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Backed by 120+ Years Collective Experience | Certified Mediators on Staff | Guardian ad Litem on Team | Local Columbia Office
Gump, Faiella & Bugalski | Columbia Office: 1000 W. Nifong, Bldg 2, Suite 220B | 573-818-2646
Not every family law firm in Columbia will take a contested custody case. Complex custody disputes require significant preparation, courtroom experience, and attorneys who are willing to commit to the kind of intensive litigation these cases demand. If you have been told your case is too difficult or too contentious, Gump, Faiella & Bugalski is built for exactly this kind of work.
Our Columbia family law team includes multiple attorneys who focus on custody litigation in Boone County and across Central Missouri, and we do not turn away cases because they are complicated.
A custody case becomes contested when the parents cannot reach an agreement on custody arrangements, and the court must step in to decide. In an uncontested case, both parents agree on a parenting plan, and the judge reviews and approves it. In a contested case, one or both parents are asking the court to make decisions that the other side disagrees with.
Contested custody disputes arise in many situations. One parent may be seeking sole custody due to safety concerns. Parents may disagree about how to split physical custody, particularly after Missouri’s 2023 changes to the presumption of equal parenting time. One parent may want to relocate out of the area, triggering a fight over how that affects the child’s schedule. Allegations of domestic violence, substance abuse, or parental alienation can all push a case into contested territory. So can situations where a non-parent, such as a grandparent, is seeking custody or visitation rights.
It is worth noting that “contested” does not always mean hostile. Sometimes two reasonable parents simply cannot find middle ground on a specific issue, whether it is the school district, the holiday schedule, or decision-making authority over medical care. Regardless of the source of the disagreement, what defines a contested case is that a judge will need to evaluate the evidence and make a decision.
Contested custody litigation is demanding. These cases require extensive preparation: discovery, depositions, coordination with custody evaluators and financial experts, witness preparation, and often multi-day trials. Many attorneys, particularly solo practitioners and general practice firms, do not have the bandwidth or the trial experience to take them on effectively.
Cases involving business owners, high-income parents, or interstate custody issues add layers of financial complexity. Cases with allegations of abuse require careful evidence handling, familiarity with protective order procedures, and coordination with guardians ad litem. High-conflict cases are emotionally intense for everyone involved, and some firms prefer to avoid the exposure that comes with protracted litigation.
GFB Law is structured to handle this work. Multiple family law attorneys means no single attorney carries an unmanageable caseload, even when a case requires intensive trial preparation. Our attorneys include those who have served as Guardian ad Litem, which provides direct insight into how courts evaluate custody from the child’s perspective. Trial preparation is built into how we approach contested cases from the beginning, not treated as a last resort if settlement fails.
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Every contested custody case begins with a thorough review of the facts. That means gathering financial records, school records, medical records, and relevant communications. It means identifying the issues that will matter most to the court and building the evidentiary foundation to address them. When a case calls for expert input, whether from a custody evaluator, a therapist, or a financial professional, we coordinate those resources early so they inform strategy rather than scramble to catch up.
Missouri requires both parents to submit a proposed parenting plan (RSMo § 452.310). The quality and specificity of that plan matter. A generic template does not signal to the court that a parent has thought carefully about the child's actual needs. We work with clients to develop plans that address daily schedules, holiday and vacation time, decision-making authority for education and healthcare, communication protocols between parents, and provisions for future changes like relocation or school transitions.
Not every contested case needs a trial. Some issues within a contested case can be resolved through mediation, saving time, cost, and emotional strain. Our firm has certified mediators on staff who handle family law mediation and can advise on whether mediation is a realistic option for specific parts of your dispute. When mediation is not appropriate, particularly in situations involving safety concerns or significant power imbalances, we are prepared to move forward to trial.
When a case goes to trial, preparation is what determines the outcome. That means organized exhibits, thoroughly prepared witnesses, and a clear presentation of how the evidence supports your position under the statutory factors. Our attorneys are familiar with Boone County court procedures and practice regularly in the local courts. We also stay aware of post-trial motions and appellate considerations so that the record is preserved throughout the process.
