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 452.305, the court only requires that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” That sounds simple on paper, but the process of dividing assets, determining maintenance (alimony), and resolving disputes over parenting time can become complicated quickly.
We help clients in Springfield and surrounding areas with both contested and uncontested divorces. If you and your spouse can agree on the major issues, we can often streamline the process. When agreement is not possible, we advocate for your interests in court. According to the Missouri Office of State Courts Administrator, Greene County processes over 1,500 dissolution cases annually, making local experience valuable.
Child Custody and Parenting Plans
Missouri courts use the term “parenting plan” rather than custody in most contexts. Under Section 452.375 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, judges consider several factors when determining custody arrangements, including the wishes of the parents, the child’s adjustment to home and school, and the mental and physical health of everyone involved. The court’s primary concern is always the best interests of the child.
Chad Mann works with parents facing initial custody determinations, modifications to existing custody orders, and relocation disputes. Whether you are seeking primary physical custody or working toward a shared parenting arrangement, we build a case that reflects your involvement in your child’s life and your ability to provide a stable environment.
Child Support in Missouri
Missouri calculates child support using Form 14, a worksheet that accounts for both parents’ gross income, the cost of health insurance, childcare expenses, and the amount of overnight time each parent has. The resulting figure establishes a presumed child support amount, though courts can deviate from it when circumstances warrant. If you are comparing fees, our guide to divorce lawyer costs in Missouri explains common pricing factors.
We help clients pursue fair child support orders, seek modifications when financial circumstances change, and enforce existing orders when a parent falls behind on payments. If you have experienced a significant income change or your child’s needs have shifted, you may be eligible for a modification under Missouri law.
Property Division and Marital Assets
Dividing marital property and debts can affect your financial future. We help clients identify and value assets, address debt, and work toward a fair division as part of a divorce or legal separation. We also explain how property decisions may interact with support and parenting issues under Missouri law.
Orders of Protection
When domestic violence threatens the safety of you or your children, Missouri law provides a mechanism for obtaining a protective order through the courts. Under Chapter 455 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, an order of protection can require an abuser to stay away from your home, your workplace, and your children’s school. We help clients obtain these orders quickly and advocate for their enforcement when violations occur.
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
Missouri courts may award maintenance to a spouse who lacks sufficient property to provide for their reasonable needs and is unable to support themselves through appropriate employment. Under Section 452.335, judges consider the financial resources of both spouses, the time needed for education or training, the standard of living during the marriage, and the duration of the marriage. We help clients on both sides of maintenance disputes present their financial situation clearly to the court.
Why Springfield Families Choose Chad G. Mann
Family law matters are personal. The attorney you choose affects decisions about your home, finances, children, and safety. The Law Office of Chad G. Mann is based in Springfield and serves clients in Greene County and throughout Southwest Missouri. Chad Mann handles each matter directly, explains the legal process in plain language, and helps clients understand their options before deciding how to proceed. That local focus can be especially important when a case involves the Greene County courts, local parenting arrangements, or time-sensitive protection-order concerns.
- You work directly with your attorney. Chad Mann handles every case personally. You will never be handed off to a paralegal or associate for important decisions.
- Former insurance industry experience. Years of working with major national insurance carriers gave Chad a perspective that most family law attorneys simply do not have, particularly in cases involving accident-related divorces or asset disputes.
- Recognized legal expertise. Named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2024 and 2025, with a $12 million wrongful death verdict that ranked as the #2 largest judgment in Missouri for 2024.
- Honest, straightforward guidance. We tell you what to expect, even when the answer is not what you want to hear. No false promises, no sugarcoating.
- Competitive fee structure. We work to keep legal costs reasonable while delivering thorough representation.
Ready to discuss your case? Call (417) 842-8679 or send us a message.
How Your Family Law Case Works with Our Firm
We believe in a clear, predictable process so you always know where your case stands.
- Start with a consultation. Tell us what is happening, what decisions are ahead, and what questions you need answered.
- Review the facts and options. We discuss the relevant documents, deadlines, children, finances, and safety concerns so you understand the available paths.
- Choose a resolution path. Depending on the circumstances, your case may involve negotiation, agreed paperwork, mediation, or court proceedings.
- Stay informed. Chad Mann works directly with you, explains important developments, and represents your interests through the next stage of the matter.
Serving Springfield and Southwest Missouri
Our office is located in Springfield, and we represent clients throughout Southwest Missouri in family law matters. We regularly appear in courts across the region, including:
- Greene County (Springfield)
- Christian County (Ozark, Nixa)
- Webster County (Marshfield)
- Lawrence County (Mount Vernon)
- Taney County (Branson)
- Jasper County (Joplin, Carthage)
- Republic, Willard, Strafford, Rogersville, and surrounding communities
Licensed to practice in Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas state courts, plus four federal district courts, we can also handle family law matters that cross state lines.
What Missouri Family Law Costs
Family law cases typically operate on an hourly fee or flat fee basis, depending on the complexity of your situation. During your initial consultation, we will discuss expected costs upfront so there are no surprises. We believe transparent billing builds trust, and we work to keep your costs reasonable without cutting corners on your representation.
For cases involving domestic violence or emergency custody situations, we can often expedite the process to protect you and your children as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Missouri
How long does a divorce take in Missouri?
Missouri requires a minimum 30-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all terms can sometimes be resolved within 60 to 90 days. Contested divorces involving disputes over custody, property division, or maintenance may take six months to a year or longer, depending on the complexity of the issues.
How do Missouri courts decide child custody?
Missouri courts evaluate the best interests of the child using factors outlined in Section 452.375 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. These factors include each parent’s wishes, the child’s relationship with each parent and siblings, the child’s adjustment to home and community, and any history of domestic violence. Judges have significant discretion, which makes presenting a strong, well-documented case important.
Can I modify a child support order in Missouri?
Yes. Under Missouri law, you can request a modification of child support if there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. This includes significant changes in either parent’s income, changes in the child’s needs, or changes in parenting time. The modification must result in at least a 20% change from the current amount to be approved by the court. For more information, speak with a how child support is calculated in Missouri.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?
While Missouri allows you to file for divorce without an attorney, having legal representation helps ensure that your rights are protected and that the settlement agreement addresses all necessary issues. Even in an “agreed” divorce, there are tax implications, retirement account divisions, and parenting plan details that can create problems years later if not handled properly from the start.
What is the difference between legal separation and divorce in Missouri?
A legal separation addresses the same issues as a divorce, including property division, custody, and support, but the marriage remains legally intact. Some couples choose legal separation for religious reasons, to maintain health insurance coverage, or because they are uncertain about ending the marriage permanently. In Missouri, either party can later convert a legal separation into a divorce.
Talk to a Springfield Family Law Attorney Today
If you are facing a divorce, a custody dispute, a child support issue, or any other family law matter in Springfield or Southwest Missouri, The Law Office of Chad G. Mann is here to help. We will sit down with you, listen to your situation, and give you honest guidance about your legal options.
Call (417) 842-8679 to schedule your consultation, or reach out through our contact page. We serve clients in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Republic, Branson, and throughout Southwest Missouri.
Helpful Resources
Learn more about family law in Missouri with these guides from our team: