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⇱ Divorce Attorney St Louis | Bardol Law Firm, LLC

Bardol Law Firm, LLC

Family Law, Simplified

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Divorce Attorney St Louis

Supportive Legal Guidance from an Experienced Divorce Attorney Serving St. Louis, Missouri

Welcome to Bardol Law Firm, LLC, your trusted St. Louis divorce attorneys dedicated to providing personalized legal support during life’s most challenging moments. Whether navigating the complexities of divorce, custody battles, or seeking protection in cases of domestic violence, our seasoned attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.

Family law matters are deeply personal and often overwhelming. Having a knowledgeable divorce attorney St Louis on your side can make all the difference in achieving a fair resolution and a more secure future. Our team approaches every case with empathy, reason, and precision, helping clients move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

We combine deep local experience with a client-first philosophy to deliver effective, personalized legal solutions for every family we serve.

Our Practice Areas

Divorce and Legal Separation

We provide robust support to those undergoing the stress of divorce, focusing on achieving favorable terms in property division, custody arrangements, and financial support. It is important to note that in Missouri, it is essential to prove that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Read more at Section 452.305 of the Revisor of Missouri.

Child Custody and Visitation Rights

Our child custody lawyer in St. Louis works to secure custody and visitation arrangements that protect your children’s well-being and reflect your family’s needs.

Child Support

Understanding the financial stakes, we strive to ensure that

arrangements are fair and reflective of your child’s needs. Section 452.430 lists down the factors to be considered by the judge in setting the child support. These include the financial needs and resources of the child as well as those of the parents, the physical and emotional status of the child, and  the child’s current physical and legal custody, among others.

Adoption

From navigating the legal intricacies to addressing potential complications, we support families throughout the adoption process.

Paternity

Establishing paternity can be pivotal in securing a child’s future; our firm provides professional legal guidance throughout this sensitive process.

Domestic Violence

We offer legal representation for victims of domestic violence, as well as support for those wrongly accused, prioritizing safety and justice. For more information, Chapter 565 subsections 565.072, 565.073, 565.074, and 565.074 of the Revisor of Missouri are the legal bases for the crime and penalty of domestic assault.

Read More

Chapter 452 of the Revisor of Missouri provides the legal basis and process involving the dissolution of marriage, child custody and support, spousal support, property division, and more. Whether you are the petitioner (the person initiating the petition) or the respondent (the person answering to the petition), our St. Louis family attorneys can assist from day one.

 family law practice areas

Our Process

Why Are You Here?

Something has gone wrong. Maybe you’ve been served with divorce papers. Or maybe you have been unhappy for a while and want to file for divorce. Maybe your ex is keeping your children from you. Or maybe your child support is so high that you are barely making ends meet. We’d like the chance to help you.

Who Do We Help?

The first thing we do is answer your questions, whether they’re about divorce, custody, child support, adoption, or general legal information. The hardest part is not knowing what to do, and that’s where we come in. We work with you to create a plan to face your legal challenges. If things are going to be difficult, we take a firm, proactive stance. If you’re looking for something quick and painless, our uncontested divorce lawyer can guide you through the process efficiently and with minimal stress.

Why Choose Bardol Law Firm?

At Bardol Law Firm, we distinguish ourselves through:

  • Extensive Local Experience: Deeply rooted in St. Louis and surrounding areas, we have a nuanced understanding of Missouri family law.
  • Personalized Approach: Every case is unique, and we tailor our strategies to meet the specific needs and objectives of our clients.
  • Commitment to Communication: We ensure that you are informed and prepared at every stage of your legal journey.
  • Proven Track Record: Our attorneys have consistently secured favorable outcomes, thanks to thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy.

 more family law practice areas

Incredibly Compassionate & Dedicated

Steve is a great attorney and I am so thankful to have worked with him. Steve was incredibly focused on my best interests, but was also willing to listen to my concerns when they arose. He gives a new meaning to dedication, as he took time past business hours to listen to my case. I found he was always organized, responsive, professional and dedicated throughout my entire case. I would highly recommend Steve to anyone going through this life transition.

Brett G.

