In Missouri:In Missouri:

3300 NE Ralph Powell 3300 NE Ralph Powell RoadRoad

Lee’s Summit, MO Lee’s Summit, MO 6406464064

Phone: (816) 246-9981Phone: (816) 246-9981

Fax: (816) 246-9987Fax: (816) 246-9987

In Kansas:In Kansas:

4901 W 1364901 W 136thth Street Street

Leawood, KS 66224Leawood, KS 66224

Phone: (913) 827-4101Phone: (913) 827-4101

Fax: (816) 246-9987Fax: (816) 246-9987

About Our Firm…About Our Firm… The Law Office of Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC, was The Law Office of Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC, was

established in 1992 and has been providing services to the established in 1992 and has been providing services to the greater Kansas City area ever since. With offices in Lee’s greater Kansas City area ever since. With offices in Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Leawood, Kansas, the firm’s family Summit, Missouri and Leawood, Kansas, the firm’s family and divorce attorneys have practiced in Jackson, Clay, Cass, and divorce attorneys have practiced in Jackson, Clay, Cass, Lafayette and Platte County, Missouri as well as Johnson Lafayette and Platte County, Missouri as well as Johnson County, Kansas.County, Kansas.

With over fifty-three years of combined legal experience, With over fifty-three years of combined legal experience, the firm’s attorneys, skilled in both litigation and the firm’s attorneys, skilled in both litigation and negotiation, handle matters from the most complicated to negotiation, handle matters from the most complicated to the most straightforward. Known for its compassion and the most straightforward. Known for its compassion and amiability, as well as its zealousness and tenacity when amiability, as well as its zealousness and tenacity when faced with acrimonious cases, the firm has developed a faced with acrimonious cases, the firm has developed a strong presence in the greater Kansas City legal community.strong presence in the greater Kansas City legal community.

For more information, visit us at:For more information, visit us at:www.yjklaw.com

James H. YoungJames H. Young Mr. Young is the founder of the Law Office of Mr. Young is the founder of the Law Office of

Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC and has been practicing Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC and has been practicing in the area of Family Law for twenty-five years.  in the area of Family Law for twenty-five years.  Mr. Young is an alumnus of the College of Business Mr. Young is an alumnus of the College of Business at the University of Missouri-Columbia, graduating at the University of Missouri-Columbia, graduating Magna Cum Laude in Economics.  He received his Magna Cum Laude in Economics.  He received his Juris Doctor degree from that same institution.Juris Doctor degree from that same institution.

Mr. Young is a member of the American Academy Mr. Young is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a member as well as of Matrimonial Lawyers and a member as well as past president of the Missouri Chapter of that past president of the Missouri Chapter of that national organization.     He is a member of the national organization.     He is a member of the Missouri Bar Family Law Section and spent two Missouri Bar Family Law Section and spent two terms (2001-2003) on its Executive Council and as terms (2001-2003) on its Executive Council and as Chair of the Section.  Mr. Young is also a member Chair of the Section.  Mr. Young is also a member of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, specifically the Family Law Section, and served as specifically the Family Law Section, and served as the Chair of that Section in 1995.  He is active in a the Chair of that Section in 1995.  He is active in a number of both multiple-county and state-wide number of both multiple-county and state-wide committees, including those reviewing the child committees, including those reviewing the child support chart and issues such as pro se litigation. support chart and issues such as pro se litigation.

Additionally, Mr. Young has written the text for a Additionally, Mr. Young has written the text for a divorce video for the Missouri Bar and has been a divorce video for the Missouri Bar and has been a frequent speaker at seminars, including a recent frequent speaker at seminars, including a recent occasion during which he discussed child support occasion during which he discussed child support methodology and joint physical custody situations.methodology and joint physical custody situations.

Michelle E. JakobeMichelle E. Jakobe Michelle E. Jakobe graduated from the Michelle E. Jakobe graduated from the

University of Kansas with a B.A. in 1988 University of Kansas with a B.A. in 1988 and earned her Juris Doctor degree from and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Washburn University School of Law the Washburn University School of Law with Dean's Honors in 1991.  She is with Dean's Honors in 1991.  She is licensed to practice law in both Missouri licensed to practice law in both Missouri and Kansas.  Ms. Jakobe has fifteen years and Kansas.  Ms. Jakobe has fifteen years of experience in the private practice of of experience in the private practice of Family Law and an additional seven years Family Law and an additional seven years of experience handling Complex National of experience handling Complex National Products Liability Defense Litigation.Products Liability Defense Litigation.

