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Navigating a family law issue can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re facing a divorce, fighting for custody, or exploring adoption, you deserve an attorney who understands the law, knows the local courts, and genuinely cares about your outcome.
At Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, we guide Missouri families through some of the most important, and emotionally charged, moments of their lives with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
When it comes to family law in Missouri, experience and local knowledge matter. Our attorneys bring decades of combined practice in divorce, custody, support, and adoption cases across Central Missouri. We work closely with clients in Moberly and surrounding counties to deliver legal solutions that are grounded in Missouri law and tailored to your goals.
Family law cases in Missouri are governed by specific state statutes, and we rely on them daily to protect our clients. A few key examples include:
We don’t just know the statutes, we use them to build stronger cases for our clients.
At Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, we provide comprehensive legal services for individuals and families throughout Central Missouri. Whether you’re pursuing a peaceful resolution or facing high-conflict litigation, our attorneys are ready to advocate for your rights and your future.
Family law is never one-size-fits-all. Below are real cases handled by our attorneys at Gump, Faiella & Bugalski – each with its own challenges, strategy, and successful resolution.
These stories show what’s possible when legal experience meets personal dedication.
Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t need to prove wrongdoing to file. But that doesn’t mean divorce is simple. We help clients with every aspect of the process, including:
We’ve helped clients walk away with what they’re entitled to and peace of mind for the next chapter.
Few legal issues are as emotionally charged as custody. We take a child-first approach while ensuring your parental rights are fully protected. Our services include:
Missouri custody law (§ 452.400 RSMo) centers on the best interests of the child. We work to craft parenting plans that reflect your child’s needs and your family’s reality.
Child support in Missouri is calculated using the Missouri Supreme Court Form 14, a worksheet that considers both parents’ income, custody time, health insurance, child care expenses and more. We can help you:
Need help running the numbers? We can show you how a Form 14 works during your initial consultation.
Adding to your family through adoption or taking legal responsibility for a loved one’s care is a meaningful and often complex legal journey.
We handle:
We’ve helped clients formalize the bonds that already exist and protect the ones they love.
Establishing legal paternity is key to securing custody, visitation, and child support rights for unmarried parents.
We represent both mothers and fathers in:
When one parent has custody, the other may be granted scheduled visitation (also called parenting time). We help parents:
Whether you’re seeking more time or defending your child’s best interests, we can help assert your visitation rights.
We provide fast, compassionate legal help in domestic violence matters. Whether you’re seeking protection or facing an accusation, we act quickly to protect your rights and safety. Services include:
You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to help you navigate this sensitive legal situation with care and strength.
Dividing marital property is often one of the most complex aspects of divorce. Missouri law requires “equitable distribution” of marital assets, but equitable doesn’t always mean equal.
We help clients navigate the intricate process of identifying, valuing, and fairly dividing everything from family homes to business interests to retirement accounts.
Our Services include:
Complex Asset Division: Business interests, real estate, vehicles, investments, and retirement plans all require careful valuation and division strategies. We work with qualified experts when needed and handle specialized requirements like QDROs for retirement accounts.
Protecting Non-Marital Property: Not everything is subject to division. We help identify and protect assets that should remain separate property, including inheritance, gifts, and pre-marital assets.
Addressing Commingling Issues: When separate and marital property become mixed, like when one spouse owns a house but adds their partner’s name, or uses separate funds for home improvements, we carefully trace the source to ensure fair treatment.
Property division under §452.330 RSMo requires courts to consider multiple factors, including each spouse’s contributions and economic circumstances. We build comprehensive cases that advocate for outcomes reflecting your contributions to the marriage and your financial needs moving forward.
Family law is never one-size-fits-all. Below are real cases handled by our attorneys at Gump, Faiella & Bugalski – each with its own challenges, strategy, and successful resolution.
These stories show what’s possible when legal experience meets personal dedication.
Attorney: Cassie J. Carpenter Bugalski
Wife gave up her lucrative career to stay home and raise the children of the couple. Husband continued on his career path becoming very successful and well-known in his field due predominantly to financial support from wife early in the marriage prior to having children.
She supported him through obtaining his education. After 20 years of marriage, Wife finds out that Husband has had multiple affairs during the course of the marriage. Husband insists that he does not want a divorce.
Wife hired Ms. Bugalski and she was able to file the appropriate documents and get Husband served to start moving the divorce forward despite Husband dragging his feet. Ms. Bugalski was able to negotiate a settlement with Wife receiving her fair share of all the marital assets and receiving Maintenance so substantial that Wife can avoid having to attempt to find employment after 16 years out of the job market.
Upon reaching retirement age, Wife will receive enough assets from the investments and retirement of the parties that she will no longer need Maintenance.
“In long-term marriages, it’s critical to account for the years of sacrifice for the benefit of the family — not just the assets on paper.”
— Cassie J. Carpenter Bugalski, JD
Attorney: Cassie J. Carpenter Bugalski
Father was in the military for the majority of his daughter’s life causing him to have to move frequently. As a result, daughter was with Mother the vast majority of the time. When the child started school, Mother moved in with an abusive boyfriend for a short time.
