Note:  We are only handling mediation cases, and not divorce litigation. 

Our Approach:  Understanding and creative, with a therapeutic touch

Divorce, called "Dissolution of Marriage" in Missouri, is inherently upsetting, stressful, and depressing, and can be devastating.   Our goal is to help you accomplish your objectives and get through it without losing your mind, your children, your assets, or your self-confidence -- and without losing your shirt.   

Having grown up in the family of a psychiatrist, having been divorced myself, and having an academic background in psychology, I have a deep understanding of the emotional impact of the divorce process. In particular, I understand its impact on children and the importance of structuring a good parenting plan.

Mediation is faster, cheaper, and more satisfying than litigation. I'm ready to fight, but I'm particularly interested in clients who may be interested in mediation or at least achieving a workable plan without using a "take no prisoners" approach.  Legal battling is not the best use of your time, money or emotional energy.  But you don't have to compromise your principles or what's important to get what you want and need. 

I am also a member of the Missouri Collaborative Family Law Association (http://www.collaborativefamilylaw-mo.org), which is an association of attorneys who are certified mediators and also certified in a low-conflict way of reaching agreement in a divorce or paternity case.  Each person is represented by a CFLA member, and the two attorneys and two clients meet to work out the agreement in a non-adversarial way.  It works great!  (Well, much better than going to trial.)  If you are considering divorce and your spouse doesn't already have an attorney, consider this approach.  We will be very happy to discuss the alternatives with you.

I have also computerized the Missouri forms so that I can file the stack of paperwork without having to waste a huge amount of time drafting documents. That lets me focus on the human side and the legal issues for a reasonable cost.  Efficiency is important, too. 

Let our understanding and creative approach help you.

Missouri Dissolution Legal Links

Client Information Sheets

Recommended Reading:

I strongly recommend that everyone who is considering a divorce, or who is divorced, read Judith Wallerstein's The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce:  A 25 Year Landmark Study. 

How to tell the kids you are getting a divorce?  This is a tough one, and it is a moment in time that will live in your children's memory forever.  Here are a few pages from Wallerstein's book.  (Again, I strongly recommend her entire book.)  Wallerstein-TellingTheKids.pdf