Coulter Goldberger, LLC 2025-03-31T12:22:10Z https://www.coultergoldberger.com/feed/atom/ WordPress On Behalf of Coulter Goldberger, LLC <![CDATA[Exciting News: Our Attorneys Recognized as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars]]> https://www.coultergoldberger.com/?p=48845 2024-11-15T19:05:42Z 2024-11-15T19:05:42Z Exciting News: Our Attorneys Recognized as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars   We are proud to announce that several attorneys at Coulter Goldberger, LLC have been selected for inclusion in the 2024 editions of Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars. This recognition highlights their exceptional legal expertise, dedication to clients, and proven success in their respective practice areas.  

Super Lawyers Recognition

Each year, Super Lawyers identifies attorneys who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in their practice areas. Only a small percentage of attorneys—typically 5%—receive this prestigious honor, making it a true mark of excellence in the legal field. We are thrilled to share that Elliott Goldberger has earned this recognition for his exceptional work in Family Law. This is Elliott Goldberger’s second consecutive time receiving this recognition   Super Lawyers uses a rigorous selection process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and a review of a lawyer’s professional accomplishments. This accolade serves as a testament to the hard work and skill our attorneys bring to every case and client they serve.  

Rising Stars Recognition

In addition to Super Lawyers, we are also pleased to announce that Curran Coulter and Lauden Gillman have been named to Super Lawyers Rising Stars, a distinction reserved for the top up-and-coming attorneys under the age of 40. This honor is awarded to just 2.5% of lawyers across the country, showcasing the promise and dedication these young professionals have already demonstrated in their legal careers. This is Curran Coulter’s seventh consecutive time receiving this recognition, and Lauden Gillman’s fourth.   Rising Stars are selected through the same comprehensive process as Super Lawyers, ensuring that those chosen for this recognition have shown exceptional skill and potential in their fields.  

Why This Matters

At Coulter Goldberger, LLC, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation, and these recognitions reflect the caliber of talent and expertise within our team. Whether you are seeking guidance on Family Law or need assistance with complex legal challenges, our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to deliver results. We are incredibly proud of our team members for achieving this recognition, and we will continue to uphold the standards of excellence that have earned us the trust of our clients and peers alike.  

Congratulations to Our Award-Winning Attorneys!

Please join us in congratulating Curran Coulter, Elliott Goldberger, and Lauden Gillman for their well-deserved recognition. We look forward to continuing to serve our clients with the same level of professionalism and commitment that has earned them this honor.   If you need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Coulter Goldberger, LLC. Our team of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars is ready to help guide you through your legal challenges with skill and dedication. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for your continued trust in Coulter Goldberger, LLC.]]> On Behalf of Coulter Goldberger, LLC <![CDATA[Should Stay Off Social Media During Your Divorce]]> https://www.coultergoldberger.com/?p=46577 2022-08-17T14:59:29Z 2019-05-01T01:49:24Z Here are a few of the reasons why it would be wise to avoid using social media for the time being:
  • What you post can easily be misinterpreted: Many people make some rather frivolous and seemingly benign posts, but even those can be taken out of context and twisted into something harmful. It is even possible for pictures to be taken out of context and turned against you. For example, if you post a picture of yourself at a bar or with alcohol in the room, your spouse could potentially use this in court to claim that you party too frequently, drink too much, and are reckless.
  • Your social media post could contradict something you said in court: Did you claim that you are unable to afford spousal support or that you are basically broke? If you make a post on social media, showing off a big purchase or talking about a lavish vacation you just took, you are going to look dishonest to a judge. You might even be accused of hiding assets.
  • Your posts dive into the gory details of your divorce: Divorce is an emotional subject and it is easy to get carried away and write up a long rant about how terrible your spouse is or how much you despise him or her. This is only going to make you look bad in court. If you share children, a judge might also think you are unwilling to cooperate with your spouse as a co-parent, which can affect your ability to secure the custody or visitation rights you desire. Depending on the age of your children, the judge may have concerns about your children accessing these posts.
  • Your loved ones made a post about you: This can be a more difficult to manage or control. One way to protect yourself is by not allowing anyone to tag you in their posts. However, if your spouse shares any mutual friends with you, he or she might see it anyway, so make sure you speak to your closest friends and family members and ask that they respect your privacy and abstain from making any posts about you or your divorce.

Contact a Compassionate Divorce Attorney Today!

