The Missouri Bar

Britney Spears Makes a Comeback

The big news in entertainment is Britney Spears' successful comeback after a year filled with divorce, a shaved head and loss of custody of her two young sons.

Spears' young life - she turns 27 this week - highlights major legal family issues. Her father is the conservator of her estate. She pays child support to her ex-husband after navigating a nasty divorce and custody battle.

The Law in Your Life offers podcasts on several of these topics. Find out what you need to know about these important issues before they happen to you:

Conservatorship

Missouri Child Support

Child Custody/Parenting Coordination

Law in Your Life #60: Fighting the Government... and Winning

When you get into trouble with the government, chances are, you feel like you are on the losing side of the battle. But you do have rights - and sometimes, you can win. What types of situations could you encounter with the government? And what are your rights when this happens? Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson finds out from Jefferson City attorney Niki Sublett.

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Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 11.9 meg)
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CT Judge Makes Gay Marriages Traditional

Gay couples now have the right to marry in Connecticut. A state Supreme Court judge struck down a civil union law, which allowed couples to marry. But some gay rights activists said that wasn't enough - gay couples should be able to marry, not just get a civil union. In the ruling, the court called bans against gay marriage and the use of civil unions discrimination. The New York Times has more details.

Gay marriage was banned four years ago in Missouri with the passage of a constitutional amendment. Some Missouri couples go to other states to get married, but are these marriages legal in the Show-Me State?

Host Angela Wilson finds out from attorney Allan T. Stewart in this Law in Your Life podcast on gay marriage. 

Law in Your Life #56: Medical Bills

Medical expenses are some of the most costly to pay - especially for the uninsured. What you may not know is that hospitals typically overcharge for services, or bill you for services that were not performed. What else should you know when dealing with mounting medical debt? Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson sits down with attorney Larry Ferguson to learn more.

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Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 29.6 meg)
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Law in Your Life #55: International Child Abductions

Parental child abductions are frightening - especially when the children are taken overseas. These cases are difficult to navigate as international laws come into play. This week, Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson finds out just how common these abductions are, and what you need to know if it happens to you from attorney Chris Schmidt. Schmidt will also discuss ways to prevent international child custody issues before they happen.

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Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 12.9 meg)
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Music Legend Dies

Musician Isaac Hayes died this weekend. He was 65. Hayes, known for the pop culture theme for Shaft and groundbreaking work in music, was also the voice of Chef on the cable's popular South Park.

The death of a spouse or relative is an incredibly emotional time for family and friends. While celebrating the life of your loved one, you must also handle several legal issues - some critical. Attorney Reg Turnbull explains in this Law in Your Life podcast.

Law in Your Life #46: Family Laws Remain Unchanged

Once again, Missouri lawmakers failed to pass important changes to family laws. This week, host Angela Wilson discusses the issues at hand, and why changes are needed with attorney Larry Swall.

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Law in Your Life #43: Military Legal Issues

Military families face tough legal issues when a soldier leaves on a tour of duty. What issues can the military help them with? When should they hire a private attorney to meet their needs. This week, The Missouri Bar's Military Law Committee Chair, Terry Jarrett, discusses these important issues with Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson. Issues include child custody, divorce, talking with your landlord and more. (Internet Explorer users click twice.)

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Law in Your Life #41: Gay Marriage

California's high court overturned a ban on gay marriage in the state. This month, thousands of couples flocked to the western state to get married. (Read more in the LA Times) Missourians approved a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in 2004. What happens if Missouri couples get married in California? Will their civil union be recognized? What about benefits? This week, host Angela Wilson tackles this complicated issue with attorney Allan T. Stewart.

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Law in Your Life #39: Domestic Violence

What do you do if you are in an abusive relationship? How can you help a friend or family member who is? This week, host Angela Wilson finds out from attorney Brandi Byrd. (Internet Explorer users click twice.)

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On the Web:

Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 9.5 meg)
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On the Web:

Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence