Divorce
At the Law Offices of Susan L. Ward, LLC, we offer a full range of legal services related to divorce and marital dissolution, including:
- Divorce
- Modifications of divorce decrees
- Orders of protection
- Child orders of protection
- Adult abuse orders
- Division of property, including complex financial and business valuation issues
- Custody agreements
- Awards of child support
- Awards of maintenance (alimony)
- Attorneys’ fees
- Marital torts (domestic assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, wrongful death)
Missouri is a "modified no-fault" state, meaning that in order to obtain a divorce, the parties must only plead irreconcilable differences. However, conduct (such as an affair or financial fraud) is relevant to issues such as the distribution of property, and spousal support (also known as alimony or maintenance). Also relevant are incidents of domestic violence, injury, assault or harm caused by one spouse to the other. As an "equitable distribution" state, Missouri takes into account a number of factors in deciding how to distribute property, including determining what is non-marital property, what is marital debt, and the financial needs of the parties. This does not necessarily mean the property will be divided equally.
In addition to divorce and marital dissolution, we will also assist those with health issues, religious, or moral objections to divorce in filing for legal separation. In Missouri, legal separation accomplishes most of the same results as a divorce, including determinations of child custody, support, and property division. The significant difference between the two is that a legal separation does not dissolve the marriage contract. Thus the parties are not free to remarry, but they may be able to keep the tax and insurance benefits of a married couple.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to speak with an experienced St. Louis, Missouri divorce attorney regarding your marital dissolution or legal separation, please do not hesitate to call us at (314) 783-9400. If you prefer, you may complete the form on the Contact Us page of this website, and a representative from our office will be in touch with you shortly.