She and daughter eventually moved out and moved in with friends instead, but Mother still saw the boyfriend regularly. Daughter told Father about the boyfriend and about how Mother would leave her with the friends on a regular basis and go out with the boyfriend sometimes not coming home for a couple of days. Father was remarried, stationed at a semi-permanent location, and had another child.
Despite Father not seeing the child more than once every month and a few weeks every summer, Ms. Bugalski was able to change the custody arrangement with Father having the child the vast majority of the time and Mother seeing the child once a month and for a limited time every summer.
Attorney: Cassie J. Carpenter Bugalski
Cassie Bugalski represented a father in a case where the mother of their two children moved over 2 hours away from the home and school of the children. Years later, the mother filed a motion to modify the custody and support of the children stating that the children would be best off if they resided with her the majority of the time instead of father.
A guardian ad litem was appointed for the children and ultimately Ms. Bugalski was able to negotiate a settlement allowing the father of the children to have the eldest child reside with him seeing mother only when that child chose, and for the youngest child to reside with father during the school year and seeing mother on some weekends, holidays and during the summer. Father was also awarded child support for both children.
Attorney: Cassie J. Carpenter Bugalski
A husband inherited a significant amount of farm ground from his family valued at over $1.5 million.
Though wife claimed that the farm ground had been co-mingled since the couple built a house on the property several years into their marriage, Ms. Bugalski was able to negotiate a settlement setting the farm ground aside to husband as his separate non-marital property and dividing the remainder of the assets, total value less than $300,000.00, 50/50.
Attorney: Adrienne Spiller
Adrienne Spiller represented a father from a coastal state who found out he had a child in Missouri that he never knew about. The matter was highly contested throughout the entire case.
Father initially filed just wanting to establish a relationship with the child, which included the added logistical difficulty of father being several states away and the child being very young.
After fighting for and being granted time to get to know the child, father learned that child was living in an unsafe and unsanitary situation with mother. Ms. Spiller fought relentlessly for father and ultimately ended up getting father sole legal and sole physical custody of the child in the original case filed.
After a short time, father came back to Ms. Spiller and initiated a contested adoption matter that finally resulted in mother’s rights being terminated. Father’s wife was then able to officially adopt the child.
“When the facts are on your side, we fight hard to turn custody disputes and neglect into safe, permanent homes.”
— Adrienne Spiller, JD
Attorney: Adrienne Spiller
Wife hired Ms. Spiller to represent her in a divorce with the special request of the divorce being “amicable” and resolved quickly. Ms. Spiller worked with wife to generate all of the necessary documents for filing the dissolution matter with the court that preserved wife’s legal rights while not being overly contested or inflammatory.
Wife did not want husband formally served by a Sheriff, so Ms. Spiller provided the options of either hiring a private process server to serve husband or for husband to sign a Waiver of Service document to avoid being served. Upon the matter being filed with the court, Ms. Spiller completed proposed settlement documents to present to husband that included the terms discussed and agreed upon privately by wife and husband without any attorneys present.
Husband requested minimal changes, wife approved those changes, and Ms. Spiller prepared and presented final settlement documents for parties to sign. Wife was able to get through the dissolution process without ever appearing in court, thanks to Ms. Spiller.
Attorney: Adrienne Spiller
Adrienne Spiller successfully represented a client on a claim for third party custody against the child’s natural mother and natural father, both of which lived in different towns.
Despite the inherent difficulties in a third-party custody claim, at trial Ms. Spiller was able to convince the Judge to rebut the presumption that a child belongs with natural parent(s) and award her client primary residence – meaning the child went to school where the client lived and stayed with the client the majority of the time.
When you’re facing family law issues, uncertainty about the timeline can be one of the most stressful parts. At Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, we help you understand what’s ahead, and what we can do to move your case forward efficiently.
While every case is unique, here’s a general outline of how the process works:
We listen. We gather facts. And we explain your legal options in plain language.
We prepare and file the necessary court documents and ensure the other party is served properly and, if possible, respectfully.
In cases involving children or urgent financial matters, we may request temporary orders early in the process.
This phase involves exchanging relevant documents – financial records, parenting schedules, etc. We use this info. to prepare your case strategy.
Many family law matters settle before trial. We work to reach agreements through negotiation or mediation whenever possible.
If a settlement isn’t possible, we’re fully prepared to represent you at hearings or trial and advocate for the best possible outcome.
Call to schedule a consultation today, and let us help you achieve a favorable resolution for your family law matters
At Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, family law is a cornerstone of our practice. Our attorneys are not only deeply experienced in divorce, custody, adoption, and guardianship, but they’re also rooted in the communities we serve across Central Missouri.
Managing Partner
Cassie Bugalski leads the firm’s family law practice with a focus on high-asset divorces, complex property division, and child custody litigation. A Madison, Missouri native, Cassie brings over a decade of experience handling cases involving business interests,s farming asset division, real estate, and multi-jurisdictional family matters. She has served as Guardian ad Litem in Randolph County since 2011 and regularly speaks at Missouri Bar CLEs on parenting plans and family law fundamentals.
