Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website. # Bardol Law Firm: Family Law, Simplified ## Sitemaps [XML Sitemap](https://bardollaw.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages. ## Posts - [3 Tips to Prepare for Your Domestic Violence Hearing in Missouri](https://bardollaw.com/3-tips-to-prepare-for-your-domestic-violence-hearing-in-missouri/): To prepare for a domestic violence hearing in Missouri, you must focus on showing up to court, gathering clear physical evidence, and knowing exactly which protections you need for your family. This hearing is the most important step in turning a temporary order into a long-term safety plan. - [How to File for Divorce in Missouri: A Step by Step Guide](https://bardollaw.com/file-for-divorce-in-missouri/): You file for divorce in Missouri by meeting the residency requirement and submitting a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage to your local circuit court. One spouse must have lived in the state for at least 90 days. You file in the county where you or your spouse lives, pay the filing deposit, and have the papers served. At least 30 days must pass after filing before a judge can enter a judgment. - [Grandparent Rights in Missouri, 3 Proven Ways to Avoid Delay](https://bardollaw.com/grandparent-rights-in-missouri/): Grandparent rights in Missouri let a grandparent ask a court for visitation with a grandchild in three specific situations. Missouri does not hand grandparents an automatic right to see their grandchildren. You have to file a petition, be unreasonably denied visitation for more than 60 days, meet one of the standards under Missouri law, and prove that court ordered time is in the best interest of the child. - [2-2-3 Custody Schedule in Missouri, 5 Simple Things to Know](https://bardollaw.com/2-2-3-custody-schedule-missouri/): For many families in St. Louis and across Missouri, the 2-2-3 custody schedule offers a balanced way to handle 50/50 parenting time. This schedule is designed to keep both parents deeply involved in the daily lives of their children. It ensures that neither parent goes too long without seeing their kids. - [What is Sole Legal Custody?](https://bardollaw.com/what-is-sole-legal-custody/): If the words sole legal custody have shown up in your case, they can land heavy. Maybe you are hoping for it because every decision with your co-parent turns into a standoff. Maybe someone has asked the court to give it to the other parent, and you are worried about what that means for your place in your child's life. Either way, take a breath. Here is what sole legal custody actually means in Missouri, in plain English, and what you can expect. - [Contested vs Uncontested Divorce in Missouri: What’s the Difference?](https://bardollaw.com/contested-vs-uncontested-divorce-in-missouri-what-is-the-difference/): The biggest difference between a contested vs uncontested divorce in Missouri is whether you and your spouse agree on the terms of your split. In an uncontested divorce, you both agree on every single detail, from child custody to how you divide your bank accounts. A contested divorce happens when there is a disagreement on at least one major issue that requires a judge to step in and make a final decision for you. - [What is Joint Legal Custody?](https://bardollaw.com/what-is-joint-legal-custody/): Joint legal custody in Missouri means both parents share the right and responsibility to make the major decisions about their children, such as schooling, healthcare, religion, and counseling. It is about decision-making, not about where the children sleep, which is parenting time. Under Missouri law, parents with joint legal custody are expected to talk things over and decide the big questions together. - [Legal Custody vs Physical Custody in Missouri: What Is the Difference?](https://bardollaw.com/legal-custody-vs-physical-custody-in-missouri/): The labels matter less than having a plan that fits your family and is clear enough to follow when considering legal custody vs physical custody. A St. Louis child custody attorney can help you sort out which arrangement makes sense and put it in plain terms. Custody cases in St. Louis County run through the Clayton courthouse, and knowing how the local courts handle these details makes the whole process smoother. - [Bentley and Mason’s Law: Missouri Now Requires Drunk Drivers to Pay Child Support](https://bardollaw.com/bentley-and-masons-law-missouri-now-requires-drunk-drivers-to-pay-child-support/): Starting August 28, 2026, Missouri law will require drunk drivers convicted of killing a parent or legal guardian to pay child support to the surviving children. This new law (formally part of House Bill 1740) is known as Bentley and Mason's Law. It marks a major shift in how the state handles the long-term financial fallout of impaired driving crashes. - [What Is a Guardian ad Litem? A Guide for Missouri Parents](https://bardollaw.com/what-is-a-guardian-ad-litem/): A guardian ad litem (often called a GAL) is an attorney a court appoints to represent your child’s best interests in a custody case. The GAL is not your lawyer and not the other parent’s lawyer. Their only job is to look out for your child and to help the judge understand which arrangement would serve that child best. - [Should You Stay Together for the Kids?](https://bardollaw.com/should-you-stay-together-for-the-kids/): A very common questions parents ask before considering divorce is “Should we stay together for the kids?” Many moms and dads are reluctant to separate due to the potential trauma their divorce could have on their children.  The thought of watching your child go through the emotional and psychological process of divorce is enough to make some people try and “stick it out”. - [Will I Have to Pay Spousal Maintenance?](https://bardollaw.com/will-i-have-to-pay-spousal-maintenance/): Spousal Maintenance, also known as alimony, is a payment made by a husband or wife to their former spouse following their divorce. In Missouri, there is no set calculation to determine Spousal Maintenance. Judges typically evaluate case-by-case whether or not you will be paying (or receiving) maintenance, and, if so, how much. The following are some factors that contribute to most spousal maintenance decisions. For more information, contact St. Louis divorce lawyer, Stephen Bardol. - [Risk Factors That May Lead to Divorce](https://bardollaw.com/risk-factors-that-may-lead-to-divorce/): Statistically speaking, approximately 50% of marriages will end in divorce. However, recent studies show that this “typical” percentage can be affected by a multitude of factors.Our Missouri divorce attorneys explain the following are categories that often play a statistical role in the odds of a marriages success: - [Courtroom Etiquette: Some Helpful Tips for a Good Impression](https://bardollaw.com/courtroom-etiquette-some-helpful-tips-for-a-good-impression/): For Judges, the court room is a second home.  So, when visitors arrive in a court of law and don’t practice proper etiquette and manners, the Judge is often the first person to notice.  Typically, Judges and attorneys do not expect every visitor to know the professional intricacies of a court room.  However, they do expect visitors to put forth their best efforts.  