Having joined the LawHaving joined the Law Office of Young, Office of Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC in 2004, she has re-Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC in 2004, she has re-dedicated her practice to all areas of dedicated her practice to all areas of Family Law, including adoptions, divorce, Family Law, including adoptions, divorce, modification, child support, custody, modification, child support, custody, collaborative law, and protection from collaborative law, and protection from abuse.  Ms. Jakobe is currently a member abuse.  Ms. Jakobe is currently a member of the Family Law Section of the Missouri of the Family Law Section of the Missouri Bar, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Bar, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the Johnson County Bar Association, the Johnson County Bar Association, the Kansas Women's Attorney Association, the Kansas Women's Attorney Association, and the Collaborative Law Association, and the Collaborative Law Institute of Missouri.Institute of Missouri.

Abraham D. KuhlAbraham D. Kuhl Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Mr. Kuhl attended Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Mr. Kuhl attended

Ralston High School where he was active in many clubs Ralston High School where he was active in many clubs and organizations. After high school, Mr. Kuhl graduated and organizations. After high school, Mr. Kuhl graduated Cum Laude from Creighton University in 2004 with a Cum Laude from Creighton University in 2004 with a degree in Business Administration. After working in the degree in Business Administration. After working in the banking industry for a year, Mr. Kuhl moved to Kansas banking industry for a year, Mr. Kuhl moved to Kansas City and received his Juris Doctor degree from the City and received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City in May 2008.University of Missouri – Kansas City in May 2008.

Prior to joining the Law Office of Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, Prior to joining the Law Office of Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC, Mr. Kuhl worked as a law clerk for a Kansas City LLC, Mr. Kuhl worked as a law clerk for a Kansas City business litigation firm. He also worked as an intern and business litigation firm. He also worked as an intern and then as a law clerk for the Jackson County Circuit Court then as a law clerk for the Jackson County Circuit Court and was active in the University of Missouri – Kansas City and was active in the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law’s Child and Family Services Clinic, where School of Law’s Child and Family Services Clinic, where he represented clients in Family Law matters and he represented clients in Family Law matters and received the clinic’s “Student of the Year” award in 2008. received the clinic’s “Student of the Year” award in 2008. While in law school, Mr. Kuhl participated in a number of While in law school, Mr. Kuhl participated in a number of clubs and organizations including serving as President of clubs and organizations including serving as President of the Delta Theta Phi Legal Fraternity, Co-President of the the Delta Theta Phi Legal Fraternity, Co-President of the Family Law Society, and as a staff member for the Family Law Society, and as a staff member for the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Law Journal. American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Law Journal. Mr. Kuhl has completed both the Guardian ad Litem and Mr. Kuhl has completed both the Guardian ad Litem and the advanced Guardian ad Litem training. Mr. Kuhl has the advanced Guardian ad Litem training. Mr. Kuhl has also presented at several seminars on a variety of family also presented at several seminars on a variety of family law issues, and is an active member of the family law law issues, and is an active member of the family law section of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.section of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.

Amy Fox-BerkleyAmy Fox-Berkley Ms. Fox-Berkley has been employed in a variety of capacities within the Ms. Fox-Berkley has been employed in a variety of capacities within the

legal profession for more than twenty-five years, including roles as legal legal profession for more than twenty-five years, including roles as legal secretary and executive assistant for area attorneys.  secretary and executive assistant for area attorneys. 

Since 1999, she has been associated with the Law Office of Young, Jakobe & Since 1999, she has been associated with the Law Office of Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC. She received her Paralegal Certificate in 2002, graduating with Kuhl, LLC. She received her Paralegal Certificate in 2002, graduating with Honors based on a 97% average. She also earned a Certificate specializing Honors based on a 97% average. She also earned a Certificate specializing in Civil Litigation in 2003. Ms. Fox-Berkley is an Associate Member of the in Civil Litigation in 2003. Ms. Fox-Berkley is an Associate Member of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.

Linda SchaperLinda Schaper Ms. Schaper began her legal career in Independence, Kansas shortly after Ms. Schaper began her legal career in Independence, Kansas shortly after

graduating high school. Over the years, she has worked as an graduating high school. Over the years, she has worked as an administrative assistant, bookkeeper and in various legal settings in administrative assistant, bookkeeper and in various legal settings in Oklahoma and Kansas, including working as a scopist for a court reporter in Oklahoma and Kansas, including working as a scopist for a court reporter in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Prior to joining the Law Office of Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Prior to joining the Law Office of Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC, Ms. Schaper worked for an Overland Park insurance company in the LLC, Ms. Schaper worked for an Overland Park insurance company in the staff attorney’s office for four years.staff attorney’s office for four years.

Cherie BirdwellCherie Birdwell Prior to joining the Law Office of Young Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC, Ms. Birdwell worked for a Prior to joining the Law Office of Young Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC, Ms. Birdwell worked for a

solo practitioner in Independence, Missouri for approximately eight years. She also has solo practitioner in Independence, Missouri for approximately eight years. She also has a skill set rich with administrative, bookkeeping and managerial experience.a skill set rich with administrative, bookkeeping and managerial experience.

