St. Charles County, MO Divorce Lawyers & Attorneys
Facing a divorce in St. Charles County, Missouri, can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our firm brings experience and knowledge to every case, guiding you through each step while providing attentive support and strong advocacy to protect your interests.
At Stange Law Firm, PC, we have experience handling divorce matters. This helps us see the complexities that you might face in your case.
You can find out more about the St. Charles Family Court by following the links below:
- St. Charles County Court Rules: Access the official rules and procedures for St. Charles County courts.
- Directions to the Courthouse: Find Google Maps directions to the St. Charles County Courthouse.
- Divorce & Dissolution Information: Learn about the process for dissolving a marriage in St. Charles County.
- Parenting Handbook: Review the St. Charles County parent handbook for guidance on child custody and parenting responsibilities.
- Family Court Overview: Explore key information about St. Charles County Family Court and the services it provides.
- St. Charles County Judiciary Resources: Read more about the local judiciary and court system in St. Charles County.
We Will Protect Your Interests in St. Charles County, Missouri
At Stange Law Firm, PC, we assist clients across St. Charles County with a wide range of family law matters. Our team can guide you through child custody and visitation in St. Charles County, helping ensure arrangements that serve the best interests of your children. We also handle child support, offering guidance on calculating, modifying, and enforcing support obligations. When it comes to spousal maintenance and alimony in St. Charles County, our attorneys provide knowledgeable support to help navigate this often complex process. For clients facing division of property and debts, we work to ensure a fair and equitable outcome. Our attorneys approach every case with meticulous preparation and care, always striving for amicable resolutions while remaining fully prepared to advocate for your objectives if an agreement cannot be reached.
We also assist with post-divorce modifications in St. Charles County, helping you adjust agreements as circumstances change. For those seeking a less adversarial approach, our team can support you with collaborative divorce, providing strategies to resolve matters cooperatively, and divorce mediation, helping couples find amicable solutions with professional guidance. No matter the situation, we provide focused, experienced support throughout every stage of the process.
From our webpage, you can also read articles about divorce law, view informational videos, and seminar videos, listen to our podcast, download our mobile application, or view support calculators for Missouri and Illinois. You can also get more information at our St. Charles Divorce Law Blog.
On our website, you can explore a variety of resources to help you navigate divorce and family matters. Access educational articles, watch informative videos and past seminar recordings, tune in to our podcast, or download our mobile app for guidance on the go. We also offer helpful calculators for Missouri to assist with financial planning. For additional insights and updates, be sure to visit our St. Charles Divorce Law Blog.
Divorce in St. Charles, Missouri: Key Facts and Guidance
Understanding Divorce in St. Charles County
In Missouri, couples can legally end their marriage when they have irreconcilable differences and no reasonable chance of reconciliation. Missouri does not require a showing of fault to proceed with a divorce, though issues like misconduct can influence the division of property, allocation of debts, and spousal maintenance decisions.
Residency Requirements for Filing
To file for divorce in St. Charles County, at least one spouse must have been a Missouri resident for a minimum of 90 days prior to filing. The divorce petition is typically filed in the county where the filing spouse resides, though a change of venue may be requested under certain circumstances.
The Court Process and Parties
Divorce cases in St. Charles County are handled in the Circuit Court. The initial filing is known as a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, while the final decree is called the Judgment or Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. The spouse who files is the Petitioner, and the spouse served with the petition is the Respondent.
Legal Separation Options
For those not ready to fully dissolve their marriage, Missouri law allows couples to file for legal separation. This option maintains many of the same considerations as divorce, including spousal maintenance, child support, and division of assets. Legal separation can later be converted into a divorce if the parties decide to take that step.
Spousal Maintenance in St. Charles County
Spousal maintenance may be awarded when a spouse is unable to support themselves or is caring for a child whose needs prevent them from working outside the home. Courts consider multiple factors, including:
- Time required to obtain education or training
- Comparative earning capacities
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Contributions of each spouse to marital property
- Duration of the marriage
- Age, physical, and mental health of the spouse seeking support
- Conduct during the marriage
- Ability of the paying spouse to meet both their needs and the recipient’s needs
Maintenance awards may be modifiable or non-modifiable, depending on court orders, and modifications generally require a significant change in circumstances.
Division of Property and Debts
Missouri law requires equitable distribution of marital property. Each spouse retains ownership of property acquired before the marriage, while shared property is divided fairly by the court. Factors the court evaluates include the economic situation of the parties, contributions to the marital estate, value of non-marital property, conduct during the marriage, and custodial arrangements for minor children.
Child Custody Considerations
Custody decisions prioritize the best interests of the child, with courts evaluating the child’s relationship with each parent, siblings, and their preferences when appropriate. Missouri courts typically consider joint physical and legal custody first. If this is not suitable, courts may award combinations of sole and joint custody or, in some cases, place the child with a third party. Custody decisions are never based on the parents’ age, sex, or financial status. Parents may also be required to attend educational programs or alternative dispute resolution sessions to support the child’s welfare.
Child Support in St. Charles County
Child support is determined based on the needs of the child, the financial resources of both parents, and the standard of living the child would have experienced if the marriage had continued. Support obligations generally end when the child reaches adulthood, becomes self-sufficient, marries, or joins the military, though extended education can extend obligations until age 21. Parents may also be required to maintain health insurance coverage for their children during and after the divorce process.
Name Changes After Divorce
A spouse may request to revert to a former or maiden name as part of the divorce. Courts typically approve such requests unless there is a compelling reason not to do so.
Contact St. Charles County Divorce Lawyers Today
Reach out to us online or by phone to set up a consultation at our St. Charles County office. Our team is prepared to guide you through the complexities of divorce and provide the support you need to move forward with confidence.
St. Charles, MO Office (636-940-5900) | 2268 Bluestone Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303
