Privacy Policy - Besserman Family & Divorce Law

This Privacy Policy describes how Besserman Law Firm (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects information obtained through https://bessermanlaw.com (the “Website”). By using this Website, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us through this Website, including but not limited to:

Name
Email address
Phone number
Information submitted through web forms or chat features
Information you provide when contacting us by phone, email, or text message

We may also automatically collect certain information when you visit our Website, including IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, referring URLs, and interaction data.

How We Use Information

Information collected through this Website may be used to:

Respond to inquiries and intake requests
Evaluate potential legal matters
Communicate with you regarding your inquiry
Improve Website functionality and user experience
Measure and optimize marketing and advertising campaigns
Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

Digital Advertising and Analytics

We engage in digital advertising across multiple platforms and may use analytics, tracking technologies, pixels, and advertising cookies to understand Website usage, measure marketing performance, and deliver relevant advertisements.

These technologies may be provided by third-party services, including but not limited to analytics providers, advertising platforms, and customer relationship management systems. Information collected may be used in aggregate or anonymized form.

Text Messages, Calls, and Electronic Communications

By submitting your contact information through this Website or otherwise contacting us electronically, you acknowledge and agree that we may contact you by phone call, email, or text message for purposes related to your inquiry.

Message and data rates may apply. Consent to receive communications is not a condition of retaining our firm. You may opt out of text messages at any time by following the instructions provided in the message or by contacting us directly.

No Legal Advice or Attorney-Client Relationship

Information submitted through this Website, including through web forms, email, chat features, or text messages, is provided for informational and intake purposes only.

No information on this Website, and no communication through this Website, constitutes legal advice. Submission of information does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is only formed through a signed, written agreement with Besserman Law Firm after a conflict check and formal engagement.

You should not send confidential or time-sensitive information through this Website unless and until an attorney-client relationship has been formally established.

Confidentiality and Security

We take reasonable measures to protect the information submitted through this Website; however, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted electronically.

Information Sharing

We do not sell personal information. We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our Website, managing communications, or providing marketing and analytics services, subject to confidentiality obligations.

We may also disclose information if required by law, court order, or legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of our firm or others.

Third-Party Websites

This Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of any third-party sites. Accessing third-party websites is at your own risk.

Your Choices

You may choose not to provide certain personal information; however, doing so may limit our ability to respond to your inquiry. You may also control cookies and tracking technologies through your browser settings.

Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, technology, or business practices. Any updates will be posted on this page.

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us through the information provided on this Website.

FAMILY LAW • DIVORCE • CUSTODY • SUPPORT

Family Law FAQs — Organized by State

These frequently asked questions cover common divorce and family law issues in Missouri and Illinois. Each question is clearly labeled by state so updates remain easy to track over time. This page is general educational information and not legal advice.

Request a Consultation Jump to a Topic

Laws and outcomes vary. Talk with an attorney to understand options for your specific facts and jurisdiction.

Divorce Basics

Filing, no-fault rules, timing, and separation requirements—labeled by state.

MISSOURI How do I file for divorce in Missouri?

To file for divorce in Missouri, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days before filing. Divorce cases are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides.

MISSOURI Is Missouri a no-fault divorce state?

Yes. Missouri is a no-fault state. You do not have to prove adultery, abuse, or wrongdoing—only that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”

MISSOURI How long does a divorce take in Missouri?

Missouri has a minimum 30-day waiting period, but most divorces take 3–12 months, depending on custody disputes, property issues, and court schedules.

MISSOURI Do I need my spouse’s permission to get divorced?

No. One spouse can file for divorce even if the other objects.

ILLINOIS How do I file for divorce in Illinois?

One spouse must have lived in Illinois for at least 90 days before filing. Cases are filed in the circuit court of the appropriate county.

ILLINOIS Is Illinois a no-fault divorce state?

Yes. Illinois only allows no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences.

ILLINOIS How long does a divorce take in Illinois?

