St. Louis · MO · Vetted Directory

Top Divorce Lawyers in St. Louis

If you are getting divorced in St. Louis, Missouri calls it a 'dissolution of marriage' and makes it no-fault, but it still sets rules that affect your timeline. You must have lived in Missouri at least 90 days before filing, and the court cannot finalize anything for at least 30 days after the petition. The St. Louis area's circuit courts handle these cases. Below: vetted St. Louis divorce and family law firms for custody, support, and property division.

30 days
Minimum Waiting Period
90 days
Residency Required
$200-400
Per Hour Range
Free
Many Consults

Updated May 7, 2026

When you need a St. Louis divorce lawyer

A short marriage with no children and few assets sometimes does not need a lawyer. Most divorces benefit from one. Talk to a St. Louis divorce lawyer if:

  • You have children and need a parenting plan and child-support order that will hold up.
  • There is a house, retirement account, business, or debt to divide under Missouri's equitable-distribution rules.
  • Your spouse has hired a lawyer or you expect the case to be contested.
  • There is a history of financial control, hidden assets, or domestic abuse.
  • You expect to seek or pay spousal maintenance (alimony).

Missouri is an equitable-distribution state, so marital property is divided fairly rather than automatically split in half. Although divorce is no-fault, the court can still consider a spouse's conduct when dividing property or setting maintenance. Missouri also requires a written, detailed parenting plan in any case involving children, which is one reason custody cases take longer.

What this typically costs in St. Louis

$200-400
Typical hourly rate
$1,000-3,500
Flat uncontested
$5,000+
Contested retainer
Free
Many initial consults

Most St. Louis divorce lawyers charge $200-$400 per hour and ask for a retainer up front. A simple uncontested dissolution is sometimes handled for a flat fee of roughly $1,000-$3,500. A contested case with custody and property disputes costs more, since the bill tracks how much the two sides litigate. Ask any firm how it bills, what the retainer covers, and whether a flat fee is available for your situation.

How long a St. Louis divorce case takes

  • Uncontested dissolution: about 30-90 days after filing, given the mandatory 30-day waiting period.
  • Contested with custody: commonly 9-18 months in the St. Louis circuit courts.
  • High-asset or high-conflict: can exceed 18 months when business valuations or custody evaluations are involved.
  • Parenting plan: Missouri requires a detailed written plan in any case with children, which adds time to negotiate.

How fast you finish depends mostly on how much you and your spouse can agree on. For a national overview, see our divorce guide and how much a divorce lawyer costs, or browse all St. Louis lawyers.

St. Louis firms that handle divorce

1

Stange Law Firm, PC

St. LouisFamily law focusDivorce, custody, support

A family-law-focused firm whose attorneys have earned Missouri Super Lawyers recognition. Handles divorce, custody, and support across the St. Louis metro. A solid choice for a dedicated family law team with multiple local offices.

Free ConsultationFamily law
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2

Coulter Goldberger

Clayton / St. LouisSuper Lawyers attorneysDivorce, custody

A St. Louis-area family law firm with several Super Lawyers-recognized attorneys, including Elliott Goldberger, who brings nearly four decades of family law experience. A strong pick for a complex or high-conflict divorce.

Free ConsultationFamily law
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3

Jones Family Law Group, LLC

St. LouisAAML FellowDivorce, custody, support

A St. Louis firm whose attorney is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a board-certified Family Law Trial Advocate, and a Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers honoree. A focused option for high-stakes custody and property cases.

Free ConsultationFamily law
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4

The Center for Family Law

Clayton & St. CharlesFour Super LawyersDivorce, custody, support

A regional family law firm with offices in Clayton and St. Charles and four attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers. A reasonable choice for clients who want a larger family-law team close to home.

Free ConsultationFamily law
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5

Spirn Family Law LLC

St. LouisFounder Michelle SpirnDivorce, family law

Founded by Michelle Spirn, who holds the highest Martindale-Hubbell rating, with partner Alexandra Noll recognized as a Missouri-Kansas Super Lawyers Rising Star. Worth considering for focused, client-centered family law representation.

Free ConsultationFamily law
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See the full ranked write-up in our Top 10 divorce lawyers in St. Louis guide. Firm details are gathered from public sources; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.

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Divorce in St. Louis — FAQ

How long does a divorce take in St. Louis?
Missouri requires a minimum 30-day waiting period after the petition is filed before a divorce can be finalized, so even a fully uncontested dissolution usually takes 30-90 days. Contested cases with custody or property disputes commonly run 9-18 months in the St. Louis circuit courts.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in St. Louis?
Most charge $200-$400 per hour with a retainer up front. A simple uncontested dissolution is sometimes handled for a flat $1,000-$3,500. Contested cases cost more because the bill tracks how much the two sides litigate. Many firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.
Do I need a reason to divorce in Missouri?
No. Missouri is a no-fault state, so you only need to state that the marriage is 'irretrievably broken.' You do not have to prove wrongdoing. That said, the court can still consider a spouse's conduct when dividing property or deciding spousal maintenance.
Is Missouri a 50/50 divorce state?
No. Missouri uses equitable distribution, meaning marital property and debts are divided fairly based on factors like each spouse's contributions, economic circumstances, and conduct. Fair is not always an even split, and the outcome depends on your facts and the judge.
How is child custody decided in Missouri?
Missouri courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child and require a detailed written parenting plan covering schedules, decision-making, and support. Many parents reach an agreed plan; contested cases may involve a guardian ad litem or custody evaluation before a judge rules.
Where is my divorce filed in St. Louis?
Cases are filed in the circuit court for where you live, the 22nd Judicial Circuit for the City of St. Louis or the 21st Circuit for St. Louis County. Custody, support, and property matters tied to the divorce are handled in the same court. You must have lived in Missouri at least 90 days before filing.

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