St. Louis, Missouri Divorce Lawyers & Attorneys Located in Creve Coeur, MO
Our divorce lawyers and attorneys represent clients in divorce and related actions at the Clayton Courthouse. We are talented litigators and shrewd negotiators with a well-earned reputation as tireless advocates. We prepare our cases meticulously because we know that the results of these cases are long-lasting. Our St. Louis divorce lawyers will be there with you every step of the way. No matter whether your case requires zealous representation in court or an amicable resolution outside of court, we can help.
To learn more about the St. Louis County Courts in Clayton, you can visit the following resources:
- St. Louis County, Missouri Judiciary: Any additional information you may be looking for about the St. Louis County Judiciary can be found here.
- Clayton Parking Information: Click here for a link that will answer any parking questions you may have regarding the Clayton courthouse.
- Directions to Clayton Courthouse: Click here for a link to help you find your way to and from the Clayton Courthouse using Google Maps.
Providing Bold Representation and Common Sense Solutions For Your Divorce in St. Louis, Missouri
We know that there is no singular solution that can resolve every situation. When you hire our firm, we will provide a thorough review of your case and develop a well-considered approach tailored to help you reach your goals. Ultimately, our only concern is to put you in the best possible situation so that you can move forward with your life.
We have successfully resolved divorce-related issues involving all aspects of divorce, including:
- High net worth divorce in St. Louis: If you are of a high net worth, protecting your assets is likely a paramount concern. Our attorneys can assist you with your high-net-worth divorce case.
- Domestic Litigation Lawyers in St. Louis: If you have a domestic litigation matter in St. Louis, we represent numerous clients in these matters. Domestic relations law is the only area of law in which we practice.
- Parenting time and visitation in St. Louis: Our attorneys can assist you with any parenting time and visitation matters. We know how important your kids are to you.
- Support lawyers in St. Louis, Missouri: Our attorneys can help you through any support matters and answer any questions you might have. We can also ensure that support is calculated fairly and accurately.
- Spousal maintenance and alimony in St. Louis, MO: Find information about spousal maintenance and alimony by clicking on this link. Whether you are the payer or the recipient, you must have the information you need.
- Complex property division in St. Louis: If you’re looking for more information regarding complex property division in St. Louis, MO, click on this link to show more about equitable distribution.
- Collaborative divorce in St. Louis: If you want to resolve your divorce outside of court, we can help. Both Kirk Stange and Kelly Davidzuk are collaborative divorce lawyers who are members of the Missouri Collaborative Institute.
- Divorce mediation lawyers in St. Louis, MO: Seeking to mediate your divorce matter in St. Louis? The lawyers at Stange Law Firm can help. Both Kirk Stange and Kelly Davidzuk are mediators.
Key Questions for St. Louis, Missouri Divorce Lawyers/Attorneys
Grounds for Divorce in St. Louis, MO
Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, meaning a marriage may be dissolved when there are irreconcilable differences and there is no reasonable likelihood the marriage can be preserved. A spouse is not required to prove wrongdoing by the other party to obtain a divorce. However, marital misconduct may still be considered by the court when determining issues such as the division of marital property and debts, as well as spousal maintenance.
Residency Requirements in St. Louis, Missouri
Before filing for divorce in Missouri, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for a minimum of 90 days. Divorce actions are generally filed in the county where the petitioner resides. In certain situations, a party may request a change of venue if another county is more appropriate for the case.
Court Names and Party Roles
Divorce cases in Missouri are heard in the Circuit Court. The process begins with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and concludes with the entry of a Judgment (or Decree) of Dissolution of Marriage. The spouse who files the petition is known as the Petitioner, while the other spouse is referred to as the Respondent.
Legal Separation in St. Louis, Missouri
Missouri also allows couples to pursue a legal separation instead of a divorce. Legal separation may be appropriate when the spouses are living apart but believe there is still a possibility of reconciliation. Like a divorce, a legal separation allows the court to address issues such as property division, spousal maintenance, child custody, parenting time, and child support. The same residency requirements apply, and a legal separation may later be converted into a divorce if reconciliation is no longer possible.
Spousal Maintenance in St. Louis, MO
Spousal maintenance may be awarded to a spouse who cannot support themselves or is responsible for a child whose needs prevent outside employment. Factors considered by the court include:
- Time needed for education or training to earn a sufficient income
- Comparative earning potential of both spouses
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Marital assets and debts
- Length of the marriage
- Age, physical, and mental health of the requesting spouse
- Financial ability of the supporting spouse
- Conduct of the spouses during the marriage
- Other relevant factors
The court will also state whether the maintenance award is modifiable, which can only be adjusted if circumstances change significantly.
Distribution of Property in St. Louis, Missouri
Missouri law calls for equitable distribution of marital property. Each spouse retains property owned before the marriage, while marital property is divided fairly. Courts consider:
- Each spouse’s financial circumstances
- Contributions to the marital estate
- Value of separate property set aside
- Conduct of the spouses
- Child custody arrangements
Parenting Time in St. Louis, Missouri
Child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, taking into account:
- Parent and child preferences
- Interaction with both parents and siblings
- Children’s need for meaningful relationships
Courts generally start with joint physical and legal custody. If that arrangement is not suitable, alternatives include:
- Joint physical custody with one parent having sole legal custody
- Joint legal custody with one parent having sole physical custody
- Sole custody to one parent or third-party custody
Decisions are not influenced by parent age, gender, or income, nor by the child’s age or gender. Courts may require parents to attend educational programs on divorce and custody or participate in alternative dispute resolution for disputes.
Support and Assistance in St. Louis, MO
Support is determined based on the child’s needs and the parents’ resources. Factors considered include:
- Child’s financial requirements
- Parents’ financial situation
- Standard of living during marriage
- Custody arrangements
Support generally ends when the child:
- Turns 18 (or 21 if still in school)
- Marries
- Enters active military service
- Becomes self-sufficient
Parents may also be required to maintain health insurance for the child during and after divorce proceedings.
Name Change in St. Louis
A spouse may request to return to their maiden or former name as part of the divorce process, which the court will typically approve.
Connect with St. Louis Divorce Lawyers / Attorneys for Legal Representation Today
Are you looking to hire a compassionate St. Louis divorce attorney to help you with your matter? If so, contact us online or by phone to schedule a confidential consultation at our convenient location in Creve Coeur, MO. We can help with litigated divorces where an individual needs zealous representation in court. We can also help with cases where an individual is seeking an amicable resolution outside of court. The address and phone number of our office in St. Louis, Missouri, is below:
St. Louis, Missouri Office | 600 Emerson Road, Suite 110, Creve Coeur, Missouri 63141
