The Missouri Bar

Child Custody Battles

Madonna and Guy Ritchie are gearing up for a heated custody battle as their international divorce takes the paparazzi to both American and UK shores. The Chicago Tribune delves into the murky waters of international divorce, which is varied and difficult to complete.

Across the nation, couples struggle to come to amiable solutions to child custody - but that is not always easy. Like the Hollywood diva and British director, couples engage in courtroom warfare, sometimes using the child as a tactic rather than doing what's best for him or her.

Parenting coordination is one way couples can handle difficult custody battles. It offers a mediator who can calmly help couples make wise choices for children - rather than rash ones to hurt the ex-spouse.

You can find out more about parenting coordination in this Law in Your Life podcast.

IL Man Charged with International Parental Kidnapping

A Lockport, Ill., man is charged with attempting to kidnap his daughter and take her to Jordan. Thirty-six year old Said Ayesh faces up to three years in federal prison on the charges. A nationwide manhunt for Ayesh started last month after he failed to return his daughter after visitation. The Chicago Tribune has more details about the case.

International parental kidnapping is becoming more common place in the U.S., as Americans marry or have children with people from other nations. When the relationships dissolve, one parent tries to whisk their child away to their native country.

The Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson finds out your rights when it comes to international marriage and parental kidnapping from attorney Chris Schmidt with Bryan Cave.

ID Theft Focus of CBS Series

This week, The Early Show on CBS features stories of identity theft, with tips on what people can do to protect themselves. The first story in the series is devoted to the selling of personal information in online chat rooms. Read it here.

The Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson spoke with Joy Frazier at the Missouri Attorney General's Office about this growing crime. Listen to the interview on identity theft.

Below, students at Edward C. Reed High School in Nevada pulled together this informative video on identity theft for a school project. It is an excellent piece to share - especially with young people just starting out.

Gun Sales Soar Before Inauguration

Fearing harsh gun restrictions that will make purchasing weapons and ammunition nearly impossible during the next presidential administration, Missourians are stocking up. Sales have soared at many stores. Some gun dealers say this always happens before a gun conservative administration takes office.

On Sunday, the Springfield News-Leader tackled gun issues in southwest Missouri, and the fear of some that using weapons will become a financial hardship - or worse.

If you are a new gun buyer, or need to brush up on Missouri gun laws, the Law in Your Life offers these podcasts:

Conceal and Carry

Castle's Doctrine

Green Card Deadline Looms

The deadline to apply for the Green Card Lottery is just weeks away. Each year 55,000 permanent resident visas are issued to those from countries with low immigration rates. Excluded from this year's lottery are people from the following countries:

Brazil, Canada, mainland China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Peru, Poland, South Korea, United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland), and Vietnam.

Instructions for entering the lottery can be found here: travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1318.html.

The Law in Your Life offers these podcasts on immigration law:

Missouri's New Immigration Laws

Immigration Law for Business Owners

Gun Sales Skyrocket

Gun sales are up exponentially after a sweeping Democratic win on Nov. 4. One business reported a 40 percent spike, according to this story at KTVO.com.

Missouri offers a conceal and carry law, as well as Castle's Doctrine - your right to defend your home and family. If you are one of hundreds buying weapons before the inauguration, find out what you need to know from the Law in Your Life:

Missouri Conceal and Carry

Castle's Doctrine

Budget Wisely for Holidays in Tough Economy

Many Americans will tighten their belts this holiday season, which others still feel the pressure to buy, buy, buy thanks to catalogs that entice their children with toys galore.

It is easy for consumers to get caught up in Black Friday sales - which don't always offer the best bargains. Some holiday shoppers spend more than they budgeted for with unexpected, last-minute gifts, or pressure from friends or family to buy big.

Want to have a nice Christmas without breaking the bank? Here are some questions to ask yourself while Christmas shopping:

• How badly do I, or my family, need this item?
• Is this a quality item that is a long-term investment?
• Can I pay for this in cash and still pay my bills?
• Can I pay this off this month?
• Can I find this cheaper somewhere else?
• Would I buy this if I waited until tomorrow?
• Am I willing to give up something else to afford this item?
• Can I make this at home for less cost?
• Am I buying this because it is needed, or because I feel pressured to do so?

Be sure to check your debt and winter bill estimates first to determine your holiday gift-giving budget. Don't forget to include holiday meals in your budget. These, too, can get costly.

If you like to shop online, MSNBC offers this Web guide for sites that help you find the best deals.

Law in Your Life #60: Fighting the Government... and Winning

When you get into trouble with the government, chances are, you feel like you are on the losing side of the battle. But you do have rights - and sometimes, you can win. What types of situations could you encounter with the government? And what are your rights when this happens? Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson finds out from Jefferson City attorney Niki Sublett.

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Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

LI-HEAP Helps Pay Costly Utility Bills

Lawmakers could try for a special session to discuss helping Missourians pay heating bills in these tough economic times. (Read more at KHQA.com)

If you think you will have trouble paying your bill  - or know you can't - contact your utility provider immediately. Most are likely to work with you to prevent an electricity shut off during the coldest winter months.

In the Show-Me State, individuals who need heating help can receive it through the Low Income Heating Assistance Program, or LI-HEAP. Your local utility company to get details about how to apply. Funds are typically administered through community non-profits, like the North East Community Action Corporation.

3 Arrested in Foreclosure Scam

Three were arrested for falsely claiming they could stall foreclosures for desperate homeowners. The California Attorney General says the three operated as First Gov or Foreclosure Prevention Services, and charged up to $5,000 to allegedly renegotiate terms to save homeowners from foreclosure. The San Jose Mercury News has more details on the case.

Scammers are taking advantage of homeowners as a foreclosure relief package stalls in Washington. The FDIC wants to use part of the $700 billion bailout plan to fund the effort, while the White House looks at alternative measures. (See The Wall Street Journal for more)

What should you know if you need foreclosure relief?

• Buyer beware. If a company sounds too good to be true with their promises of foreclosure relief, chances are it is. Contact the Missouri Attorney General's Office and Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed and if the business is considered in good standing.
• Negotiate early. Do not wait until you are in trouble to tell your lender you cannot make payments. Tell them quickly, try to negotiate a lower rate. They are more likely to work with you if you are honest from the start.
• Get budget help. Contact your area Consumer Credit Counseling Service for budget assistance. Nonprofit organizations charge little to nothing to help consumers get back on the right financial track. In some cases, they will help negotiate with creditors.
• Don't stop yet. If your home is in the midst of foreclosure, you still may be able to negotiate a deal to save your home. Continue working with your lender to find a solution both of you can live with.

Find out more in these Law in Your Life podcasts:

Foreclosure: Own a home in foreclosure, or looking to buy one? Listen here. 

Foreclosure and Bankruptcy: Think bankruptcy can help save your home? Find out here.