The following are some tips from our St. Louis family law attorneys on maintaining a respectable, professional appearance while in court: - [The Divorce Process in St. Louis, Missouri](https://bardollaw.com/divorce-process-missouri/): If you are considering divorce, then the only knowledge you have is likely from reading information on the internet or meeting with a St. Louis divorce lawyer. Once you understand the process though, you can get a better idea of where you are headed. We are here to walk you through the process: - [Things You are Doing to Sabotage your Child Custody Battle](https://bardollaw.com/things-you-are-doing-to-sabotage-your-child-custody-battle/): St. Louis custody lawyer, Stephen Bardol explains: - [Divorce Through The Ages](https://bardollaw.com/divorce-ages/): Click the following infographic to learn what Bardol Law Firm, LLC can teach you about divorce in the United States over the years. The infographic shows the pros and cons to different ages in your life and why being married at that particular age is a good or bad idea. - [How Do I Make My Divorce Less Emotional?](https://bardollaw.com/how-do-i-make-my-divorce-less-emotional/): Easier said than done, I know. As a St. Louis divorce attorney, almost every client I encounter is dealing with the rocky emotions of divorce when they come into my office for the first time. While completely taking the emotions out of a divorce case is nearly impossible, there are steps you can take to improve things drastically. - [Rosie O’Donnell Learns After Previous Messy Divorce Tries to Keep Latest One Clean](https://bardollaw.com/rosie-odonnell-learns-after-previous-messy-divorce-tries-to-keep-latest-one-clean/): Nothing leads to a bigger divorce mess than a household celebrity name and multimillions at stake. Rosie O’Donnell thought she learned her lesson back in 2009 with a divorce battle that raged on, got ugly quickly, and led to her forking over a big chunk of change and creating stress for her four children with her ex-spouse. - [How Does Divorce Differ Through the Ages?](https://bardollaw.com/divorce-differ-ages/): “Will you take this person to be your spouse, to love them, comfort them, honor and keep them, and forsaking all others, keep you only unto them, for so long as you both shall live?” - [Myth or Fact?…About Missouri Divorce](https://bardollaw.com/myth-fact-missouri-divorce/): 1) It takes at least a month to get divorce. - [Hamm’s Uneven Monetary Split Reminds us of Post-Divorce Financial Distress](https://bardollaw.com/hamms-uneven-monetary-split-reminds-us-post-divorce-financial-distress/): In early November, the heat was on in Oklahoma City as a multimillion-dollar divorce finally came to a close. The marriage of CEO of Continental Resources, Harold Hamm, and his wife of 26 years, Sue Ann, was finally resolved. - [Dealing with Domestic Violence – Is the NFL Doing Enough?](https://bardollaw.com/dealing-domestic-violence-nfl-enough/): Domestic violence is a dangerous family matter that goes from private to public in the blink of an eye. It is this raised eyebrow of awareness that puts big football names like Ray Rice, Greg Hardy, and Adrian Peterson on the newsstands. - [Furry Family Members Heighten Emotional Divorce Disputes](https://bardollaw.com/pet-custody-divorce-disputes/): For some couples, a pet is one of the first things they share. By purchasing a cat, dog, or other household pet, two crazy newlyweds become a family. Pairs bond over picking what to name their furry friend. They divide up the responsibilities, like vet visits, feedings, and dog walks. - [Professional Athletes Not Earning Gold Medals for Marriage](https://bardollaw.com/professional-athletes-earning-gold-medals-marriage/): Kobe Bryant can shoot a three pointer like nobody’s business. Tiger Woods can quiet the whole green with a soft putt of the ball. Michael Jordan’s earth-shattering slam-dunks are legendary, to say the least. But besides their outlandish athletic talent, what do all of these extraordinarily talented household names have in common? - [Are Couples Growing Older or Growing Apart?](https://bardollaw.com/couples-growing-older-growing-apart/): While at the alter saying those fateful vows, visions of growing old together float through your head. As you utter each promise, you imagine you and your partner sitting on the porch in rocking chairs watching the time fly by, moving together in perfect sync. - [How do we Make Joint Custody Work for our Family?](https://bardollaw.com/make-joint-custody-work-family/): After the custody agreement is settled, you and your ex-spouse decide that for your children’s sake, joint custody is the best option for you. Allowing both of you to remain in their lives on a daily basis is important to all. But you’ve heard the sad tales of divorced families headed toward troubles, sparked by disorganization and plagued by miscommunication. - [Stephen Bardol Honored by Missouri Lawyers Weekly](https://bardollaw.com/stephen-bardol-winner-missouri-lawyer-weeklys-coming-class/): For Immediate Release:Contact: Stephen BardolBardol Law Firm, LLCPhone: (314)- 918-0100 - [Head to a St. Louis Cardinals Game](https://bardollaw.com/head-st-louis-cardinals-game/): There aren’t many things I enjoy more than dusting off my baseball cap, finding my old glove, and heading down to the infamous Busch Stadium for a St. Louis Cardinals game.  While watching the game on television after a long day is quite satisfying, there is nothing like sitting under those bright lights and hearing the umpire yell, “Play ball!” - [Back to School Tips–Divorce and Parenting](https://bardollaw.com/back-school-tips-divorce-parenting/): When summer ends, it signifies the commencement of the new school year. When a marriage ends, it means the beginning of the ongoing battle known as child custody arrangements. - [Are Millennials Changing the Marriage Game?](https://bardollaw.com/millennials-changing-marriage-game/): Do you remember a time when you scrolled through your social media newsfeeds without seeing a wedding announcement, engagement photos, or a beach wedding scene? I certainly don’t. As you get older, these events increase amongst your peers. According to a recent CNN article, the millennial generation may not be seeing as many of these announcements as the previous generations. According to an article in CNN Money, young adults are en route to having the lowest marriage rates by age 40 in comparison to all previous generations. If nothing changes, this means that over 30 percent of these millennial women will remain unmarried by the age of 40. If this trend checks out, this statistic will have doubled in comparison to the previous generation. - [Missouri Lawyers Weekly | Stephen Bardol Selected as Winner](https://bardollaw.com/missouri-lawyers-weekly-stephen-bardol-selected-winner/): Recently our own Stephen Bardol was selected as a winner in the overall Up & Coming class by Missouri Lawyers Weekly.  A total of 54 Missouri attorneys will be honored among the 2014 class for Missouri Lawyers Weekly’s annual Up & Coming event. - [Family Law Glossary](https://bardollaw.com/family-law-glossary/): Family law matters are confusing and can be difficult to navigate. Below are some terms frequently used in Missouri family law practices. - [Child Support Calculator](https://bardollaw.com/child-support-calculator/): Click on the link below to receive an estimate on the amount of child support that may be ordered in your case. This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. The amount of child support a court will order for any particular case may be different from the amount estimated by the calculator. Contact our office today if you have specific questions about your case. - [What to Expect in Your Initial Divorce Consultation](https://bardollaw.com/what-to-expect-in-your-initial-divorce-consultation/): Your initial divorce consultation can seem like an intimidating experience. In reality, you will find that this visit differs from visits with other professionals. For instance, you will not find yourself spending time in a waiting room with others, or filling out sheets without assistance. Your attorney realizes that confidentiality is key, and will usually make his or her office environment as quiet and private as possible during your visit. - [Divorce and Children: How to Break the