What Is the Purpose of an Estate Plan?

According to a recent report by CNBC, only 33% of Americans have formulated estate plans. Why? The majority of respondents said they just haven’t gotten around to it.  Estate planning isn’t only for the rich. An estate plan ensures your assets, no matter what size, are preserved and distributed appropriately after your death. Through estate


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What are the adoption requirements in Missouri?

The emotions surrounding adoption are constantly fluctuating. As a couple longing to build your family through adoption, you feel excitement one minute and fear the next. Before you begin the process, you need to know some basic requirements like age, living situation, marital status, etc.  Which Adoption Scenario Is Right For You? There are two


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Is Missouri a 50-50 State When it Comes to Divorce?

No matter how cordial, divorce is fraught with negotiation and stress. If a husband and wife cannot reach an amicable property settlement, the courts determine property and debt distribution. Nine states split marital property 50-50 during a divorce. Missouri is an equitable distribution state and not a 50-50 state. What Is The Difference In Distribution?


Wiseman Named in Best of the Best 2022

Congratulations to BSE Shareholder Erin Wiseman for being voted #1 Attorney and #1 Family Law Attorney in the Jefferson City News Tribune Best of the Best 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards! Erin Wiseman News Tribune Best of the Best


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How Do I Legally Adopt a Child?

If you and your spouse have considered adoption, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable adoption lawyer. The process requires a serious investment in time, emotions, and possibly money. But adoption is a wonderful way to create or add to your family.  What Is Adoption?  Adoption legally transfers parental rights from a child’s birth parents


Driving

How Many Points Will a Moving Violation Assess To My Missouri Driver’s License?

Maybe you got caught speeding recently and you are worried about the consequences and how it will affect your driving record. Or perhaps you drove without a license or with a suspended license. Many drivers have been in your situation, and it’s essential to understand what’s next. At Brydon, Swearengen & England P.C., we want


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How Many Points Will a Speeding Ticket Deduct from My Missouri Driver’s License?

We all have been there – pulled over for speeding, feeling embarrassed as the police officer approaches you. It happens to the best of us. Whether this is your first ticket or tenth, you may want to know how many points will a speeding ticket deduct from my Missouri driver’s license? Like any state, Missouri


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Appellate Decision Favors Wiseman Client

BSE Shareholder Erin Wiseman recently prevailed in an appeal of a family law matter before the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District.  The case – K.T.L. by Her Next Friend, K.L.., and K.L. Individually, Respondents, vs. A.G., Appellant. –  (Overview Summary) – was decided on December 28, 2021, and became final in January


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7 Steps to Preparing for a Divorce

Technically, divorce is the process of dissolving the marital estate and returning each spouse to their separate legal state. Emotionally, divorce can be one of the most difficult experiences you will ever go through. If you’re unfortunately contemplating a divorce, the attorneys of Brydon, Swearengen & England P.C. offer steps to consider before you file.


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Hamblin 1st Place Best Lawyer

Jefferson City Magazine 2022 CITY’s Best results have been announced and we very excited to share that attorney Scott A. Hamblin has received 1st place in the Best Lawyer category! This is a tremendous honor and we are very grateful for the recognition. Check Jefferson City Magazine’s website in April for a full list of