If you are considering a divorce, now is the time to set up an initial consultation with a divorce attorney to learn more about your options. At Coulter Goldberger, LLC, our team is committed to helping clients navigate a vast array of family law issues, including divorce. With our results-focused approach and proven history of success, you can feel confident in our ability to handle your case and help you get the results you deserve. Call our law office today at (314) 309-2377 to schedule a consultation with a member of our team. We offer both weekend and evening appointments for your convenience.]]> On Behalf of Coulter Goldberger, LLC <![CDATA[Mistakes You Should Avoid During Divorce]]> https://www.coultergoldberger.com/?p=46572 2022-08-17T14:59:43Z 2019-04-18T01:48:19Z Here are some of the most common divorce mistakes you should make an effort to avoid:
  • Using the court system to get back at your ex: You might feel a lot of anger toward your spouse, but using the court to exact revenge on him or her may backfire on you. For example, if you are fighting over property or assets that mean nothing to you simply because you know they are meaningful for your spouse, will cause you to spend more time in the court process, inflate your own costs, and may cause your spouse to take the same approach on items they know you value. If you share children with your spouse, turning your divorce into a mission for revenge may also impact them and add to their stress.
  • Speaking negatively about your ex to your kids: You should also avoid saying negative things about your ex to your children or to other in front of your children. If you feel the need to vent about your spouse or your case, there are better resources available. You can go to a therapist or talk to a trusted friend or relative (Be mindful to the discoverability of statements made about your spouse. If you have questions about discovery, please talk to your attorney.) Things might not have worked out with your spouse, but he or she will always be a parent to your children. Bad mouthing him or her to your kids will only hurt them and make it more difficult to cope with an already challenging situation. Making negative statements about the other parent may also damage your relationship with your children.
  • Being dishonest in court to hide assets: As much as you might want to hold onto certain assets to keep them from getting divided, doing so will hurt you in court. It can lead to many adverse outcomes including but not limited to a loss of credibility with the court, a judgment that is subject to being set aside, a order favoring the opposing party, and an award of attorneys fees. Lying in court will never do you any favors, so be honest and hire an experienced attorney to help you achieve the results you want instead of resorting to actions that can cost you.
  • Not complying with court orders: As soon as the divorce process begins, the court may issue a number of orders regarding issues like child custody and spousal support. It is crucial that you are in full compliance with the court’s orders, regardless of how you feel about them. Otherwise, you might end up in contempt.

Contact an Experienced Divorce Attorney Today!

Another mistake you should avoid when going through the divorce process is neglecting to hire a skilled divorce attorney to represent you and protect your interests. At Coulter Goldberger, LLC, our experienced divorce team will help you navigate the complexities of your case to ensure you are able to obtain the best possible results. Contact our law office today at (314) 309-2377 to schedule a case evaluation with one of our attorneys to discuss your case and learn more about how our team can help you during this difficult time.]]> On Behalf of Coulter Goldberger, LLC <![CDATA[What is Cyberbullying & How Can It Be Stopped?]]> https://www.coultergoldberger.com/?p=46570 2023-03-23T05:07:35Z 2019-04-04T01:47:33Z cyberbullying. If you are a parent who has a child or teenager, then you should know more about cyberbullying, its signs, and what to do to stop it.

Is Cyberbullying Just Online Bullying?

In summary, cyberbullying is any form of harassment that is made possible or escalates due to an online presence or connection. Children can be cyberbullied by strangers who threaten them in online video games, or they can be cyberbullied by a classmate who spreads rumors about them through Facebook posts, for example. It is important to realize that cyberbullying is not always isolated to just online incidents. There are many cases in which a teen is first bullied in person and then cyberbullied, or vice versa.

How Can You Recognize The Signs Of Cyberbullying?

In acts of physical or in-person bullying, you might be able to notice it immediately due to physical harm, such as your child coming home with a scraped knee or ripped shirt. Cyberbullying is a little trickier to spot. Without a direct connection to the bully, children who are being cyberbullied may only exhibit signs of emotional distress, which can be subtle. Your child may be a victim of cyberbullying if:
  • They have suddenly stopped playing their favorite game and refuse to play it again.
  • They have suspicious or aggressive posts from others on their social media accounts.
  • They have deleted or hidden their social media accounts without explanation.
  • They are showing mood swings, such as bouts of depression or anxiety.
  • They seem fearful whenever around or talking about a certain classmate.
  • They have mentioned thoughts of hopelessness or suicide*.
(* Please get your child help if you believe your child is experiencing suicidal thoughts, regardless of whether it is related to cyberbullying. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be contacted online by clicking here, or by dialing 1-800-273-TALK [8255] at any time. There is always a person to talk to and hope at this hotline. There are many qualified mental health professionals who may be able to help your child as well.)

