Located just off of the Neosho Square, the firm is dedicated to providing superior legal services and counsel to clients throughout Barry, Jasper, McDonald, and Newton counties. Our attention to each client and case is based upon a commitment to the following principles:
We truly want to get the best possible result for our clients in each matter, no matter how large or small the case. We take a practical approach to each case to avoid any over complication of the issues to obtain an efficient resolution.
We recognize that our clients value a quick resolution to their legal issues, and we strive to avoid any unnecessary delay. Case delays are of no benefit to the client or the attorney.
We will always give clients an honest evaluation of their case or situation. We recognize this may be very different from what our client wants to hear. Unreasonable expectations are fatal to a successful relationship between the client and attorney.
Initial consultations are always free and fee arrangements will always be discussed before any charges accrue. No hidden fees or surprises.
We return phone calls. We answer emails. We want our clients to be confident that we are available when they need us and know they can depend on us to respond to their needs.
Our clients are important to us and we seek to protect them and their communications. We endeavor for, and are honored when, our clients refer to us as “their lawyer.”
A joyful but often stressful process where attention to every detail is required. We guide our clients through every step of the adoption process and aim to make our clients confident their adoption will be handled quickly and correctly. Our office finalizes over 100 adoptions each year, which include:
Often called “estate administration”, this can be a confusing court-supervised process of transferring legal title from a person who has died (the “decedent”) to the person’s heirs or distributes. Specializing in this area of law, we can assist you through all types of probate matters, including:
By planning ahead, we help our clients make sure their assets are taken care of while they are living and in the event of an unexpected tragedy. From a simple will to a complex trust, we aim to empower our clients so that they feel secure in knowing that their wishes will be carried out according to plan. Estate planning covers a broad range of legal services, including:
Whether you are starting a new business, or are a large Southwest Missouri corporation, we can assist in your business transactional matters. We represent many local businesses and their owners, providing legal services including:
Whether it be drafting a deed to transfer property or litigating over a disputed fence line, we can help you resolve your real estate matters. We have extensive experience in all aspects of real estate law, including:
We want you to call us “your lawyer” and we will try to help you with any legal issue you may have. If your legal needs involve an area of practice to which we do not handle, we will be sure to refer you to another office that specializes in handling your type of case. Our practice areas are too numerous to list, and include many matters that don’t fall within any specific category. Some other common matters we handle on a regular basis include:
(1944-2019)
“I was truly blessed to have practiced alongside my uncle for the last 17 years. John Sims was the consummate professional, remarkable for his legal wisdom and work ethic. John truly loved the practice of law. His enthusiasm for legal research and preparation was unmatched. Among our legal community, there is no lawyer more respected than John Sims in areas of real estate and probate law. John’s unique courtroom delivery and demeanor was unmistakable – gruff and blunt, with well-timed dry humor and wit. John will be dearly missed by his colleagues and community.”
– David Sims
Beginning in January of 2018, the Missouri Adoptee Rights Act allows adopted persons over the age of 18 to obtain a copy of their original birth certificate from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. A simple application is all that is required. The original birth certificate will contain the name of the adoptee’s […]
Here is a general procedural overview of a typical step-parent adoption case in Missouri. The example will assume that a step-father is adopting his wife’s biological child. The biological mother and adoptive step-father will be referred to as the “Clients”. 1. Clients meet with attorney to discuss goals, procedure, fees, and gather information. 2. The […]
Finalize an adoption in 2014? Be sure to claim the adoption tax credit. Adoptive parents can claim up to $13,190 in tax credit per child. If the child is deemed to “have special needs” (having been in foster care may qualify*), no actual adoption expense need be shown to claim the full $13,190 credit. Otherwise […]
