Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Re: what are my rights in modifying child support payments?

In answer to your question, you are not required by law to have an attorney represent you in a modification of child support proceeding whether it is in an administrative proceeding or a Court.

HOWEVER, you should be cautioned that most people are at an extreme disadvantage when they choose to proceed without an experienced attorney, especially in matters as important as child support. In almost every case, the expense of hiring legal cousel is far outweighed by the results obtained. If you proceed on your own and the opposing party has an attorney, that attorney must represent his or her client's interests only. No Judge or Hearing Officer is allowed under the law to help you by giving you any legal advice.Many "pro se" litigants come away from the experience feeling that they have been dealt with unfairly and have not received justice, when in fact the other people involved were only doing what the law allowed or even required. Please make every effort to obtain legal advice and further legal services if necessary, before proceeding. If you are not able to retain private legal counsel, you may be eligible for assistance from Legal Services (sometimes referred to as "Legal Aid". This agency provides an attorney to many people who could not otherwise obtain legal services. You may feel free to call me at 314-727-2822 for a telephone consultation at no charge, and I would be happy to discuss your rights and my fee requirements for future legal servies at that time. You may also visit my web site (http://www.lawyers.com) for more information on my practice. Whatever you decide to do, good luck with your Modification. I hope that this has been of some assistance.