How Can You Stop Cyberbullying?

As a parent of a child or teenager who may be cyberbullied, you must approach the situation carefully if you want to bring it to an end. The right first step is generally talking to your child about what is going on. Openness, honesty, and compassion from a parent can give a child or teen the encouragement they need to shake the feeling of being bullied.It also gives them an important outlet for frustrations and allows you to have more information to better help them get the resources they need. Try to get as much information as you can from your child about the cyberbullying events without making them feel “interrogated.” You may consider talking to a professional about the best way to approach your child. If your child is being cyberbullied by a classmate, then you may need to get their school involved. There are many benefits to consulting with an attorney prior to contacting the school. Telling the school about this problem can help by allowing additional people to monitor the interactions between the classmates, and it puts them on notice about the behavior . If they do not take action or promise corrections, then there may be further recourse available.

Using Legal Action To End Cyberbullying

A legal plan of action may become necessary to protect your child. This is where Coulter Goldberger, LLC and our St. Louis family law attorneys can step in and support you. As highly-experienced family law attorneys with a history of complex case management and a focus on anti-bullying cases, Coulter Goldberger, LLC can come up with creative solutions to cyberbullying cases. It might even be possible for you and your family to receive compensation if the bullying caused significant harm, or a person or institution of authority failed to reasonably protect your child from the bullying. Talk about your options with our St. Louis family lawyers today by calling (314) 309-2377. Free and confidential consultations are available.]]> On Behalf of Coulter Goldberger, LLC <![CDATA[Top 5 Benefits of Hiring a Family Law Attorney]]> https://www.coultergoldberger.com/?p=46568 2022-08-17T14:59:56Z 2019-03-29T01:46:46Z family law dispute will feel close-to-the-heart by its nature. However,it important to remember that they are legal processes at their core. Approaching a legal dispute without the help of an experienced attorney can cause the situation can cause you to make mistakes that are unable to be fixed or, worse, materially affect the outcome. Before you get too far into your family law case or divorce, take a moment to consider the benefits you could enjoy by to hiring legal counsel. The top 5 benefits you get when you hire a family law attorney are:
  1. Clear options: The details of a family law dispute or divorce can get more legally complex than you may first anticipate. For example, how should you structure the purchase of your vehicle while you have a pending case where spousal support (maintenance/alimony) may be in controversy. When you run into a legal question, your attorney is there to give options so you can make an informed decision as to what is best for you. You will not feel in the dark or out of the loop.
  2. Trustworthy guidance: There will always be crossroads in any family law case. Which direction should you go? Your attorney will be in your corner and on your side, dedicated to upholding your best interests and that of your children. When you can go one of multiple directions, let them be your guide by tapping into their experience and insight.
  3. Civil approach: Divorces can slow down if they become contested. Most of the time, the odds of a contested divorce spike due to heated arguments between both spouses. If you let your divorce attorney act on your behalf, then you can let them be the professional middle man between yourself and your spouse (or the opposing counsel if your spouse is represented), reducing the chances of fights and maintaining a civil approach all the while.
  4. Legal representation: You never know when a family law case will get complicated and contentious. Many that start peacefully end up in the courtroom eventually. By having a family lawyer with you at the start of your case, you will be more than ready for courtroom litigation, if it becomes necessary.
  5. Continued support: No matter how your family law dispute ends, it is easy to feel a little lost afterwards. It is also feasible that similar issues will arise in the future. You can benefit from the continued support of your family lawyer by knowing they will always be there to help you in the future. They have already helped you once, so you do not have to worry about looking for a new attorney who is not familiar with your life and the details of your previous case and they will be able to advise you on best situating yourself for future litigation.
When you need a trustworthy family lawyer on your side, come to Coulter Goldberger, LLC in St. Louis County. Throughout our years of collective experience, we have served thousands of families in the area get through difficult times, just like what you are going through now. Our team believes an open line of honest communication is necessary to reach an amicable outcome, but we are always ready to litigate on your behalf if an agreement cannot be reached otherwise. Call Coulter Goldberger, LLC at (314) 309-2377 to arrange a free consultation about your case.]]> On Behalf of Coulter Goldberger, LLC <![CDATA[Why Should Adults and Children Legally Change Their Names?]]> https://www.coultergoldberger.com/?p=46566 2022-08-17T15:00:20Z 2019-03-23T01:46:04Z
  • Protection. If you and your child are in a situation involving domestic violence, changing your name can provide added protection from your aggressor.
  • Adoption. The adoption process usually involves changing the child’s name to the new family’s name, and this option is available for all types of adoptions. Whether you are seeking a domestic adoption through a private or independent agency, or an international adoption, legally changing your new child’s name can increase the sense of closeness within the family.
  • Marriage. When a couple marries, they often want to change their children’s surnames to match the new family name. This is may be true regardless of whether the person being married is the child’s father. In cases involving marriage, legally changing both the spouse’s name and the minor’s name can increase the sense of unity with the new family.
  • Divorce. Divorce is also a situation where the separating parents seek name changes not only for themselves. For example, when a person divorces, they may choose to restore a prior name or maiden name.
  • Paternity. If a child is given the mother’s surname at birth, some people request a change of the child’s name to the father’s surname as part of a paternity action.
  • Child’s choice. If a minor child wishes to seek a name change, Missouri requires that the child’s next friend or guardian file the petition on their behalf. A next friend is a person appointed by the court to act on the child’s behalf, and is usually the child’s physical custodian. A signed form of written consent must also be provided by each known parent in order for the court to accept the name change. Once a child is no longer a minor, however, no parental consent is necessary.
    • Seeking a legal name change is a significant decision that can provide many benefits. Whether you want to create family unity, increase your safety and protection, or simply get a different or easier name for you or your child, filing the necessary paperwork with the court can lead to the desired outcome. At Coulter Goldberger, LLC, our St. Louis County family law attorneys can discuss your options and help you decide if a name change is beneficial for you. We have the experience necessary to navigate the family court systems as you seek a legal name change. Contact Coulter Goldberger, LLC today for more information.]]>         On Behalf of Coulter Goldberger, LLC <![CDATA[What Should I Do When Filing a Paternity Action?]]> https://www.coultergoldberger.com/?p=46564 2023-03-23T04:57:23Z 2019-03-20T01:45:18Z Here are some necessaries for paternity actions:

    1.Establishing Paternity

    Paternity, meaning fatherhood, can be established through a lawsuit initated by either parent or the Missouri Family Support Division through a local prosecutor. A voluntary consent of fatherhood can be filed as an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity in the hospital where the child was born. Although, this does not establish custody, visitation, nor support Custody, visitation, and support are often established by filing a Petition requesting the relief you are seeking. If you are considering a dissolution and had any of your children prior to the marriage, you are required to file a Paternity Action to establish custody, visitation, and/or child support for the children born outside of the marriage. Establishing paternity can influence various factors, including:
    • Child support
    • Child custody
    • Visitation rights
    • Health insurance benefits
    • Social Security benefits
    If paternity is being disputed, DNA testing may be court ordered. If there is not a dispute of about paternity, DNA testing will not be required. Once paternity is established, both parents can request significant contact with the child, that the other provide child support, and a right to a court hearing about certain issues related to the minor child such as petitions for termination of parental rights or adoption of the child.

    2.Contesting Paternity

    Determining the proper jurisdiction and venue for a paternity action can be complicated. Once a party files a Complaint to Establish Paternity, the non-filing party has a limited time to respond or point out fault with the filing after being served. Generally, there are 3 types of responses. Some defenses may be waived if they are not waived if you do not plea them properly or plead in your initial responsive filing, so be sure to consult an attorney if you are unsure how to respond. The genetic test uses a cheek swab to compare your DNA to the child’s DNA. In the state of Missouri, the DNA must be a 98% match for the court to acknowledge legal paternity. If the alleged father is found to be the biological parent, the court will typically order him to pay for the DNA test. However, if the alleged father is not the biological parent, the court will generally order the mother to pay for the test.