Jordan focuses her practice on divorce, child custody, high-asset divorce, and mediation from our Columbia office. She is a certified mediator and certified Guardian ad Litem, representing children's best interests in contested custody proceedings. Jordan is admitted to practice in Missouri and Alabama and before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
Ben dedicates his practice to family law, combining strategic advocacy with compassionate counsel. Earning his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law, Ben is a member of the Missouri Bar Association. As a Columbia resident, he brings local knowledge of the Boone County court system to every case.
Our Columbia family law team is supported by Cassie Bugalski, Adrienne Spiller, and the full Gump, Faiella & Bugalski team, giving clients access to the largest dedicated family law group in the Columbia area.
Our Columbia office serves clients throughout Boone County and the surrounding Mid-Missouri area, including Ashland, Hallsville, Centralia, and Harrisburg.
We also maintain our primary office at 110 North Fifth Street, Moberly, MO 65270, where our managing member and additional attorneys are based. Call 660-263-3100 for our Moberly office.
Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, LLC 1000 W. Nifong, Blvd Building 2, Suite 220B Columbia, MO 65203
Phone: 573-818-2646
Toll Free: 800-264-3455
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9 AM – 12 PM, 1 – 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 12 PM, 1 – 4 PM
A custody case is uncontested when both parents reach an agreement on custody, parenting time, and a parenting plan, and the court approves that agreement. A case is contested when the parents cannot agree on one or more custody issues and need a judge to decide. The level of disagreement can range from a single issue, like which school district the child will attend, to a full dispute over physical and legal custody.
Timelines vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule. Cases that involve limited issues and are resolved through mediation may conclude in a few months. Complex cases that require discovery, custody evaluations, expert testimony, and trial can take six months to over a year. Boone County court scheduling plays a role in how quickly a trial date becomes available.
Since 2023, Missouri law presumes that equal or approximately equal parenting time is in the child’s best interest (RSMo § 452.375). This means the court starts from the position that a 50/50 custody split is appropriate. If you are seeking more or less than equal time, you will need to present evidence that your proposed arrangement better serves the child’s best interests based on the statutory factors. This change affects strategy for both parents in a contested case.
No. Missouri law specifically prohibits courts from giving preference based on a parent’s sex (RSMo § 452.375(8)). Both mothers and fathers are evaluated using the same best-interest factors. Courts look at parenting involvement, stability, willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, and the other statutory criteria. Our attorneys have experience advocating for both mothers and fathers in contested custody matters.
Yes. Under RSMo § 452.410, you may seek a modification of a prior custody order if you can show that there has been a change in circumstances since the order was entered and that the modification serves the child’s best interest. The change must be based on facts that arose after the original order or that the court did not know about at the time. Our team handles custody modifications as part of our family law practice.
The cost of a contested custody case depends on its complexity. Cases involving limited disputes that resolve through negotiation or mediation will cost less than cases that go through full discovery and a multi-day trial. During your initial consultation, we can discuss expected ranges based on the specifics of your situation. Family law consultations at our firm involve a consultation fee.
When one parent is not complying with a court-ordered parenting plan, you may file a motion for contempt of court. The court can enforce the existing order and impose consequences for noncompliance. Ongoing violations may also support a motion to modify the custody arrangement. Document each instance of noncompliance carefully, as the court will want specific evidence.
In many situations, mediation can resolve specific disputes within a contested case faster and at lower cost than a trial. Our firm has certified mediators on staff who can assess whether mediation is a realistic option for your situation. However, mediation is not appropriate in every case. When there are safety concerns, a history of domestic violence, or a significant power imbalance, proceeding to trial may be the better path. We help clients evaluate that decision based on the facts of their case.
If you’re navigating a contested custody case in Columbia or the greater Boone County area, the preparation your attorney puts in before trial is what shapes the outcome. Gump, Faiella & Bugalski has the team, the trial experience, and the commitment to take on the custody cases that require serious litigation.
Request a consultation online to discuss your situation. Family law consultations involve a fee, which goes toward a detailed review of your case and your options.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every family law case involves unique circumstances. For advice specific to your situation, contact Gump, Faiella & Bugalski at 573- 818-2646.