News](https://bardollaw.com/divorce-and-children-how-to-break-the-news/): Breaking the news about your divorce to your children is one of the most stressful parts of the divorce process. Many parents spend weeks contemplating ideas on how to tell their children that their mom and dad are splitting up. Here are some tips on how to tell your child about the situation. - [Four Questions to Ask at Divorce Consultations](https://bardollaw.com/questions-to-ask-at-divorce-consultations/): Your divorce consultation is important. It is the first step to starting the court process. Asking the proper questions can help reduce your stress while gauging the competence of your potential St. Louis divorce attorney. In particular, there are some key questions that may just give you a better idea of the road ahead and the lawyer who may be traveling that road with you. - [Social Media: How is it Affecting Your Divorce?](https://bardollaw.com/social-media-affecting-divorce/): These days, it is very common for married couples to have joint or separate Facebook, Twitter, and email accounts. While all of these social outlets may be great and effective tools for communication, they can cause numerous issues during a divorce. In order to make the divorce less complicated, and to place less stress on your children, it is best to avoid any social media fights at all costs. Here are a few pointers on how to handle your social accounts during and after a divorce. - [Child Custody: Who Decides?](https://bardollaw.com/who-decides-child-custody/): Deciding child custody can be a long battle in some St. Louis divorce proceedings. Many parents have concerns that, especially in families with older children, the child may get to decide where he or she would like to live. The thought of having your child choose your spouse over you can be terrifying and heartbreaking. - [Divorce: A General Timeline](https://bardollaw.com/divorce-general-timeline/): While each divorce presents its own unique issues and challenges, it is important for you and your spouse to familiarize yourselves with the general process. Familiarizing with the basic steps in divorce can help to make the transition smooth and free of surprise. - [Co-Parenting During a Divorce](https://bardollaw.com/co-parenting-during-divorce/): Co-parenting during a divorce can be a difficult task. While it may be hard to maintain an ongoing partnership with your ex, co-parenting is the best way to ensure your children are receiving the best care possible. The following are some tips to help make the transition from Husband and Wife to Mom and Dad as smooth as possible. - [Property Division: Marital v. Separate Property](https://bardollaw.com/property-division-marital-v-separate-property/): When it comes to property division, The state of Missouri is an equitable distribution state. While most people think this means their property will be split exactly 50/50 during a divorce, equitable distribution can be best defined as "what the court considers fair". - [Social Security and Divorce](https://bardollaw.com/social-security-divorce/): Did you know that it is possible to claim Social Security Spousal and Surviror Benefits from your ex? This little known yet extremely valuable information could make a big difference in one's financial situation during retirement. If you and your former spouse meet a certain set of criteria, you may be eligible to claim half of your ex's social security benefits if they are living, and their full benefits if they are deceased. Criteria Include: - [Fox 2 News | Daycare Dangers: Reports at Bright Start Locations](https://bardollaw.com/fox-2-news-daycare-dangers-reports-bright-start-locations/): Our own Stephen Bardol was recently featured in an article on Fox 2 News, Daycare Dangers: Reports at Bright Start Locations. In the article, he provides some insight on how this traumatic experience impacted a local family. ## Pages - [Uncontested Divorce Lawyer in St. Louis](https://bardollaw.com/practice-areas/st-louis-uncontested-divorce-lawyer/): If you are considering an uncontested divorce lawyer in St. Louis, contact us to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you understand your options and next steps. - [How to File Contempt of Court in Missouri](https://bardollaw.com/contempt-of-court-proceedings-missouri/): Filing for contempt of court in Missouri is the legal process used when a party fails to comply with a court order. You generally file a motion for contempt with the court that issued the original order, state what the other party failed to do, and ask the court to act. Missouri courts may respond by ordering compliance, awarding attorney fees, granting make-up parenting time, or in appropriate cases, imposing incarceration. - [Divorce for Doctors and Physicians in Missouri](https://bardollaw.com/st-louis-divorce-lawyer-for-doctors/): A St. Louis divorce lawyer for doctors works on financial questions that almost never come up in an ordinary divorce. - [St. Charles County Mediators](https://bardollaw.com/resources/mediators-directory/st-charles-county-mediators/): All 47 St. Charles County mediators on the county family law mediator list, in one searchable list. - [St. Louis County Mediators](https://bardollaw.com/resources/mediators-directory/st-louis-county-mediators/): All 57 St. Louis County mediators the Family Court has approved for family cases, in one searchable list. - [Mediators Directory](https://bardollaw.com/resources/mediators-directory/): If your family law case is headed to mediation, the first practical question is which mediator. This mediator directory brings together the court approved lists for St. Louis County and St. Charles County, so you can start with the right one. - [Anna Palmer](https://bardollaw.com/attorneys/anna-palmer/): Anna Palmer brings a calm, composed approach to family law and a willingness to step directly into difficult situations when her clients need her. - [Premarital Business Divorce in Missouri: 5 Costly Mistakes](https://bardollaw.com/premarital-business-divorce-missouri/): In Torres v. Torres, the wife performed approximately 10 to 12 hours of uncompensated clerical and licensing work per week for her husband's premarital business. The business also used marital real estate without paying rent, and marital savings were repeatedly used to cover business expenses. The court affirmed the classification of the entire proven $348,965 increase in the husband's ownership interest as marital property under those facts. - [Missouri Business Owner Divorce Attorney](https://bardollaw.com/missouri-business-owner-divorce-attorney/): When you own a business, divorce is not just a question of the house and the retirement accounts. It is a question of what happens to the thing you built. How it gets characterized, how it gets valued, who ends up holding it, and what it costs you to keep it. That is a different problem than most divorces present, and it calls for an attorney who has worked through it before. - [Divorce Mediation Lawyer In St. Charles](https://bardollaw.com/divorce-mediation-lawyer-st-charles/): A divorce mediation lawyer in St. Charles does more than sit in a room while two people talk. Your attorney reviews proposed agreements, flags terms that could hurt you long-term, and makes sure nothing gets signed without a clear understanding of what it means. - [Missouri Same Sex Divorce Attorney](https://bardollaw.com/missouri-same-sex-divorce-attorney/): Our attorneys are down-to-earth, approachable, and warm. Don't wait to get the guidance you need. Contact Bardol Law Firm, LLC to schedule a consultation today with a Missouri same-sex divorce attorney. - [St. Charles MO Divorce Attorneys](https://bardollaw.com/st-charles-mo-divorce-attorneys/):  Divorce can feel overwhelming. You may be searching for help because you and your spouse cannot