Bar Admissions: Missouri (2010), Kansas (2008)
Education: J.D., Washburn University; B.S., University of Central Missouri
Attorney
Adrienne Spiller is known for her success in highly contested family law cases — including custody, guardianship, third-party parenting claims, and contested adoptions. A Randolph County native and former Assistant Prosecutor, Adrienne also has deep experience with protective orders and juvenile matters. She serves as Guardian ad Litem for children and has presented on family law topics to fellow attorneys at the Missouri Bar’s Solo & Small Firm Conference.
Bar Admissions: Missouri (2016)
Education: J.D., University of Missouri; B.S., Missouri Southern State University
Associate Attorney
Cassidy Johnston focuses her practice on family law matters, including divorce, custody modifications, guardianships, and parenting plans. Raised in Clarence, Missouri, Cassidy serves as Guardian ad Litem and actively supports families in Shelby, Macon, and Randolph Counties. Her approach is rooted in practical guidance and clear communication during some of life’s most difficult transitions.
Bar Admissions: Missouri (2020)
Education: J.D., Creighton University School of Law; B.S., Columbia College
At Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, we understand the complexities and nuances of family law. Our legal team is here to help you navigate these challenges with compassion and expertise. We strive to empower our clients, ensuring they feel informed and supported throughout the process. We will advocate for your rights, whether you are facing divorce, need help with child custody, or want to explore adoption.
If you are facing family law issues and need reliable legal representation, look no further than Gump, Faiella & Bugalski. Our experienced family lawyers in Moberly, MO, will provide you with the support and guidance you require.
Missouri uses a standardized worksheet called a Form 14 to calculate child support. It considers each parent’s income, the number of children, insurance costs, childcare expenses, and parenting time in calculating support. The result is a “presumed” support amount, but the court can adjust it based on the child’s best interests and other factors. Reference: Missouri Supreme Court Rule 88.01 and Civil Procedure Form No. 14.
Missouri courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. Factors include each parent’s relationship with the child, ability to provide care, the child’s adjustment to home and school, and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. Our attorneys help present compelling evidence to secure custody arrangements that serve your children’s needs.
Yes, Missouri allows modifications when there’s a substantial change in circumstances. This might include job loss, relocation, or significant changes in the children’s needs. Our attorneys can help you petition for modifications or defend against modification requests while ensuring stability for your family.
Legal custody refers to decision-making rights about a child’s education, healthcare, and welfare. Physical custody determines where the child lives. Missouri courts may award joint or sole legal and/or physical custody based on what serves the child’s best interests, as outlined in recent case law and § 452.375 RSMo. Custody decisions aim to preserve meaningful relationships with both parents whenever possible.
Yes. All courts in Missouri require the parties to take a parenting class. The clas is typically in person, but, by request and court order only, can be taken online. Some courts will allow parties to waive the parenting class if they both agree that it is not necessary, but this varies from judge to judge. See § 452.600 RSMo.
Adoption involves complex legal requirements, from home studies to termination of parental rights. Our experienced attorneys guide you through each step, ensuring all legal requirements are met while helping you grow your family through adoption. We handle both related and unrelated adoptions throughout Randolph County and Missouri.
If both parties agree on all terms, an uncontested divorce in Missouri can be finalized in as little as 90–120 days. A contested divorce, involving disputes over custody, property, or support, can take anywhere from 6 months to over a year, depending on complexity and court scheduling.
Reference: Rule 55.25 (30-days to respond to the filing of a Petition).
Mediation is sometimes required in Missouri family law cases, especially those involving custody or parenting plans. Local courts may request parties attend mediation before trial. Mediation gives you a chance to resolve disputes privately with the help of a neutral third party. In some cases, courts will order the parties to attempt mediation, specifically when the Court feels the matters at issue are best left for the parties to decide, like the schedule they will use to share parenting time. Mediation is not required, as sometimes it cannot be accomplished due to the nature of the case at hand, such as when there’s a history of abuse.
Missouri follows “equitable distribution” laws, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Factors like the length of marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and economic circumstances are considered. At Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, we help ensure you receive a fair share of marital assets while protecting your separate property.
To file for divorce or custody in Missouri, at least one spouse or parent must have lived in the state for 90 days before filing. If children are involved, Missouri must also be the child’s “home state” — typically meaning the child has lived here for the past six months.
Reference: § 452.305.1 RSMo (divorce); § 452.445–452.550 RSMo (UCCJEA for child jurisdiction).
When more than one state could have jurisdiction over the parties to an action, we fight to ensure jurisdiction is had where the law is most favorable to our client’s position.
If you’re facing a family law issue in Central Missouri, the first step is having a conversation with someone who understands both the legal process and what’s at stake for your family.
At Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, we offer a free initial consultation to help you:
We will represent you to the best of our abilities, protect your rights, and advise you on how to proceed as we go through this difficult process. We know decisions about your family will impact you for years to come and we want you to participate in every decision along the way.
Ready to talk?
Schedule your free consultation using our online form or call us at 888-262-2718.
