Family Law Attorney in Springfield, MO
When your family is going through a difficult legal situation, you need an attorney who listens first and fights hard when it matters. At The Law Office of Chad G. Mann, we help Springfield families navigate divorce, child custody, child support, and other family law matters with honesty, respect, and a commitment to protecting what matters most to you.
Call (417) 842-8679 for a consultation about your family law case, or contact us online.
Family Law Services We Provide in Springfield
Family law covers some of the most personal and consequential legal decisions you will ever face. Missouri law governs everything from how property gets divided in a divorce to how courts decide where a child will live. Chad Mann handles these cases personally, working directly with each client from start to finish.
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.
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.
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 cases are personal. The attorney you choose affects not just the legal outcome but how you experience one of the most stressful periods of your life. Here is what sets our firm apart:
- 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.
- Initial consultation: We sit down together, review your situation, and outline your legal options. You will leave with a clear understanding of what to expect.
- Case preparation: We gather financial records, draft necessary filings, and build a strategy tailored to your goals. In custody cases, this includes documenting your involvement as a parent.
- Negotiation: Most family law cases in Missouri resolve without a trial. We negotiate assertively on your behalf while keeping the door open for reasonable settlement.
- Court representation: If your case requires a hearing or trial, Chad Mann represents you in Greene County Circuit Court or surrounding jurisdictions with thorough preparation and confident advocacy.
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.
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.