agree on custody, finances, or property, or because communication has broken down and disputes seem impossible to resolve on your own. When conflict overshadows every conversation, it becomes difficult to focus on your children, your future, or the decisions you must make to move forward safely and confidently. - [How to Get Guardianship of a Child Without Going to Court](https://bardollaw.com/how-to-get-guardianship-of-a-child-without-going-to-court/): Figuring out how to get guardianship of a child without going to court in Missouri can feel straightforward in some situations and complicated in others. The right approach depends on factors specific to your family, including whether both parents agree, how long the arrangement needs to last, and how the institutions involved handle informal documentation. Getting the answer right from the start matters. - [How to Win a Child Support Modification Case](https://bardollaw.com/how-to-win-a-child-support-modification-case/): To succeed in a Missouri child support modification case, you must prove a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. That's the legal threshold under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 452.370, and without clearing it, a court won't change the existing order. - [Step Parent Adoption Lawyer In St.louis, MO](https://bardollaw.com/st-louis-stepparent-adoption-lawyer/): A step parent adoption lawyer helps families complete the legal process of making a stepparent a child's legal parent. If you are considering adoption in St. Louis, having experienced legal guidance can help you avoid delays, meet court requirements, and move through the process with confidence. - [St Louis Adoption Attorney | Missouri Adoption Lawyer](https://bardollaw.com/st-louis-adoption-attorney/): A St. Louis adoption attorney helps families navigate the legal process of adoption while protecting the interests of both the child and the prospective parents. Whether you are pursuing a stepparent adoption, grandparent adoption, private adoption, or an interstate adoption, the process involves detailed legal requirements that must be completed correctly before a Missouri court can grant the adoption.  - [Missouri Alimony Laws](https://bardollaw.com/missouri-alimony-laws/): Clear guidance on Missouri support. - [Grounds for Divorce Explained: What Missouri Law Says & How It Affects You](https://bardollaw.com/grounds-for-divorce/): Divorce in Missouri involves more than simply ending a marriage. Issues involving child custody, property division, and financial support often shape the process just as much as the legal grounds for divorce itself. Understanding how Missouri courts approach these cases can help you prepare for the decisions ahead with greater clarity and confidence. - [Understanding Missouri Divorce Laws: Your Guide to a Fresh Start](https://bardollaw.com/missouri-divorce-laws/): Divorce in Missouri involves more than ending a marriage in court. Decisions involving child custody, support, property division, and financial stability can affect families long after the case ends. Understanding Missouri divorce laws can help you approach the process with greater clarity, preparation, and confidence. - [St. Louis Alimony Attorney](https://bardollaw.com/st-louis-alimony-attorney/): Alimony decisions significantly impact your financial stability and long-term plans after a divorce. Whether you are seeking spousal support or are being asked to pay it, the outcome will directly affect your future. An experienced alimony lawyer in St. Louis can help you understand your rights and avoid costly mistakes. - [Denise N. Gabel](https://bardollaw.com/attorneys/denise-n-gabel/): Contact Denise - [St. Louis Divorce Mediation Lawyer](https://bardollaw.com/practice-areas/st-louis-missouri-mediation/): While going through a divorce can be a very combative process, there are options to help the parties meet in the middle and find a compromise. All cases will eventually have to reach a resolution, and if the parties can find some middle ground, they will have much more control over the outcome. The divorce mediation process can be introduced so that parties are making an attempt to agree while also progressing on the legal side of things if negotiations fall apart. Contact our law firm to see how St. Louis divorce mediation can help you. It can be important and cost-effective to find an experienced divorce lawyer who will help you involve a mediator in your divorce case. Bardol Law Firm in St. Louis has a team of highly skilled and experienced divorce mediation lawyers who are dedicated to helping clients achieve a fair and healthy outcome. - [St. Louis Spousal Support Attorney](https://bardollaw.com/practice-areas/st-louis-spousal-support-alimony-lawyer/): As your St. Louis Spousal Support Attorney at Bardol Law Firm, LLC, we help people in St. Louis navigate spousal support matters with clarity and confidence. We work to ensure that support agreements are fair and consider both parties' financial realities. - [St. Charles Uncontested Divorce Attorney](https://bardollaw.com/st-charles-uncontested-divorce-attorney/): If you and your spouse agree on the terms of your divorce and want to finalize the process without unnecessary conflict, working with our St. Charles uncontested divorce attorney can help you move forward efficiently. Even in agreed divorces, Missouri courts require precise filings, disclosures, and procedures, and legal guidance helps prevent delays or rejected paperwork. - [St. Charles High Conflict Divorce Attorney](https://bardollaw.com/st-charles-high-conflict-divorce-attorney/): High-conflict divorce can feel overwhelming. You may be searching for help because communication has broken down, co-parenting exchanges have become tense, or disputes over custody, finances, or boundaries seem impossible to resolve on your own. When conflict overshadows every conversation, it becomes difficult to focus on your children, your future, or the decisions you must make to move forward safely and confidently. - [Gray Divorce Lawyer in Missouri](https://bardollaw.com/gray-divorce-lawyer-in-missouri/): At Bardol Law Firm, LLC, we guide individuals in St. Louis and throughout Missouri through every stage of gray divorce with compassion and clarity. As your gray divorce lawyer in Missouri, we focus on protecting your long-term financial stability while respecting the emotional realities of ending a decades-long partnership. We listen closely, explain your options in plain language, and develop a strategy that reflects your goals for retirement, housing, healthcare, and financial well-being. - [Child Visitation Lawyer in St. Louis](https://bardollaw.com/child-visitation-lawyer-in-st-louis/): Separation or divorce can leave you feeling uncertain about your connection with your child. Parents worry about staying close to their children daily, even as family dynamics shift. The fear of losing precious time or seeing your relationship diminish is real, especially when routines are disrupted or emotions run high. - [How to File for Divorce in Missouri](https://bardollaw.com/how-to-file-for-divorce-in-missouri/): If you're thinking about filing for divorce in Missouri, you're facing an emotional crossroads that brings with it a host of questions and concerns. The legal and personal shifts ahead can feel overwhelming, especially when you aren't sure where to begin or which steps to take. - [Military Divorce Lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri](https://bardollaw.com/military-divorce-lawyer-in-st-louis-missouri/): Protecting service members' rights and guiding families through complex divorces in St. Louis. - [Arbitration Lawyer St. Louis, Missouri](https://bardollaw.com/arbitration-lawyer-st-louis-missouri/): Legal disputes can unexpectedly interrupt your personal life