When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important questions is how decisions about their children will be made and where the children will spend their time. Terms such as legal custody, physical custody, residency, and parenting time can be confusing, particularly because Kansas and Missouri use somewhat different terminology. If you are dealing with a child custody matter in the Kansas City area, understanding the difference between legal and physical custody is an important first step. What Is Legal Custody? Legal custody generally refers to the authority to make important decisions about a child's life. These decisions [...]

Moving to another state can be a major decision for a parent, particularly when the move involves a child and the child's other parent has custody or parenting time. Whether you are considering a move to another state or relocating within the Kansas City metropolitan area, you likely have legal requirements to follow before moving. Kansas and Missouri have specific laws addressing the relocation of children. The requirements are different in each state, so understanding which law applies to your situation is important. Kansas Child Relocation Laws Under Kansas law, a parent who is entitled to legal custody, residency, [...]