    Call Our St. Louis County Family Law Attorneys Today at (314) 309-2377

    At Coulter Goldberger, LLC, we passionately represent clients in paternity lawsuits. Whether you are a mother seeking child support, or a father wanting a relationship with your child, we can discuss your options and provide knowledgeable legal assistance. Our firm has guided hundreds of clients through the complicated divorce and family law system in Missouri. With our compassionate, diligent services, you can receive the legal help you need for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.]]>         On Behalf of Coulter Goldberger, LLC <![CDATA[What Is the Role of a Guardian ad Litem?]]> https://www.coultergoldberger.com/?p=46562 2022-08-17T15:00:40Z 2019-03-14T01:44:35Z Here are three main functions of a GAL in a family law matter:
    1. Represent the child’s best interests. The GAL is responsible for representing the child’s best interests in a family law case. According to Missouri law, a child’s best interests include both physical health and safety as well as emotional wellbeing, and the GAL is responsible for making sure those interests are upheld throughout the proceedings and in the final decision.
    2. Conduct an investigation. The GAL will interview both parents, contact others involved with the child, such as family members and friends, and also request other documentation to determine the best interests of the child. Such documents include school records, counseling reports, and medical history reports. The GAL will then use this information to determine what situation will uphold the child’s best interests.
    3. Make a custody recommendation. After analyzing all pieces of evidence related to the family situation, the GAL will recommend a custody arrangement that will best suit the needs of the child. If parents and GAL are unable to agree on a custody arrangement, they can go to trial and seek to persuade a judge to follow their proposed custody arrangments; Although not required to do so, courts often follow the GAL’s recommendation.
    The guardian ad litem plays an essential role in determining the outcome of a custody case. It is important for parents to cooperate with the GAL and seek a beneficial solution, and our St. Louis County family law attorneys at Coulter Goldberger, LLC can work with you and advocate your positions to the GAL assigned to the case. We can help seek an outcome that upholds your child’s best interests and we can represent you throughout the case. Whether you are dealing with a complicated divorce, child support, domestic violence case, or other family law matter, our lawyers can help. Call Coulter Goldberger, LLC today at (314) 309-2377 for a free consultation for a family law case.]]>         On Behalf of Coulter Goldberger, LLC <![CDATA[How Does Domestic Violence Affect Applications for Custody?]]> https://www.coultergoldberger.com/?p=46559 2022-08-17T15:00:48Z 2019-03-07T02:43:44Z Domestic violence is a growing concern in the United States. In fact, studies show that more than 10 million people experience domestic violence every year nationwide. Courts are required to consider whether there is a pattern of domestic violence and make specific finds if they award custody to an abusive parent and find that said award isin the best interests of the child. There are three ways domestic violence affects child custody applications:
    1. Affects the granting of custody. Courts take a family’s history of domestic violence into consideration when determining custody arrangements, and are less likely to grant joint or sole custody to the abusive partner. Other factors may still allow the court to grant custody to the abusive parent, however, if it is in the child’s best interests.
    2. Affects visitation rights. A history of domestic violence can also affect a parent’s visitation rights.. To determine what is in the child’s best interests, courts must consider certain factors, including the mental health of all individuals involved. Sometimes, courts may order supervised visitation to promote the safety of the child.
    3. Affects parental rights. Domestic violence may cause a judge to terminate the parental rights of the abusive parent, which means a parent loses all rights of legal and physical custody of the child. This decision is used only in the most severe cases of abuse, and it is impossible for the parent to regain parental rights once termination is ordered. Terminations of parental rights are frequently tied to a step-parent adoption.
    Domestic violence issues are complicated and can have a significant impact on child custody arrangements. That is why it is important to seek representation to understand the facts of your case and seek an outcome that provides the greatest benefit for your child. At Coulter Goldberger, LLC, our experienced St. Louis County family law lawyers can provide knowledgeable representation throughout the legal process. Contact our firm today to learn more about our family law services.]]>         On Behalf of Coulter Goldberger, LLC <![CDATA[Attorney Curran Coulter Named Top 10 Best Family Law Attorney by AIOFLA in 2018]]> https://www.coultergoldberger.com/?p=46547 2023-03-22T12:52:18Z 2018-11-28T02:39:41Z Attorney Coulter Earns National Distinction for 4th Consecutive Year This year, Attorney Curran Coulter of Coulter Goldberger, LLC has been named among the top 10 best family lawyers by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. It is the fourth consecutive year he has won this award. Attorney Coulter’s success in family litigation is due in part to his background in business and his ability to skillfully handle the more complex financial implications of various family law matters. He has earned his reputation among clients as a winsome, clear communicator, a stabilizing presence during tumultuous legal conflicts, and an effective advocate in a variety of family issues. Coulter routinely assists clients in matters relating to divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, juvenile law, adoption, and more.

    Top 10 Best Family Law Attorney Award

    Since 2014, the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys has set out to recognize and celebrate lawyers who excel in their field and consistently achieve victory for their clients. In order to win an award from the AIOFLA, an attorney must be formally nominated by a client, a professional peer, or by the Institute itself. According to the Institute, an attorney must “have attained the highest degree of professional achievement in his or her field of law” and do so “with an impeccable Client Satisfaction rating” if they are to be eligible for any award. Membership in the AIOFLA is exclusively bestowed upon those attorneys who distinguish themselves, rise to the top of their legal field, and serve their clients well. Those who manage to do so are few and far between. Attorney Curran has proven to be one such professional and continues to provide positive results and high levels of client satisfaction to families in St. Louis County.

    If you are in need of legal help resolving a family matter, call Coulter Goldberger, LLC, LLC today at (314) 309-2377.

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