or business. Often, you need support that goes beyond legal knowledge; you need a partner who can navigate each stage with you, helping you make decisions that protect your interests and reach solutions as efficiently as possible. - [How Long Does A Divorce Take in Missouri](https://bardollaw.com/how-long-does-a-divorce-take-in-missouri/): Navigating a divorce in Missouri can feel overwhelming, especially when uncertainty about the timeline adds to your stress. If you're facing the end of a marriage, you're likely wondering about the emotional and financial impacts and how long the process will take. The answer depends on various factors, from the level of agreement between spouses to court schedules and the complexity of your case. - [When Divorce Mediation May Not Be Your Best Option](https://bardollaw.com/when-is-divorce-mediation-not-recommended/): Divorce mediation can be a powerful tool for couples seeking a more private, cost-effective, and cooperative way to end their marriage. But it's not the right fit for everyone. In some cases, underlying conflict, safety concerns, or power imbalances can make mediation unproductive or harmful. Understanding when divorce mediation may not be your best option is crucial to protecting your rights and well-being. - [Divorce vs Annulment: Key Differences and Legal Guidance ](https://bardollaw.com/divorce-vs-annulment/): When the end of a marriage becomes a reality, the decision you face isn't just about parting ways. The path you choose, divorce or annulment, affects your legal status, finances, and how the law views your relationship. Each route carries distinct consequences; understanding them is crucial for your peace of mind and future security. - [What Is a Divorce Petition?](https://bardollaw.com/what-is-a-divorce-petition/): When a couple divorces in Missouri, their property isn't always split equally. Instead, the state follows the rule of equitable distribution, which means dividing assets fairly, not necessarily 50/50. This process considers each spouse's financial situation, contributions to the marriage, and other factors to determine a just outcome. - [Divorce Records: Missouri Guide](https://bardollaw.com/divorce-records-missouri/): The significance of divorce records often extends far beyond proof that your marriage ended. They can help you: - [Missouri Divorce Decree: What it Means for Your Next Steps](https://bardollaw.com/missouri-divorce-decree/): A divorce decree in Missouri is a court-issued document that usually finalizes the end of a marriage. It outlines the court's decisions regarding property division, child custody and support, spousal maintenance, and any other matters that are related to the dissolution of the marriage. Once a judge signs it, the decree becomes a legally binding order that both parties must follow. - [Terms of Service](https://bardollaw.com/terms-of-service/): Service Review - [Missouri Property Division Laws: What You Need to Know](https://bardollaw.com/missouri-property-division-laws/): When a couple divorces in Missouri, their property isn't always split equally. Instead, the state follows the rule of equitable distribution, which means dividing assets fairly, not necessarily 50/50. This process considers each spouse's financial situation, contributions to the marriage, and other factors to determine a just outcome. - [Mikayla Butler](https://bardollaw.com/attorneys/mikayla-butler/): Mikayla Butler is not an attorney who is easily intimidated. - [Is Missouri a No-Fault Divorce State? – Missouri Divorce Laws Explained](https://bardollaw.com/is-missouri-a-no-fault-divorce-state/): Yes, Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, which means that a marriage can end without either party having to prove that the other party did something wrong. Divorce proceedings in Missouri cover several key areas, such as marital property and equitable distribution. Marital assets acquired during the marriage are split fairly, though not necessarily equally.  - [Ann Vatterott Bruntrager](https://bardollaw.com/attorneys/ann-vatterott-bruntrager/): Ann Vatterott Bruntrager is a St. Louis divorce and family law attorney known for meticulous preparation, careful attention to detail, and strong courtroom advocacy. She represents clients in complex divorce and family law matters where the financial stakes, family dynamics, or litigation issues require a particularly thoughtful and strategic approach. - [Stephen J. Bardol](https://bardollaw.com/attorneys/stephen-bardol/): Stephen J. Bardol is the founder of Bardol Law Firm, LLC, a St. Louis law firm focused on divorce and complex family law matters. Since beginning his legal career in 2010, Stephen has built his practice around representing individuals facing high-stakes disputes involving divorce, marital property, business interests, child custody, maintenance, and post-divorce litigation. - [How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer for Men](https://bardollaw.com/how-to-choose-a-divorce-lawyer-for-men/): For men, divorce and other family law cases can present unique challenges. Choosing the right divorce lawyer for men is crucial. It can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. - [What Not to Say During a Custody Rights Battle](https://bardollaw.com/what-not-to-say-during-a-custody-rights-battle/): If dealing with child custody issues, you need practical custody battle advice. Experienced child custody lawyers can guide you on what not to say during a custody dispute. This can help protect your custody rights. - [Emotional Stages of the Divorce Process](https://bardollaw.com/emotional-stages-of-the-divorce-process/): Divorce is more than a legal process. An emotional journey can feel like a roller coaster ride. Understanding the emotional stages of divorce can provide a roadmap. - [Divorce and Child Impact: How will Divorce Affect my Child?](https://bardollaw.com/divorce-and-child-impact-how-will-divorce-affect-my-child/): Divorce can lead to noticeable changes in a child's behavior. These changes can vary based on the child's age, personality, and the circumstances of the divorce and child impact. - [Reactive Abuse and the Divorce Process](https://bardollaw.com/reactive-abuse-and-the-divorce-process/): Reactive abuse refers to the responses of victims who, after experiencing prolonged emotional abuse, verbal abuse, psychological abuse, or physical abuse, react in ways that may appear abusive themselves. These reactions often happen after repeated manipulation, gaslighting, intimidation, threats, or controlling behavior by the abuser. - [Divorce and Pets in Missouri](https://bardollaw.com/divorce-and-pets-in-missouri/): Divorce and pets can be a complex issue. Understanding the legal landscape and remembering the well-being of the pet are crucial. - [How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer for Women](https://bardollaw.com/how-to-choose-a-divorce-lawyer-for-women/): Women going through a divorce or legal separation are facing emotional turmoil and uncertainty. Hiring a divorce lawyer is the first hurdle in a new family court case. Finding the best divorce lawyer for women is the first step in relieving some of that stress. ## FAQs - [Dividing a Business in a Divorce, Will I Lose My Company?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/dividing-a-business-in-a-divorce/): Dividing a business in a divorce runs through three stages in every Missouri case. - [Can My Ex Become My Business Partner After Divorce?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/business-partner-after-divorce/): So hold the question as two questions. Whether a court would impose a business partner after divorce in a contested case, and what the two of you are free to agree to. The answers are not the same. - [Business Valuation in Divorce: How Is My Company Valued?