St. Louis, Missouri Divorce Lawyers & Attorneys Located in Clayton, Missouri
At Stange Law Firm, PC, our divorce lawyers represent clients in dissolution of marriage and related actions at the Clayton Courthouse. Our office location on South Central Avenue is right across the street from the Family Court in Clayton. This helps provide an added level of convenience if there are court appearances in your case.
We are talented litigators and shrewd negotiators with a well-earned reputation as tireless advocates. Our St. Louis divorce lawyers will be there with you at every step of the way.
To learn more about the St. Louis County Courts in Clayton, you can visit the following resources:
- St. Louis County (Clayton) 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 and parking questions you may have in regards to 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 Common Sense Solutions For You Divorce in St. Louis, Missouri in Clayton
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 build a well-considered approach designed specifically 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 Clayton, MO, 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 Clayton 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 Clayton, MO in St. Louis: Our attorneys can assist you with any parenting time and visitation matters. We know how important your kids are to you.
- Clayton, MO 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 fairly and accurately calculated.
- Clayton, MO spousal maintenance and alimony in St. Louis, MO: Find information about spousal maintenance and alimony by clicking on this link. Whether you are the person paying or receiving, you must have the information you need.
- Complex property division in Clayton, MO in St. Louis: If you’re looking for more information regarding complex property division in Clayton, MO, click on this link to show more about equitable distribution.
- Collaborative divorce in St. Louis in Clayton, Missouri: If you want to resolve your divorce outside of court, we can help you. 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
In Missouri, a marriage can be legally ended if there are irreconcilable differences and little chance the relationship can be saved. Missouri law does not require proof of fault to obtain a divorce, though fault may influence the division of marital property, debts, and spousal maintenance.
Residency Requirements in Clayton, Missouri
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Missouri for 90 days before filing. Divorce petitions are typically filed in the county where the petitioner lives. In some cases, it may be possible to request a change of venue if another location is more appropriate.
Court Names and Party Roles
Divorce cases are handled by the Circuit Court. The process begins with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and concludes with a Decree or Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. The spouse initiating the divorce is called the Petitioner, and the other spouse is the Respondent.
Legal Separation in Clayton, Missouri
For couples not ready for divorce, Missouri law allows filing for a legal separation. This option applies when there is still a chance the marriage can continue. Legal separation generally follows the same rules as divorce regarding spousal maintenance, property division, and child support. Residency requirements remain the same, and legal separation can later be converted to a divorce.
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 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 Clayton, 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
Child Custody 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
- Child’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.
Child Support in Clayton, Missouri
Child support is determined based on the child’s needs and 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 Guidance
Are you looking to hire a caring 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 St. Louis in Clayton. The address and phone number of our office in St. Louis, Missouri, are below:
St. Louis, MO (Clayton) Office: 314-963-4700 | 120 South Central Avenue, Suite 450, Clayton, MO 63105
