Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

in the state of mo., my neice and her ex are to appear in court over custody battle of their child. the child was reciently taken from the mother and placed with the father.the day of court the father appeard with his lawyer but my neice didnt show as well as her lawyer who supposelly went on vacation so it was set for another day is this legal. i thought that would be attempt of court.


Asked on 9/28/10, 6:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Anthony Smith LawSmith

I think you meant "contempt of Court." Yes, your neices nto appearing for the hearing coudl be viewed as Contempt for the Court's Order to appear on that date. But, it appears that the court did not take that approach with her, as they set the hearing over to another date. You did nto indicate why your niece missed the hearing. If her attorney told her not to appear, then the facts may not be what you thought they were. The continuance may have been anticipated by the attorneys on both sides prior to the hearing. If her attorney just did not show up, and did not even tell her about the hearing, then it may be time to hire a new attorney. Divorce and Custody matters are often set over several times. Your neice should ask her attonrey why they were not at the hearing. That is part of what she is paying them for, to explain things.

Good luck

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Answered on 10/04/10, 9:34 am


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