Christopher Fink
Educate, Defend & Empower
Chris has enjoyed the solo practice of law for more than 25 years. Over that span, Chris has helped thousands of clients with a variety of legal problems, including divorce, child custody, bankruptcy, personal injury settlements, paternity actions, collections matters, and many more. Chris practices in the Kansas City area serving Platte, Clay, Jackson and other surrounding counties. Chris resides in Platte County with his 4 children.
Growing up on corn and soybean row crop farm outside of Oregon, Missouri, Chris learned the value of hard work and small town values. A graduate of South Holt High School's Class of 1988, Chris then went on to attend college at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Upon graduating from MIZZOU in 1992 with a degree in Agricultural Journalism and a Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, Chris completed the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Chris served in the Missouri Army National Guard from 1992-2000. His first assignment was as 1-129th FA Delta Battery (Truman's Own) Fire Direction Officer. Later, Chris became a Captain in the Missouri Army National Guard's Judge Advocate General Corps.
- Divorce
- Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
- Family Law
- Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Paternity, Same Sex Family Law
- DUI & DWI
- Traffic Tickets
- Suspended License
- Bankruptcy
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
- Personal Injury
- Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents
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Free Consultation
Free 30 minute consultation - Credit Cards Accepted
- Contingent Fees
- Missouri
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- English: Spoken, Written
- Attorney
- Fink Law Firm KC
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- General practice law firm, Divorce and Child Custody, Criminal Defense, Consumer Protection, DUI, Bankruptcy, Auto Accidents & Injury
- Partner
- Cornerstone Law Firm
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- University of Missouri School of Law
- J.D. (1996) | Law
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- University of Missouri - Columbia
- B.S. (1992) | Agricultural Journalism
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- Honors: Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society
- Activities: R.O.T.C., Alpha Gamma Sigma Fraternity, Marching Mizzou, Student Athletic Board
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- Top Rated Family Law Attorney in Kansas City, MO
- Super Lawyers
- Top 25 Divorce Lawyers in Kansas City
- Expertise
- Top 100
- National Trial Lawyers
- "10 Best"
- American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
- Top 100 Lawyers
- American Society of Legal Advocates
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers # 45777
- Member
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- American Society of Legal Advocates
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- National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Atotrneys (NACBA)
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- National Association of Consumer Advocates
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- Platte County Bar Association # 45777
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- Clay County Bar Association # 45777
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- Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys # 45777
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- Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers # 45777
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- The Missouri Bar # 45777
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- Attorney at Law
- The Missouri Bar
- Website
- Fink Law Firm KC
Chris Fink 3 v2
- Q. Confused on how custody judgment granted both sole and joint custody
- A: In Missouri there are 2 primary categories of custody...physical and legal. Physical custody deals with each parties "parenting time" with the child; or if Sole Physical Custody is granted, then the term "visitation" is used for the non-custodial parent's time with the child. Legal Custody describes the rights of the parents as to legal decisions, such as educational, medical, extracurricular, etc. The presumed "best interest of the child" custody arrangement is going to be granting the parents Joint Physical and Joint Legal Custody. If a party believes it is in the best interest of the child that they be awarded Sole Physical and/or Sole Legal Custody, then the burden of proof falls on that requesting party to convince the court. And if certain issues exist, then a Judge could award Sole Physical and Sole Legal Custody, or alternatively it could be any combination. For example if the court finds that the parties just do not have the capability to communicate, then perhaps Joint Physical Custody and Sole Legal Custody might be in the child's best interest, or alternatively Joint Physical to both parents, but Sole Legal Custody to one parent.
- Q. If I am still married can I switch my direct deposit and money to another account not in my wife's name/joint account?
- A: It is your right to deposit your money into your own account. However, the structure of the account does not convert the funds to a non-marital asset. Your income and her income are considered marital property regardless of how the account is set up. Similar to a vehicle purchased during the marriage that is titled in an individual name rather than joint names...it is still considered a marital asset.
- Q. I am wondering if it is a crime to shut off my spouses cell phone, sell the car and stop giving her an allowance
- A: If it is your wife's cell phone and your wife's vehicle, then the answer would be yes it would be fraudulent as you would not have the authority to interfere with her contract with her cell phone provider or transfer legal title in her vehicle. If there is a court order requiring you to pay these items, then you could be held in contempt of court for violating the court's order. Your best bet, in my opinion, is to find a lawyer in your area and deal with these issues the appropriate way with the courts.
