MISSOURI // FIND A LAWYER
Legal aid, bar referrals, lawyer costs, and self-help resources for Missouri parents navigating custody — including the Family Support Division and domestic violence shelters statewide.
Free or low-cost legal help in Missouri:
The Missouri Bar — LawyerSearch — statewide lawyer referral. BAMSL (St. Louis): 314-669-6699. KC Metropolitan Bar: 816-474-8000. Many offer initial consultations at reduced rates.
Missouri does NOT have formal state board certification for family law specialists. Instead, look for: AAML (American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers) membership, Missouri Bar Family Law Section membership, and Best Lawyers in Family Law recognition. These indicate significant family law experience.
Typical Missouri family law attorney rates: $200–$400/hour (varies by region and experience). Retainers: $2,000–$10,000 for contested custody. Flat fees for uncontested cases: $1,500–$3,000. Always get a written fee agreement.
Ask potential lawyers: How many custody cases have you tried in this circuit? Are you familiar with SB 35's equal parenting time presumption? Do you know the local judges? What's your strategy for my case? How will you communicate with me?
Missouri Courts — Self-Represented Litigants — official guide. Family law forms. Missouri also has a Litigant Awareness Program — a two-step online program to help self-represented litigants understand the court system.
The Family Support Division (FSD) handles child support enforcement. Services are FREE to all Missouri residents. The Family Support Payment Center (1-800-225-0530) processes all payments. Wage withholding is mandatory. FSD can also help establish paternity with free DNA testing.
National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 · Missouri Coalition Against DV: mocadsv.org · Hope House (KC): 816-461-HOPE · ALIVE (St. Louis): 314-993-5333 · Safe Connections (St. Louis): 314-531-2003 · Order of Protection filing is FREE.
Many circuits require parent education. FOCIS (Focus on Children in Separation) is required in Jackson County. Online: FocusOnTheKids.org ($25-$50). MU Extension Focus on Kids — court-approved in-person program.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text) · Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 · Children's Division Hotline: 1-800-392-3738 (24/7 child abuse/neglect)
Dad Court Help provides educational information only — not legal advice. We are not attorneys. Always consult a qualified Missouri attorney for your specific situation. Laws change — verify current rules at courts.mo.gov before filing.
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