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Meet Our Team

Stephen J. Bardol

After graduating in a tough legal market, Stephen Bardol chose to represent individuals with real-world problems rather than corporate entities. Stephen’s commitment to his clients and his fearless approach to litigation have earned him a reputation as a formidable trial attorney in St. Louis. From humble beginnings with a single custody case to a thriving practice, Stephen has built his firm one case at a time, always focusing on the real needs of his clients.

Ann Vatterott Bruntrager

Ann’s journey into family law was sparked by her internship with Legal Advocates for Abused Women, coupled with her personal background of growing up with adopted siblings. Her profound commitment to family law was solidified through her work with Catholic Legal Assistance Ministry, where she handled a broad spectrum of family law cases for those unable to afford legal services. Ann combines her deep understanding of family dynamics with practical legal experience, making her a compassionate advocate for her clients’ rights in family court.

Mikayla Butler

I went into law school with a desire to practice family law. Personal experiences in my childhood taught me the importance of the family court system, and how vital it is to have a sturdy and compassionate support system when you’re navigating difficult family dynamics. Growing up and observing the struggles of my Mother, who was someone without that support system, inspired me to be the kind of advocate that could have helped her, and therefore helped me, get a better result and move forward more quickly.

Denise N. Gabel

I have focused my twenty-year legal career on helping Missouri families. Before entering private practice, I had a successful career in public service, starting as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Phelps County, Missouri, then working for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office for 14 years. At the Attorney General’s Office, I handled a large variety of cases across Missouri. During my tenure, I served as Deputy a leader in the Child Support Unit and later served as Deputy Chief Counsel of the Government Affairs Section.

 meet the team

Frequently Asked Questions

Will My Relationship With My Children Change During Divorce?

Yes and no. While all families go through an adjustment period during and after a divorce, the two parents have a substantial amount of control over the damage that is done to the children during a divorce. Some key things to remember are to avoid discussing the divorce in front of the children, to make sure and promote a healthy relationship between the children and your spouse, and to seek counseling for everyone involved if the situation is high conflict.

divorce faqs

What is the Young Child Plan?
A young child plan is a certain type of custody plan that is put in place by some Judges when the child at issue in a custody case is very young or has not spent meaningful time with one of the two parents, which in most cases is the father. It is also a rare example of a situation where a Judge is allowed to order a custody plan to change or be modified at some date in the future rather than coming back to Court.

child custody faqs

What is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative Divorce is an alternative to the traditional “courtroom and judge” divorce process. Unlike the mediation process, where the couple typically sits down with a single mediator to discuss matters, spouses going through the collaborative process each hire a specially trained collaborative-divorce attorney. The attorneys are not always the only people helping the spouses sort out their affairs. Oftentimes, specialists like counselors, coaches and financial advisors will join in the process. As a group, the attorneys, spouses and specialists will work together, outside the watch of the court, and walk through the issues at hand.

divorce faqs

How Does the Adoption Process Work in St. Louis?
There are multiple types of adoptions and the process can vary between the different types. However, the basic St. Louis adoption court process always starts with a family wanting to adopt a specific child and then filing paperwork with the St. Louis County or St. Louis City Circuit Court. The initial paperwork includes a Petition for Adoption, as well as an Affidavit of Expenses for costs incurred to go through the adoption, and some other basic filing documents. The case is then processed and the Judge is assigned to the case. If the case involves a transfer of custody then the first hearing will be scheduled and a Guardian ad Litem will be appointed. If the case just needs a finalization hearing, then it is scheduled and a Guardian ad Litem is appointed. When the hearing day arrives, the parties appear in Court and testify briefly about the facts of the case. The Judge then makes a final decision on whether to grant or deny the adoption.

adoption faqs

What Is a Vocational Exam?
In family law matters where financial issues are in dispute, a party can request that the court order the opposing party to undergo a vocational exam. A vocational exam or vocational evaluation is when a party hires a vocational expert to determine the opposing party’s ability to work and income potential. While the court does not have to rely on the expert’s findings, it can be very beneficial in cases where a party has been out of work for an extended period of time or in situations where a party appears to be earning much less than their education and/or work experience would indicate.

child custody faqs

Schedule a Consultation

Your first meeting is an opportunity to gain clarity and direction. During this confidential consultation, our attorneys will review your situation, explain your options, and help you understand the best path forward for your family. Taking this step ensures you’re informed and prepared before making important decisions.

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