St. Charles County · Divorce and family law
Whether you and your spouse agree on everything or almost nothing, a St. Charles MO divorce attorney helps you understand what the court needs and get through the process with a plan.
Divorce in St. Charles County follows Missouri law, but the county’s court has its own local rules, including required mediation when parents disagree about custody. Bardol Law Firm handles divorce and family law for clients across St. Charles County. We listen first, explain each step in plain English, and match the approach to your situation, from a simple agreed divorce to a contested trial.
Divorce in St. Charles County at a Glance
Divorcing in St. Charles County? Know the local rules before you file.
Spend a full hour with an experienced Bardol Law Firm attorney going through the details of your case, the St. Charles County requirements that apply to you, and clear next steps. It is personalized guidance you can use whether or not you hire us afterward.
$300 · One full hour with an attorney · No obligation to retain our firm
Issues We Handle in St. Charles County Divorces
Most divorces involve several of these at once. Each link goes to a page with more detail on Missouri law.
How a Divorce Moves Through the St. Charles County Court
- Filing and service. One spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage, and the other spouse is formally served or signs a waiver.
- Temporary orders, if needed. The court can set temporary custody, support and use of the home while the case is pending.
- Financial disclosure. Both spouses exchange financial information and statements of income, expenses and property.
- Parenting classes and mediation. If children are involved, parents attend the required educational sessions, and contested custody goes to mediation under the local rule.
- Settlement or trial. Most issues settle. Whatever does not is decided by a judge after a hearing.
- Judgment. The court enters the judgment of dissolution no sooner than 30 days after filing. Retirement orders, title transfers and other follow-up come after.
An agreed divorce can finish within a few months. Contested custody or property disputes can take a year or longer. For more on timing, see how long a divorce takes in Missouri.
Most people start dividing things up before they ever talk to a lawyer.
Who stays in the house, how to split the accounts, what the kids’ schedule looks like. One hour with an experienced Bardol Law Firm attorney before you decide can save you from choices that are hard to undo later. You will leave understanding your rights, your options, and what to do next.
$300 · One full hour · No obligation to hire us
Communities We Serve in St. Charles County
We represent clients throughout St. Charles County, including these communities.
Our office is at 34 N. Gore Avenue, Suite 203, in Webster Groves. We also handle cases in St. Louis County, the City of St. Louis and Jefferson County.
Why St. Charles County Clients Choose Bardol Law Firm
Bardol Law Firm practices family law and nothing else. Your case is handled by one of our attorneys, Ann Vatterott Bruntrager, Denise N. Gabel, Mikayla Butler or Anna Palmer, with a named paralegal who knows your file. We tell you what to expect, including the parts you may not want to hear, and we generally return calls within one business day. Contact Bardol Law Firm to schedule a consultation.
Not sure how this applies to your situation?
Bardol Law Firm handles family law and nothing else, in St. Louis County, St. Louis City, St. Charles County and Jefferson County. We generally return calls within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in St. Charles County
What is the first thing I should do if I want a divorce?
Gather your financial records and talk to a divorce attorney before you file. Pay stubs, tax returns, account statements and a list of debts help you and your attorney understand your options for custody, property and support.
Is Missouri a 50/50 state when dividing property?
No. Missouri divides marital property in just proportions, which means fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers each spouse’s economic circumstances, contributions, nonmarital property and conduct during the marriage.
How long does a divorce take in St. Charles County?
At least 30 days after filing, and often longer. An agreed divorce can finish in a few months. Contested custody or property issues can extend the case to a year or more.
Is mediation required in St. Charles County?
For contested custody or visitation, yes. The circuit’s local rule requires at least three hours of mediation with a court-approved mediator. Mediation of property and support is encouraged but not required.
Do I have to go to court for my divorce?
Not always. Many divorces settle through negotiation or mediation. Contested cases may require hearings or a trial if an agreement cannot be reached.
This page provides general information about Missouri divorce law and is not legal advice. Local court rules change, so confirm current requirements with the court. Every situation is different, and outcomes depend on the specific facts. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.