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/business-valuation-in-divorce/): A business valuation in divorce sits in the middle of a three step process, and confusing the steps is where owners lose ground. - [Business Owner Divorce: What 8 Mistakes Should I Avoid?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/business-owner-divorce/): These are the eight that cost the most in a business owner divorce. - [Does Filing for Divorce Freeze Assets in Missouri?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/does-filing-for-divorce-freeze-assets/): No. There is no statewide rule in Missouri that freezes your accounts the moment a petition is filed, and whether anything freezes at all depends on which county you are in. - [Divorce Business Buyout, How Do I Keep My Company?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/divorce-business-buyout/): Missouri law does not hand your spouse the company and does not split every asset down the middle. The court classifies the business, determines what portion is marital, values that portion, and divides the marital estate in the proportions it considers just. A divorce business buyout is simply the mechanism that lets the owner keep operating while the other spouse gets paid for a legal interest. - [Protect Your Business in a Divorce, What Are the 6 Steps?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/protect-your-business-in-a-divorce/): No. Missouri is not a community property state, so there is no rule that hands your spouse half of anything, and in most cases your spouse receives value rather than ownership. - [Family Business Divorce: Is an Inherited Family Business Marital Property in Missouri?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/family-business-divorce/): Classification is step one of any family business divorce, and it is rarely one answer. The ownership interest, the business real estate, the equipment, the retained earnings and the appreciation may each land differently. Our St. Louis divorce attorney for business owners page covers what makes owner cases different. - [How Is an LLC Treated in a Divorce in Missouri?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/how-is-an-llc-treated-in-a-divorce/): If you formed or bought the LLC during the marriage, yes, it is presumed marital, and having only your name on the paperwork changes nothing. - [Is a Business Marital Property in a Missouri Divorce?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/is-a-business-marital-property/): The presumption is overcome only by fitting the business inside one of the five exceptions in Section 452.330.2 RSMo. - [Does Divorce Affect Credit Score, What 5 Mistakes to Avoid?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/does-divorce-affect-my-credit-score/): Money is the part of a divorce that keeps people awake, and your credit score is usually near the top of the list. Here is the reassuring part. The divorce itself does not damage your credit. The risky part is what happens to the accounts while the case is running, and in St. Louis County there is a court order about that which most advice on the internet does not know exists. - [Alimony vs Spousal Support: Is There Really a Difference?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/difference-between-maintenance-alimony-spousal-support/): In Missouri, the state statutes use the word maintenance, but many clients as well as attorneys use alimony vs spousal support interchangeably with maintenance. However, it is important to be familiar with the word maintenance, because Judges, court forms and paperwork, and educational materials about the Missouri court process will utilize the word maintenance. - [Municipal Court vs Circuit Court, Which Hears My Divorce?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/difference-between-municipal-court-and-circuit-court/): Municipal court vs circuit court comes down to one line in Missouri, the circuit court hears every divorce, custody and family law case, and the municipal court hears none of them. Municipal courts handle violations of a single city's ordinances, things like speeding tickets, property maintenance citations and animal control complaints. Circuit courts are the general trial courts of the State of Missouri, and they are the only courts with authority to dissolve a marriage, enter a parenting plan or order child support. - [How to Tell Kids About Divorce, What Should You Never Say?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/relationship-with-children-change-during-divorce/): Most parents ask about the children before they ask about the money, and usually before they ask about themselves. If the thing keeping you up is whether your kids will still feel close to you afterward, that fear is normal and it is worth answering carefully. Here is the practical side, plus the parts the court will actually require of you. - [How to Survive Financially After Divorce, What to Avoid?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/support-myself-after-divorce/): If you have spent years at home with children, or years earning much less than your spouse, how to survive financially after divorce is probably the question underneath all the others. It is also the one people are least willing to say out loud. - [Where Will My Kids Live After a Divorce?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/where-will-kids-live-after-divorce/): Life after divorce really contains two housing questions rather than one. Where the children will be, and where each parent will be. This page takes them in that order. - [How Should We Divide Marital Property?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/divide-marital-property/): What we can say plainly is what drives the answer. The evidence is what determines how a court will divide marital property, and nothing else does. A division argument is built out of documents, valuations and testimony about the five factors, which is why the property side of a case is mostly a discovery exercise governed by Rule 56.01. - [How Can I Protect My Assets During a Divorce?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/protect-assets-during-divorce/): So the first real answer to how can I protect my assets during a divorce is that two separate exercises are going on. One is classification, which is what is marital and what is not. The other is division, which is how the marital part gets split. They are argued differently and the evidence for each is different. Both sit inside Chapter 452 RSMo, alongside maintenance under Section 452.335 RSMo, which is a separate question decided on its own ten factors. - [What is a Change of Judge?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/change-judge/): Then it removes the two things people assume they need. "The application need not allege or prove any cause for such change of judge and need not be verified." - [What is Discovery in a Divorce Case?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/discovery-in-a-divorce-case/): Discovery in divorce cases is also where most of the money goes. That is the honest part nobody leads with, and it is the reason the choices below matter more than the definitions. - [What Is a Vocational Exam?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/what-is-a-vocational-exam/): That matters practically. A party resisting a vocational exam in divorce sometimes argues there is no rule for it. There is. - [Can I Request a Psychological Evaluation for my Divorce Case?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/psychological-evaluation-in-divorce-case/): That single fact changes how the request gets made, who chooses the evaluator, and what the report can be used for. Here is the whole mechanism. - [Who Pays Attorney Fees in Divorce, What Are the 3 Factors?