Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Re: separation/divorce

In the first place, if you are convinced that the marriage is irretrievably broken, then you want to file for a Dissolution of Marriage (divorce). If you are interested in trying to save the marriage, but need some legal order in effect providing for custody, visitation, child support, maintenance, division of property and debts, and so forth while you try to work things out, then you may want to file for a legal separation. Depending a great deal upon where you live, and in what county you are going to file, either of these legal proceedings can cost from a relatively modest amount upwards. If you came to me to file for a dissolution, in most cases I would require a retainer fee in the amount of $1500 against which I would bill at the hourly rate of $150. If you and your husband chose to fight over very much of anything your total bill would be in excess of the retainer fee since more of my time would be required. Also, you would have to pay court costs which vary from county to county. Also, there will be a cost for a parenting education class if you have children together. If you are located in any of the counties surrounding St. Louis, you may call me for a free telephone consultation at 314-727-2822.