Lori LuersLori Luers Ms. Luers has been with the Law Office of Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC for over two years. Ms. Luers has been with the Law Office of Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC for over two years.

Serving as the office receptionist, Ms. Luers has over twenty years experience working Serving as the office receptionist, Ms. Luers has over twenty years experience working in various administrative positions.in various administrative positions.

Tasha WhiteTasha White Working in the medical field until 2001, Ms. White changed careers in 2001 when she Working in the medical field until 2001, Ms. White changed careers in 2001 when she

began working for a law firm while in Iowa. In 2013, Ms. White worked for another law firm began working for a law firm while in Iowa. In 2013, Ms. White worked for another law firm in Missouri before joining the Law Office of Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC in the fall of 2014.in Missouri before joining the Law Office of Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, LLC in the fall of 2014.

Office InformationOffice Information

Office HoursOffice Hours Our office is normally open except for law firm Our office is normally open except for law firm

holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Fridaythrough Friday

Telephone CallsTelephone Calls Please call us when you have a question or Please call us when you have a question or

need advice regarding your caseneed advice regarding your case AppointmentsAppointments

The only sure way to see your attorney is to The only sure way to see your attorney is to call and make an appointment before you call and make an appointment before you come to the officecome to the office

Office InformationOffice Information

Court DateCourt Date Generally speaking, your case will be heard Generally speaking, your case will be heard

in the Circuit Court 69 to 120 days after in the Circuit Court 69 to 120 days after filing.filing.

Appropriate dress should be wornAppropriate dress should be worn When is my Dissolution Final?When is my Dissolution Final?

Your dissolution is final the date the Your dissolution is final the date the Judgment and Decree is signed by the JudgeJudgment and Decree is signed by the Judge

We recommend not remarrying for 45 days We recommend not remarrying for 45 days after your Judgment is signed due to after your Judgment is signed due to possible appealspossible appeals

Parenting InformationParenting Information

FOCISFOCISMediationMediationParenting PlanParenting Plan

What is FOCIS?What is FOCIS? FOCIS stands for Focus on Children in FOCIS stands for Focus on Children in

Separation.Separation. FOCIS is a divorce education class for parents FOCIS is a divorce education class for parents

with children 17 years old and younger who are with children 17 years old and younger who are getting a divorce in Jackson County, Missouri. getting a divorce in Jackson County, Missouri.

Parents and children ages 6 through 17 years Parents and children ages 6 through 17 years are required by the Court to attend FOCIS.are required by the Court to attend FOCIS.

The class is provided to teach ways for parents The class is provided to teach ways for parents and children to get through the divorce process and children to get through the divorce process with the least amount of emotional upset with the least amount of emotional upset possible and to lessen problems that parents possible and to lessen problems that parents and children may have.and children may have.

What is Mediation?What is Mediation? Mediation is a procedure in which the parties select Mediation is a procedure in which the parties select

a neutral third party to help in reaching a a neutral third party to help in reaching a settlement.settlement.

The process is private, informal, and is not binding.The process is private, informal, and is not binding. The mediator has no power to force a settlement. The mediator has no power to force a settlement.

Instead, the mediator tries to help the parties Instead, the mediator tries to help the parties communicate constructively and aid them in communicate constructively and aid them in overcoming obstacles to settlement.overcoming obstacles to settlement.

An effective mediator may offer solutions that have An effective mediator may offer solutions that have not been considered by the parties or their lawyers.not been considered by the parties or their lawyers.

The mediator also helps the parties in setting aside The mediator also helps the parties in setting aside hostilities that interfere with settlement.hostilities that interfere with settlement.

Custody / Visitation IssuesCustody / Visitation Issues

Legal Custody – Joint vs. SoleLegal Custody – Joint vs. Sole Decisions relating to Health, Education, Medical, Decisions relating to Health, Education, Medical,

etc.etc. Physical Custody – Joint vs. SolePhysical Custody – Joint vs. Sole

Designation of one parent’s address as the Designation of one parent’s address as the children’s address for educational and mailing children’s address for educational and mailing purposespurposes

Parenting Time – Things to ConsiderParenting Time – Things to Consider Supervised vs. UnsupervisedSupervised vs. Unsupervised Summer, holidays, phone contactSummer, holidays, phone contact 50/50 vs. Every other weekend50/50 vs. Every other weekend Overnights?Overnights?

