A Complete Guide to St. Louis County Family Court
Understanding St. Louis County Family Court
Going to the Saint Louis County Family Court is stressful for most people. It generally involves emotional cases, such as separation or divorce, child custody and support, juvenile delinquency, paternity, and sometimes adoption and guardianship.
Since these personal issues present potential long-term effects on your life and your family, you are unlikely to view the case objectively. Therefore, it is wise to retain the services of a lawyer.
The court system strives to maintain the rights of all the involved family members, so Judges often suggest the parties use mediation or other methods to find a peaceful and equitable resolution.
The Court provides many additional services like counseling, parent education classes, probation, and restitution programs to support the families and individuals the Family Court sees in addition to hearing cases.
The Family Court also handles jury duty. If you receive a summon for jury duty, please report as directed on your summon or risk a fine. You must be a resident of St. Louis County, at least 18 years old, and a U.S. citizen to serve.
A St. Louis County child support attorney from the Carson Law Firm can help you better understand the ins and outs of family law in Missouri and how it might apply to your unique case. Visit our web page to learn more about our firm and our services.
Family Court St. Louis County Legal Advisor
When dealing with divorce or child custody issues, an attorney might assist the Family Court in St. Louis County to get a broad view of the case. To make a sound and fair judgment, the Court weighs the evidence and bases its decision on what it deems to be in the child’s interests.
Some of the relevant factors they consider include:
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The needs of the child
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The ability of the parent to provide a stable environment and meet their child’s needs
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The mature child’s preference, based on their level of affection for the parents
Other elements that influence the Judge’s ruling include each parent’s lifestyle, living arrangements, and level of involvement in the child’s life. Character witnesses are sometimes used for this purpose.
St. Louis County Local Family Court Rules
Your St. Louis divorce lawyer can provide general information regarding the local court rules of St. Louis County Family Court and administrative orders. Located at 105 South Central Avenue in Clayton, MO 63105, it is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The courthouse is also open at scheduled times for the following:
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Adult Abuse
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Juvenile Detention
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Resource Center
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Expanded Resource Center
Call the courthouse by dialing 314-615-8029 to verify the exact schedule. Check out the St. Louis County Court website link for additional information about the official Rules of Court for the 21st Judicial Circuit before you visit the courtroom.
St. Louis County Family Court Filing Fees
When planning your budget for your interaction with the Court, you should verify the St. Louis County Family Court filing fees relevant to your case. These charges include but are not limited to the following actions.
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$135 Change of Name
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$137.50 Maintenance, Grandparent Privileges, Motion to Modify, and Paternity Cases
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$148.50 Annulment, Dissolution of Marriage, Legal Separation
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$287.50 Guardianship of Minor
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$393.50 Agency Adoptions
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$493.50 Step-Parent Adoptions
The St. Louis County Schedule of Deposits and Fees has additional information you may need when filing with the Circuit Court.
Conducting Missouri Court Cases Search
Due partly to the Missouri Sunshine Law, all records are accessible to the public, and anyone can conduct a Missouri Court case search. With a focus on greater transparency, each Missouri county provides access to public records in most situations.
These records can be accessed in person, by mail, fax, or email. If you are making your request in person, get the proper forms from the courthouse Clerk and pay any required fees. Contact the Clerk of the Court for the exact process for mail-in requests.
St. Louis County Court Records Online Requests
Online requests for St. Louis County Court records can easily be made with the Missouri Courts Case.Net portal. The portal allows people to access the records using any of the following categories:
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Case number
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Filing date
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Judgment index
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Litigant name
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Scheduled hearings and trials
Each option requires you to provide specific details, such as your name, address, phone number, and a detailed description of the record you request. If you are denied access to the document, request information regarding the exemption they used to make that determination.
The Family Court of St. Louis County Mentor Program
The Family Court of St. Louis County Mentor Program provides an alternative to detention for juvenile delinquency referrals accused of committing low-level offenses. If formal charges weren’t filed, the Court could enable some young offenders to live with their families and remain in school.
This is due to a 2019 finding that young people who remain a part of society do better than those in the juvenile penal system. It encourages courts to divert minors from the MO juvenile justice system into supervised programs that ensure they follow the laws.
Most delinquency referrals were for misdemeanors, such as for the following offenses:
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Assault
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Disturbance of the peace
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Drug offenses
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Property damage
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Stealing
The St. Louis County Family Court recognizes that under court supervision, adolescents aged 12-16 need positive adult role models. Mentors work with them to develop self-esteem and socially appropriate behaviors through demonstration and encouragement.
The Carson Law Firm may help you and your child avoid juvenile Court rather than face long-term consequences.
How Can an Attorney Help?
An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of Missouri Family Court and protect your rights. At The Carson Law Firm, we understand the hardship that comes with family-related legal issues.
Our team brings years of experience in all facets of family law and can assist you in making informed decisions about your case. We have handled cases like yours and will provide straightforward advice on the best action.
Contact us today for a consultation and get the legal help you need. We are here to serve your best interests—and your family’s. Our attorneys understand that these cases can be emotionally charged, and we will work diligently to ensure you receive fair treatment in the St. Louis County Family Court.
Choosing a Reliable Law Firm for St. Louis County Family Court
Since divorce can be stressful and emotional, selecting a reputable lawyer to help you face the St. Louis Family Court for your juvenile or child support, custody in Clayton, MO, and visitation issues is vital.
When dealing with police and law enforcement officials or appearing before a judge in the courts, it can be intimidating. Hiring an attorney familiar with local laws and resources can be beneficial, especially when dealing with property division or seeking justice through the Court.
The attorneys at the Carson Law Firm have a successful track record of representing clients in all types of family law cases. We understand Missouri laws and how they apply to your specific situation. Our team is equipped to help you receive the best possible outcome for your case.
Carson Law Firm can offer fair and responsible advice and advocacy from an attorney who can handle unusual cases. Call us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal options.