Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

I would have to review these "custody papers" you are referring to before being able to provide you with a response. Sometimes one parent files an petition for an adult abuse order or a child protective order, and an Ex Parte Order is signed by a Judge granting that parent custody until the case can be haeard after service on the other parent. Perhaps this is what happened to you. If so, the case should be set for a hearing immediately and the Judge will determine custody issues unless the two parents can come to an aggreement. If you do not already have an attorney, and you are within my geoographical area, I might be able to offer my services to you for a reasobale fee. Please feel free to contact me.