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/can-i-court-make-spouse-pay-my-legal-bill/): If what is keeping you from calling a lawyer is the bill, that is worth saying out loud rather than working around. Missouri does let a court order one spouse to contribute to the other's legal fees. It is not the default, it is not automatic, and there is one situation where it stops being discretionary altogether. - [Should I Bring Witnesses to My Divorce Trial?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/witnesses-to-divorce-trial/): The rest of this page covers which witnesses in divorce cases are worth calling, what they cost, and what to do about the one you are certain will show up. - [Divorce Counseling, What Is It and Do You Need It?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/difference-couples-counseling-divorce-counseling/): If you are somewhere between trying to save your marriage and accepting that it is over, counseling comes up fast, and the terms get used loosely. Here is what divorce counseling actually is, how it differs from couples counseling, and the one thing a Missouri court can and cannot make you do. - [Every Other Weekend Custody Schedule, How Does It Work?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/siegenthaler-custody-plan/): An every other weekend custody schedule gives one parent the majority of the overnights and gives the other parent alternating weekends, a share of school breaks, a block of summer time, and a rotation of holidays. - [What is a Parenting Plan?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/what-is-a-parenting-plan/): A parenting plan is a written document each parent proposes, setting out the custody schedule, how decisions about the children get made, and how the children's expenses get paid, which becomes a court order once a judge adopts it. - [Will My Divorce Trial Have a Jury?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/divorce-trial-jury/): Almost nobody wants a trial, and almost everyone imagines one anyway. If you are picturing a jury box, a courtroom of strangers and a verdict read out loud, that is not what a Missouri divorce trial looks like. Here is what it actually is. - [What is a Statement of Income and Expenses?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/statement-of-income-expenses/): A statement of income and expenses is a sworn financial disclosure listing everything you earn, everything that comes out of your pay, and what it costs you to live, filed early in a Missouri family law case and used for the rest of it. - [Can I Fight the Order of Protection Against Me?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/fight-order-of-protection/): Yes. An order of protection is a contested civil case, the person who filed it carries the burden of proof, and Missouri appellate courts have reversed these orders when the evidence did not support them. - [Buy a Car During a Divorce, What 3 Risks to Avoid?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/buy-car-during-divorce/): If you buy a car during a divorce in Missouri, the question is not whether you are allowed to. Nobody at a dealership will stop you. The question is what the purchase does to your case, and in two of the four courts around St. Louis there is already a court order about it before you ever walk in. - [Does Cheating Affect Divorce Settlement in Missouri?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/wil-cheating-affect-divorce-case/): Finding out that your spouse has been unfaithful is its own kind of awful, and it is completely normal to want the court to know about it. So here is a straight answer, even though it is not the satisfying one. In Missouri, cheating can matter in two specific places, and in both of them it is one consideration among many rather than a thumb on the scale. - [What is the Young Child Plan?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/what-is-the-young-child-plan/): A young child plan is a parenting schedule that starts with short, frequent visits with the parent the child has spent less time with, and expands as the child gets older. - [Financial Planning for Divorce, What 5 Mistakes to Avoid?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/financial-considerations-divorce/): Financial planning for divorce starts earlier than most people expect, and not with investments. It starts with what the court is going to make you put in writing, because that document tends to decide more than any strategy does. - [Can I Get My Maiden Name Back After My Divorce?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/maiden-name-back-after-divorce/): Note item eight. After residence, marriage date, separation date, the children, pregnancy, social security numbers and any existing arrangements, the statute requires the petition to state "the relief sought." Getting your maiden name back is relief. It goes in the petition because that is where relief goes, and if it is not there the court has not been asked for it. - [Do I Have to Wait Until the End of My Case to Get Custody of My Child?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/get-custody-of-my-child/): The question behind the question is usually simpler than it sounds. Custody of my child during the case and custody of my child at the end of the case are two separate decisions, made at two different times, under two different statutes. - [Divorce Appeal, What Are the 2 Deadlines You Must Meet?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/appeal-my-divorce-case/): That is the honest reason most divorce appeals do not succeed. It is not that the appeal was filed badly. It is that a trial judge who heard the evidence and made a judgment call is given room, and disagreeing with that call is not by itself a legal error. - [What is a Default Hearing?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/what-is-a-default-hearing/): A default hearing is where the party who filed the case asks the judge to grant what the petition requested because the other side never responded in time. - [What is Sole Legal Custody?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/what-is-sole-legal-custody/): Sole legal custody means one parent holds the decision making authority over the children's health, education and welfare, so that parent has the final say on major decisions rather than sharing them. - [What is Joint Legal Custody?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/what-is-joint-legal-custody/): Joint legal custody means both parents share the decision making about their children's health, education and welfare, and unless the court divides those decisions up, the parents have to confer with each other before making them. - [How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take, What Are 6 Delays?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/how-long-will-my-divorce-take/): Almost everyone asks this in the first ten minutes, and the honest answer has two parts. Missouri sets a legal floor that nobody can go under. Everything past that floor depends on how much the two of you disagree and how busy your court is. - [How Much Will A Divorce Cost in St. Louis?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/divorce-cost-in-st-louis/): At the cheapest end of the spectrum is representing yourself. In St. Louis County that means you would pay the $148.50 filing fee for a dissolution of marriage, plus a $46.00 sheriff fee to have the other side personally served. While this is the cheapest route, representing yourself can become very costly if mistakes are made and a lawyer has to be hired to go back to Court to try to fix the problem. Going it alone, also known as filing "pro se," can also extend the timeline by quite a bit and require a hearing to finalize things. - [The Perks of an Uncontested Divorce](https://bardollaw.com/faq/the-perks-of-an-uncontested-divorce/): An uncontested divorce is one where you and your spouse already agree on every term before the case is filed, so the court is asked to approve an agreement rather than decide a dispute. - [Missouri Child Support Laws, What Are the 5 Key Rules?