Clayton, MO Divorce & Family Law Attorney
Call 314-675-1065 for Compassionate & Experienced Legal Counsel
Interested in filing for divorce? Are you in the middle of a child custody dispute with the other parent? Do you want to gain paternity to prove you are the parent of a child? Are you a victim of domestic violence? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it is imperative to seek legal representation from a skilled family law attorney.
Our experienced legal team at Coulter Goldberger, LLC is committed to protecting your rights and best interests in order to obtain the most favorable results in your case. We have helped thousands of families throughout Missouri, including in Clayton, who are facing complex family law matters. We will listen to your situation, determine your available legal options, and provide creative solutions which are tailored to your needs. Do not hesitate to obtain knowledgeable and caring legal assistance immediately.
Our firm handles the following legal matters in Clayton, MO:
- Divorce
- Child custody
- Child support
- Alimony and spousal support
- Property division
- Relocation
- Modifications
- Enforcement of orders
- Appeals
- Adoptions
- Paternity
- Father’s rights
- Grandparent’s rights
- Domestic violence
Divorce in Missouri
Divorce—or “dissolution of marriage”—in Missouri occurs when one spouse (petitioner) files for divorce to the other (respondent). In order to file for divorce in Missouri, one of the spouses must be a state resident for at least 90 days before filing.
The divorce petition must state the proper grounds (or reasons) why the divorce is being sought. A spouse can either file for a “no-fault” grounds if the marriage is irretrievably broken, or at fault grounds such as adultery, abandonment, cruelty, etc.
For Clayton residents, the divorce must be filed in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County. Since Missouri is an equitable distribution state, which means marital (community) assets will be divided in a fair manner, rather than equal.
If you and your spouse have children, you want to file a petition for child custody. When determining whom to award primary custody, the judge will make a decision based on the best interests of the child, which includes factors such as the parents’ wishes stated in the parenting plan, the child’s need for a meaningful relationship with both parents, which parent is more willing to successfully co-parent, the child’s wishes (if mature enough), any history of abuse, and other factors.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Family matters can be quite complex, especially when it comes to hotly contested disputes. Our Clayton family law attorney can guide you through the intricacies of the family law system and help you avoid legal pitfalls that can be detrimental to your case. We know that no two families are alike and therefore, we provide personalized legal solutions which address your goals and concerns.
Contact us at 314-675-1065 and discuss your case with our legal team today.