Independence
Cordell & Cordell is a partner dads can count on during one of the toughest challenges of their lives. The family law attorneys at our Kansas City, Missouri, office are dedicated to helping men with any divorce issue, including property division, alimony, child support and child custody.
Our mission is to give men the legal support they and their children deserve both in and out of the courtroom.
Divorce Attorneys Dedicated to Helping Men
Divorce takes an emotional toll on everyone, no matter how tough you are. The decisions you make during this time will have an enormous impact on you financially for the rest of your life.
More importantly, your level of involvement in your children’s lives can also be affected. Our attorneys take the time to listen to your concerns and work diligently to champion your rights and the rights of your children in family court.
We know how critical this transition is and promise to walk you through each step of the process while doing everything possible to protect what’s most important to you.
Practice Areas
Advocates For Dad’s Rights and Fathers’ Rights
Since 1990, Cordell & Cordell has fought against numerous stereotypes that men and fathers face in the family court system. Our firm’s focus on men’s divorce gives our attorneys a unique understanding of the challenges men face in a Missouri family law courtroom.
Despite battling a system that seems predisposed against them, Cordell & Cordell has risen to establish ourselves as a partner men can count on.
Frequently Asked Independence Divorce Questions
How long do I have to live in Independence before I can file for divorce?
You must live in the county you want to file in for at least three months to file for a divorce without children.
For divorces involving children, the children must live in the county for six months.
Is there a mandatory waiting period in Independence before a divorce can be granted? How long will a divorce take?
There is a mandatory waiting period of 30 days after the filing of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
Generally, once a Petition for Dissolution is filed, it will take from three to six months from filing to Judgment. It will take longer if the case is highly contested.
How can I serve my spouse in Independence? If attempts to serve do not work, can I serve by publication?
The Rules of Civil Procedure require personal service if possible. The court will expect you to make reasonable efforts to determine the whereabouts of parties to be served.
Personal service may be made by either the sheriff in the county where the party being served resides or by a personal process server. The circuit clerk will prepare the summons to be served by the sheriff or the private process server.
Service may be requested by certified mail or by publication in certain situations once an affidavit is filed and a Judge rules that it is appropriate.
If it is appropriate to serve a party by publication, it is your responsibility to contact the publisher of a newspaper of general circulation in the county where your case is filed to arrange for publication.
What are the specific forms I will need to file for a divorce in Jackson County and Cass County?
Jackson County forms needed:
– Petition for Dissolution
– Certificate of Dissolution
– Motion for Order for Approval and Appointment of Process Server
– Form 17
– Form 15
Cass County forms needed:
– Petition for Dissolution
– Certificate of Dissolution
– Motion for Order for Approval and Appointment of Process Server
Where do I file for divorce in Jackson County and Cass County?
Jackson County Circuit Court
Circuit Clerk
415 E. 12th Street
Kansas City, MO 64106
Eastern Jackson County
Circuit Clerk
308 West Kansas
Independence, MO 64050
Cass County Justice Center
Circuit Clerk
2501 W. Wall Street
Harrisonville, Missouri 64701
How much are filing fees at the county courthouses?
Filing fees change often, but currently Jackson County charges $159 and Cass County charges $150.
Are there any Independence-Specific laws that are different from how other family law cases around the state are handled?
Generally, all cases throughout Independence are handled the same way county to county. There are no major differences.
Independence Client Testimonials
“Both Bill Backer and [his paralegal] have been ideal to work with. Bill has been a strong advocate and a worthy counsel. [His paralegal] has quickly and efficiently responded to every question. Their professionalism and skill have made this difficult time much less stressful.”
“[My attorney] is reliable with timely communication. [My attorney] is a skilled listener and proactive questioner!”
“Jacqueline was a tough lawyer. … She would always let me vent and understood my side of it.”