What is a Parenting Plan?What is a Parenting Plan? A parenting plan is a document that states which A parenting plan is a document that states which

parent will be responsible for the children and parent will be responsible for the children and decision-making, and how disputes will be decision-making, and how disputes will be decided between parentsdecided between parents

A parenting plan should outline the parenting A parenting plan should outline the parenting schedule, including where the child will live schedule, including where the child will live during the week and during the weekendduring the week and during the weekend

A parenting plan can address holidays, summer A parenting plan can address holidays, summer vacations, and other dates or events during the vacations, and other dates or events during the yearyear

A parenting plan should take into consideration A parenting plan should take into consideration the child’s needs and reflect the best interests of the child’s needs and reflect the best interests of the childthe child

IssuesIssues

Child SupportChild Support Child support is money paid by a non-custodial Child support is money paid by a non-custodial

parent to a custodial parent to assist in the parent to a custodial parent to assist in the support of the minor childrensupport of the minor children

Income of parties (W-2, SSI, disability, self-Income of parties (W-2, SSI, disability, self-employment, deliberate unemployment, etc…)employment, deliberate unemployment, etc…)

Health Insurance, other children, day care, Health Insurance, other children, day care, overnight parenting time credit, other expensesovernight parenting time credit, other expenses

MaintenanceMaintenance Formerly called alimony, maintenance is money Formerly called alimony, maintenance is money

paid by a spouse to a former spouse to assist in paid by a spouse to a former spouse to assist in the support of the ex-spousethe support of the ex-spouse

Division of PropertyDivision of Property

Marital PropertyMarital Property Presumption of a 50 / 50 splitPresumption of a 50 / 50 split Ways to rebut the presumption?Ways to rebut the presumption?

Non-Marital PropertyNon-Marital Property Acquired before marriageAcquired before marriage Gift to one party during marriageGift to one party during marriage Inheritance by one party during marriageInheritance by one party during marriage Pre or Post Nuptial AgreementPre or Post Nuptial Agreement Some non-marital property may become Some non-marital property may become

marital propertymarital property

Types of PropertyTypes of Property

Real EstateReal Estate VehiclesVehicles Retirement Plans / 401(k)Retirement Plans / 401(k) Investments (stocks, IRAs, Mutual Investments (stocks, IRAs, Mutual

Funds)Funds) Business (valuation process)Business (valuation process) Household Furniture and FurnishingsHousehold Furniture and Furnishings Tax ImplicationsTax Implications

Additional InformationAdditional Information

Attorney Fees and CostsAttorney Fees and Costs Filing fees, deposition fees, GAL FeesFiling fees, deposition fees, GAL Fees

Marriage CounselingMarriage Counseling Good marriage counselors are available. We Good marriage counselors are available. We

can recommend a counselor to you.can recommend a counselor to you. DatingDating

You are married until your marriage is You are married until your marriage is dissolved by the Judge. You may jeopardize dissolved by the Judge. You may jeopardize your case by even “seeing” another man or your case by even “seeing” another man or woman. We recommend you refrain from woman. We recommend you refrain from “dating” or even the appearance of “dating.”“dating” or even the appearance of “dating.”

ChildrenChildren

Marital Problems are extremely difficult Marital Problems are extremely difficult for the children. Do yourself and your for the children. Do yourself and your children a great favor by not children a great favor by not “poisoning the minds” of your children. “poisoning the minds” of your children. Do not dwell on your spouse’s faults. Do not dwell on your spouse’s faults. Realize from the beginning that Realize from the beginning that children and/or visitation privileges are children and/or visitation privileges are not tools for bargaining in a dissolution not tools for bargaining in a dissolution case – don’t use them as threats.case – don’t use them as threats.

About the Courts…About the Courts… The 16The 16thth Judicial Circuit serves all of Jackson County, Judicial Circuit serves all of Jackson County,

a population of more than 660,000 people.a population of more than 660,000 people. The county includes 18 municipalities including The county includes 18 municipalities including

Kansas City, Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Kansas City, Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Grandview, Oak Grove and RaytownSummit, Grandview, Oak Grove and Raytown

The 16The 16thth Judicial Circuit has: Judicial Circuit has: 19 Circuit Judges19 Circuit Judges 9 Associate Circuit Judges9 Associate Circuit Judges 8 Commissioners8 Commissioners

One judge is elected Presiding Judge for a two-year One judge is elected Presiding Judge for a two-year term by the judges as a group. Judges and term by the judges as a group. Judges and Commissioners preside over civil, criminal and family Commissioners preside over civil, criminal and family court casescourt cases

For more information, visit: www.16thcircuit.orgFor more information, visit: www.16thcircuit.org

A Final ThoughtA Final Thought

Please call at any time we can help you. This Please call at any time we can help you. This is a difficult time in your life, and it is our is a difficult time in your life, and it is our desire to assist you. Call when you are desire to assist you. Call when you are worried, have a question, or if we can help in worried, have a question, or if we can help in any way. We will do everything legally any way. We will do everything legally possible to bring about a quick, quiet and possible to bring about a quick, quiet and good result for you.good result for you.

Law Office of Law Office of

Young, Jakobe & Young, Jakobe & Kuhl, LLCKuhl, LLC