St. Louis County Divorce Lawyers

At the time of marriage, divorce seems like an impossibility. Unfortunately, things can change, and the time may come when one or both spouses wish to end their marriage. Whatever the circumstances of your divorce, having a team of skilled St. Louis family lawyers in your corner is paramount. The Stobie Family Law Group has been an effective advocate for individuals facing divorce in St. Louis for years, and we stand ready to safeguard your interests, every step of the way. Contact us today so we can get started building a comprehensive strategy on your behalf.

Divorce Lawyers Serving Clients in St. Louis County

Here at the Stobie Family Law Group, we understand just how stressful and overwhelming a divorce can be. That said, with the right legal team in your corner, it doesn’t have to be. Our firm has extensive experience representing clients facing divorce in Missouri, and we’re prepared to protect your rights and help ensure the process moves along as smoothly and expeditiously as possible.

Fault Grounds in Missouri

In Missouri, divorces can be filed on either “fault” or “no-fault” grounds. A no-fault divorce is the most common route, where neither spouse is blamed for the breakdown of the marriage. Instead, one or both parties must simply state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” meaning there is no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation. This option typically streamlines the process and can help reduce conflict, making it a preferred choice for many couples.

However, Missouri does recognize fault-based divorce grounds, where one spouse alleges that the other’s actions caused the marriage to fail. Fault grounds may include behaviors such as adultery, abandonment, or cruelty. While proving fault may provide some strategic advantages in issues like spousal support, it can also complicate the divorce process by adding additional legal battles over who was responsible for the breakdown of the marriage.

In most cases, filing for a no-fault divorce is the best approach, as it can lead to a quicker, less emotionally charged process. It avoids the need to prove misconduct and helps the parties focus on resolving important matters such as asset division, child custody, and support agreements. Whether you choose to file under fault grounds or no-fault grounds, the Stobie Family Law Group will help guide you through the complexities and determine the best course of action for your case.

Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorces

Divorces in Missouri generally fall into two categories: contested and uncontested.

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all significant issues, including the division of property, child custody, child support, and spousal support (if applicable). Since both parties are on the same page, uncontested divorces tend to move forward more quickly and are often less expensive than their contested counterparts. For many couples, this is the ideal scenario, as it reduces conflict and allows both parties to move on more efficiently.

By contrast, a contested divorce occurs when spouses are unable to reach an agreement on one or more critical issues. In such cases, the court may need to intervene and make decisions on behalf of the parties. Contested divorces can be more time-consuming, emotionally draining, and costly, as they often require additional court hearings, the involvement of expert witnesses, and, in some cases, a full trial.

The Stobie Family Law Group has vast experience in both contested and uncontested divorces. If you and your spouse are struggling to agree on key issues, we will work diligently to negotiate a resolution that protects your rights and interests. If necessary, we are prepared to aggressively advocate on your behalf in court to ensure a fair outcome.

The Divorce Process in Missouri

The divorce process is document-heavy and often complex, but a brief overview of it is as follows:

1. Filing the Petition: The divorce process begins when one spouse, known as the petitioner, files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the appropriate circuit court. This document outlines basic information about the marriage and the issues that need to be resolved, such as property division, child custody, and support.
2. Service of Process: After filing the petition, the other spouse (the respondent) must be formally notified of the divorce proceedings through a process known as service of process. This ensures the respondent is aware of the legal action and has an opportunity to respond.
3. Response and Discovery: The respondent typically has 30 days to file a response, acknowledging or contesting the claims made in the petition. Both parties then engage in a process called discovery, where they exchange relevant financial information and documents to gain a complete understanding of the marital assets, debts, and other issues.
4. Negotiation or Mediation: In many cases, the next step involves negotiation or mediation, where both parties attempt to resolve any disputes over the terms of the divorce. Missouri courts often encourage mediation as a way to settle disagreements without a lengthy court battle.
5. Temporary Orders (if necessary): During the divorce process, one spouse may request temporary orders for child custody, spousal support, or use of the family home. These orders help maintain stability until the divorce is finalized.
6. Trial (if necessary): If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge will make decisions on contested issues. Both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses to support their positions.
7. Final Judgment of Dissolution: Once all issues have been resolved, either through negotiation or a court ruling, the court will issue a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. This document finalizes the divorce and outlines the terms of the settlement, including property division, custody arrangements, and support obligations.

At the Stobie Family Law Group, we will be with you every step of the way, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the process. Our attorneys will guide you through each phase, from filing the initial petition to negotiating a favorable settlement or, if necessary, representing you in court.

Contact Our St. Louis, Missouri Divorce Lawyers

The Stobie Family Law Group is a steadfast legal advocate for all those facing divorce in St. Louis and has been for years. We proudly represent clients throughout St. Louis County, including in Town and Country, Bevo Mill, Central West End, Dutchtown, Tower Grove South, and more. For a team of divorce lawyers who can effectively protect your interests, simply contact us today.