Your First Consultation

During your initial consultation, we take the time to listen to your story and understand your primary concerns. We then discuss potential paths forward and the expected costs involved. Just as importantly, this conversation helps determine whether we will make a good team. This is your life, and it’s too important to hire someone who simply tells you what you want to hear. We will give you honest, straightforward guidance—even when it may be difficult to hear.


If you’re ready for that level of transparency, here’s how the divorce process generally works for clients throughout the Kansas City metro area, including Overland Park, Kansas and surrounding communities.

Guiding You Through The Divorce Process From Start To Finish

Starting A Divorce

The first step is determining the best approach for resolving your situation. This may include negotiation, mediation, collaborative law, or traditional divorce litigation. At Shea Stevens Law, LLC, we help clients across Kansas City, Overland Park, and nearby areas in Kansas and Missouri understand how each option works, reviewing the pros and cons so you can choose the path that best fits your family’s needs.


During this stage, we may also establish temporary orders for matters such as child support, living arrangements, and household expenses.


It’s also important to understand that moving out during a divorce is not considered abandonment of your children under Kansas and Missouri family law. Temporary custody arrangements can be put in place while we work toward a final parenting plan.

Sharing Details

Once a divorce petition has been filed and a response has been submitted, the case enters the discovery phase. During this stage, both parties gather and exchange detailed information about their shared life, including:


  • Bank accounts
  • Retirement accounts
  • Investments
  • Business interests
  • The family home and any vacation properties
  • Personal belongings
  • Shared debts


If children are involved, we will also begin developing a parenting plan and addressing child support. These matters are typically handled separately from financial issues to reduce unnecessary stress on the children.


Our firm regularly assists families throughout the Kansas City metro, including Johnson County, Overland Park, and surrounding areas, in organizing and navigating this phase efficiently.

Finalizing The Divorce

Many divorce cases in Kansas City and Overland Park are resolved through negotiation or mediation. With accurate information and honest legal guidance, it is often possible to find more common ground than expected. Once an agreement is reached, it is submitted to the court for approval, finalizing the divorce.


If a resolution cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial. Trial preparation can be lengthy, complex, and costly, and outcomes are never guaranteed. A judge—who only knows your situation through the evidence presented—will ultimately make the final decisions.


For this reason, pursuing a trial simply to prevent the other side from “winning” is rarely a sound strategy. While some issues, such as domestic abuse, may require litigation, it is essential to move forward with strong arguments and well-supported facts.

It Starts With A Phone Call

This is a general overview of the divorce process, and every case is unique. If you are looking for an experienced Kansas City divorce lawyer or Overland Park family law attorney, Shea Stevens Law, LLC is here to help.


Call our Overland Park office at 913-242-7522 to schedule your consultation today.