Divorce Lawyer in St. Louis, MO — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri can make a major difference in your long-term financial stability, parenting arrangements, and overall experience during the divorce process. Whether your case involves contested custody, complex financial issues, or a simple uncontested agreement, this guide explains everything you need to know about divorcing in St. Louis — including local court procedures, attorney costs, residency rules, and more affordable alternatives to hiring a law firm.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in St. Louis?

You may need a St. Louis divorce lawyer if your situation includes:

• Disputes over child custody, parenting schedules, or legal decision-making

• High-conflict communication or an uncooperative spouse

• Real estate, retirement accounts, or major investments

• Business ownership or complicated financial structures

• Arguments over spousal maintenance

• Domestic violence or need for an order of protection

• Suspected hidden assets, cash income, or cryptocurrency

• A case expected to involve mediation, hearings, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Parenting schedules

• Child support & spousal support

• Division of all assets & debts

• Real estate & marital home decisions

• Retirement & pension distribution

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your St. Louis divorce documents for a fraction of attorney costs.

Where to File for Divorce in St. Louis, MO

St. Louis is split between St. Louis City and St. Louis County, each with its own courthouse. Most residents file in St. Louis County, but here are both:

St. Louis County Circuit Court (Most Common)

St. Louis County Circuit Court — Family Court
105 S. Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-8029

St. Louis City Circuit Court (City Residents)

22nd Judicial Circuit Court — Domestic Relations
10 N. Tucker Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63101
(314) 622-4434

Both courts handle:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & parenting plans

• Child support & spousal maintenance

• Orders of protection

• Mediation & settlement conferences

• Hearings & trials

Missouri supports statewide e-filing via Case.net.

Missouri Residency Requirements for Divorce

You may file for divorce in St. Louis if:

• One spouse has lived in Missouri for at least 90 days before filing.

Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, using “irretrievable breakdown” as the grounds.

How Divorce Works in St. Louis, MO

Here’s what the divorce process typically looks like:

1. File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

This initiates the legal process.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service may occur via:

• Sheriff

• Private process server

• Special court-appointed server

• Acceptance of service

3. Mandatory Waiting Period

Missouri requires a 30-day waiting period between filing and finalizing a divorce.

4. Financial Disclosure Requirements

Both spouses must exchange:

• Income documentation

• Real estate & debt information

• Bank statements

• Tax returns

• Retirement & investment account statements

Missouri divides property based on equitable distribution, not automatically 50/50.

5. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

St. Louis courts often require:

• A parenting class

• Mediation for custody disputes

• A detailed parenting plan

• GAL involvement for highly contested cases

6. Mediation, Settlement, or Trial

Uncontested divorces move quickly.
Contested divorces may involve:

• Temporary custody or support hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Custody evaluations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

7. Final Judgment of Dissolution

A judge signs the final decree, completing the divorce.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in St. Louis, MO?

Attorney fees in St. Louis vary depending on complexity and conflict level.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $225–$400

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $1,800–$4,500

• Contested divorce: $7,500–$25,000+

• High-asset cases: $30,000–$75,000+

Custody disputes and significant assets increase the cost.

Local Divorce Lawyers in St. Louis, MO

Here are respected St. Louis divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Stange Law Firm, PC

https://www.stangelawfirm.com

2. The Center for Family Law

https://www.thecenterforfamilylaw.com

3. Cordell & Cordell — St. Louis Office

https://cordellcordell.com

These lawyers specialize in contested custody, mediation, property division, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your St. Louis divorce is uncontested, you may not need a traditional attorney.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee divorce services:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Missouri divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file your documents with the St. Louis County or City court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated divorce specialist supports your entire case.

These solutions offer a faster, clearer, and more affordable process compared to a traditional law firm.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a St. Louis divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or visitation is contested

• Domestic violence or safety concerns exist

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or significant assets

• You suspect hidden money

• Litigation is expected

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for St. Louis Couples

• Missouri-specific divorce forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced specialists

• Faster & more affordable than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested cases

Divorce.com helps St. Louis couples move forward with clarity and confidence.

Start Your St. Louis Divorce Today

Whether you choose an attorney or an online service, taking the first step is crucial. Divorce.com provides a streamlined, affordable, and stress-free path for St. Louis families.