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/child-support-in-missouri-explained/): Child support is the part of a family law case that generates the most arguments and the least clear information. Here is how it actually works in Missouri, in plain language, including the one rule that decides whether an existing order can be changed. - [What Is a Guardian ad Litem, What Are the 3 Duties?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/what-is-a-guardian-ad-litem/): If a judge has appointed a guardian ad litem in your case, or your lawyer has said one is coming, it is normal to feel watched. Here is exactly what the role is, what that person is allowed to do, who pays for them, and what actually happens next. - [Can Spouses Share a Divorce Attorney?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/can-spouses-share-a-divorce-attorney/): No. Missouri's conflict rule makes joint representation of two spouses in a dissolution one of the conflicts that cannot be cured by consent, so it is not a question of whether the two of you agree to it. - [Who Gets the Engagement Ring in a Divorce in Missouri?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/im-getting-divorced-but-can-i-keep-my-ring/): If you are wondering whether you get to keep the ring, you are not being petty. It is often the most personal object in the whole estate, and people ask about it more than they expect to. In Missouri the answer usually comes down to one thing, and it is not sentiment or fairness. It is timing. - [Divorce Without a Lawyer, What 3 Risks to Avoid?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/will-lawyers-make-my-divorce-worse/): Divorce without a lawyer is a reasonable question to ask, and anyone who answers it with a flat no is selling rather than advising. For some cases it is genuinely fine. For others it costs far more than the fees would have. - [Is Hiring a Divorce Lawyer Worth the Money?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/is-hiring-a-divorce-lawyer-worth-the-money/): The useful version is narrower. There are specific places in a Missouri divorce where the paperwork is harder than it looks, where the rule is not written on the form, and where a mistake is difficult to undo. Those are the places where hiring a divorce lawyer earns its cost. Where none of them are in play, it may not. - [What is a PDL Motion?](https://bardollaw.com/faq/what-is-a-pdl-motion/): PDL stands for "pendente lite," a Latin phrase meaning "pending the suit," or while the litigation is underway. A PDL motion asks the court for temporary orders that hold things steady until the case is finished. The relief is temporary because the case is still pending, which is where the name comes from. ## Testimonials - [Brett G.](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/brett-g/): Steve is a great attorney and I am so thankful to have worked with him. Steve was incredibly focused on my best interests, but was also willing to listen to my concerns when they arose. He gives a new meaning to dedication, as he took time past business hours to listen to my case. I found he was always organized, responsive, professional and dedicated throughout my entire case. I would highly recommend Steve to anyone going through this life transition. - [Jim J.](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/jim-j/): Steve is a great attorney that goes the extra mile to make sure you are taken care of. His attention to detail and legal knowledge make him a great asset to anyone in need of representation or advice. A consummate professional, Steve has helped me many times and is always willing to work with your situation. I recommend Steve to anyone out there looking for an attorney. - [Britinie P.](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/britinie-p/): Steve was a wonderful attorney. Going into an adoption can be very scary. He always calmed my fears and answered my questions in a clam and precise manner. Thank you Steve for all you help with the adoption! I would highly recommend him and use him again. - [Brian F.](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/brian-f/): I am an attorney and have sent several clients to Steve due to his familiarity with Missouri family law. Each client has had nothing but positive things to say and Steve was a great advocate for their rights. - [Chris F.](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/chris-f/): I have consistently used Steve for all matters pertaining to divorces, adoptions, custody hearings and all aspects of family law. Steve provides incredible access to his clients, making them comfortable and informed throughout each case. His willingness to work and his one on one approach are something I have truly appreciated. Without a doubt, he is highly recommended. - [Natalie F.](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/natalie-f/): Stephen has been a wonderful advisor whenever I am in need of any legal advice. This is the second time that I have been in need of legal assistance and Stephen did not hesitate to provide the continued customer service as given to me for my previous case. I would highly recommend Stephen for his services; especially those, like me, who are not legally-savy. - [Courtney E.](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/courtney-e/): I have used Stephen on several occasions and have always been pleased with his work. I found him to be knowledgeable, professional, organized, and affordable. I have recommended his services to friends and will use him if I need legal services in the future. - [Justin G.](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/justin-g/): Thanks for your help, Steve. I really appreciate you helping me out and getting everything taken care of so quickly. Highly Recommended! Would not go to anyone else! - [Alex S.](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/alex-s/): Contacted Bardol Law Firm to fix a speeding ticket. Although it took several months to get it resolved due to the precinct, Steve stayed in constant contact making sure the issue was resolved. - [Michael O.](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/michael-o/): Steve Bardol is a top notch attorney who truly cares about achieving his client’s goals. I refer cases to Mr. Bardol because of his quality representation of clients in the realm of family law and criminal matters. I highly recommend Steve Bardol as your attorney. - [Bryan D.](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/bryan-d/): Steve helped me with an issue last year. He’s a good guy and did a nice job. I’d use him again. - [Louis W.](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/louis-w/): Mr. Bardol gave professional advice and handled my divorce with expertise. I felt that he was personally concerned about me. I knew I could contact him at any time and he always called back promptly when I left a message. I highly recommend Bardol Law Firm. - [Susan K.](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/susan-k/): Steve Bardol is an excellent family law attorney. I’ve referred friends of mine to Steve for traffic matters, employment matters, and criminal matters. He is very friendly and patient with all his clients. I recommend Steve Bardol highly! - [Criminal Defense Client](https://bardollaw.com/testimonial/criminal-defense-client/): Mr. Bardol was fantastic. He recently handled a criminal matter for me. He explained everything to me in a straight forward way and was nearly always available to contact to answer my questions. He helped make a bad situation more bearable.