Uncontested divorces can be finalized in as little as a few months, while contested cases often take 9–18 months.

ILLINOIS Do we have to be separated before divorcing?

Illinois law presumes irreconcilable differences if spouses have lived apart for 6 months, but this can be waived by agreement.

Property & Finances

Equitable distribution, the house, retirement accounts, and maintenance/alimony.

MISSOURI Is Missouri a community property state?

No. Missouri follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily 50/50.

MISSOURI What counts as marital property in Missouri?

Generally, assets acquired during the marriage—including income, retirement accounts, and real estate—are marital property, regardless of whose name is on them.

MISSOURI Who gets the house in a Missouri divorce?

There’s no automatic rule. Courts consider factors like financial contributions, custody arrangements, and each spouse’s ability to maintain the home.

MISSOURI Will I have to pay spousal maintenance (alimony)?

Possibly. Missouri courts look at need, ability to pay, length of marriage, and earning capacity. Maintenance can be temporary or long-term.

ILLINOIS Is Illinois a community property state?

No. Illinois follows equitable distribution, not automatic 50/50 division.

ILLINOIS What is considered marital property in Illinois?

Most assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of title.

ILLINOIS How are retirement accounts divided?

Often through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)—errors here can be extremely expensive.

ILLINOIS Will I receive or pay maintenance (alimony)?

Illinois uses statutory guidelines based on income, marriage length, and financial need, though courts may deviate.

Child Custody & Support

Best-interest standards, parenting time, and how support is calculated.

MISSOURI How is child custody decided in Missouri?

Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, considering stability, parental involvement, and the child’s needs.

MISSOURI Does Missouri favor mothers in custody cases?

No. Missouri law is gender-neutral. Courts often favor arrangements that allow frequent and meaningful contact with both parents.

MISSOURI What types of custody exist in Missouri?

Legal custody (decision-making)
Physical custody (where the child lives)

Both can be joint or sole.

MISSOURI How is child support calculated?

Missouri uses Form 14, which considers income, parenting time, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses.

ILLINOIS Does Illinois still use the term “custody”?

No. Illinois now uses allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time.

ILLINOIS How does Illinois decide parenting time?

Based on the best interests of the child, including stability, cooperation, and each parent’s involvement.

ILLINOIS Can a child choose which parent to live with?

A child’s wishes may be considered, but no child decides custody outright.

ILLINOIS What happens if one parent violates the parenting schedule?

Courts can impose fines, modify parenting time, or hold the parent in contempt.

ILLINOIS How is child support calculated in Illinois?

Illinois uses an income shares model, considering both parents’ income and time with the child.

ILLINOIS Does parenting time affect child support?

Yes. Overnights and shared parenting significantly impact calculations.

ILLINOIS Can child support be modified?

Yes, if there’s a substantial change in circumstances (job loss, income change, medical issues).

Special & High-Conflict Issues

Pregnancy, hidden assets, relocation, domestic violence, and enforcement.

MISSOURI Can I get divorced while pregnant in Missouri?

Yes, but courts may delay final custody decisions until after birth.

MISSOURI What if my spouse is hiding assets?

Courts can impose penalties, reopen judgments, and award additional property if concealment is proven.

MISSOURI Can I move out with my children during a divorce?

This can seriously impact custody. Always talk to an attorney before relocating.

MISSOURI Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?

Legally no—but mistakes can be costly and irreversible, especially with property and custody.

ILLINOIS What if there is domestic violence?

Illinois courts can issue Orders of Protection immediately and prioritize safety.

ILLINOIS Can I move out of state with my child after divorce?

Relocation requires court approval or parental agreement.

ILLINOIS What if my spouse won’t cooperate?

Courts can compel disclosure, enforce deadlines, and impose sanctions.

ILLINOIS Do I really need a lawyer if we “agree on everything”?

Many people think they agree—until tax consequences, retirement, or future enforcement becomes an issue.

Divorce Basics

Property & Finances

Child Custody & Support

Special & High-Conflict Issues

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