Experienced Missouri Divorce Lawyer
The end of a marriage can be the most difficult time in a person's life. People divorce for a variety of reasons: money problems, domestic abuse, infidelity or adultery, poor communication, addiction, or just changing priorities. Regardless of the underlying issues that led up to the breakup of the marriage, a divorce is usually a very emotional, and even traumatic, event for most people.
Divorce attorney Kathleen Shaul provides clients with more than experienced legal advice. She also offers compassion, availability, and personal attention throughout the divorce process. Attorney Shaul focuses her practice solely on family law. For more than 14 years, she has assisted clients with divorce and other family law issues, including:
If you need legal help with your divorce, call 314-863-9955 or contact the St. Louis Law Offices of Kathleen Shaul.
Division of Marital Property and Debts in a Divorce
In Missouri, only "marital property" is subject to division in a divorce. "Marital property" is usually defined as all property acquired by either spouse after the marriage. Exceptions include inheritances, gifts, and property obtained in exchange for property acquired before the marriage, which are considered non-marital property not subject to division.
In many instances divorcing spouses can agree on who gets what property and who pays which debts between themselves, with some assistance from their attorneys. If the husband and wife cannot agree, the courts will decide how to distribute their marital property and debts. Missouri is an "equitable distribution" state when it comes to the distribution of marital assets. This does not mean that each spouse will necessarily be awarded an equal share of the couple's property. Rather the court will consider the following factors in making a fair division of the marital debts and property:
- The economic circumstances of each spouse.
- The desirability of awarding the family home to the parent who has primary custody of the children,
- The contributions of each spouse to the acquisition of the property (including the contributions of a homemaker), and
- The value of any non-marital property awarded to either spouse.
Attorney Kathleen Shaul will assist you with the identification, inventory and valuation of your marital and non-marital property including: the family home, lake cabin, beach house, or other real estate, checking accounts, bank accounts, and investment accounts, retirement funds (IRAs, 401Ks, pensions and other retirement accounts), family owned businesses, household furniture and goods, cars, boats, jewelry, and all other property. Attorney Shaul will work to protect your rights and interests and fight for your fair share of the marital assets.
Spousal Support / Alimony
Spousal support (also called alimony or maintenance) is money paid by one spouse to the other following a divorce. Attorney Kathleen Shaul has represented many spouses in legal battles over alimony. She is familiar with the complicated laws and legal standards which apply to an award of spousal support, as well as how support payments may affect the marital property division. Alimony can be temporary or permanent and can be paid in monthly installments or in a lump sum. The court will consider a number of factors in deciding whether to award spousal support, and if so, the amount of spousal support. Generally, the longer the marriage and the greater the disparity in the spouses' incomes and earning capacities, the more likely it is that a spouse will be ordered to pay spousal support or maintenance.
No-Fault Divorce
Because Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, you do not have to prove that your spouse is "at fault" in order to get a divorce. However, the court can consider spousal behaviors, like alcoholism or drug addition, infidelity, or fiscal irresponsibility, in deciding child custody, support, or division of property issues.
Fast Response, Good Communication
Attorney Shaul knows the importance of being available to her clients and she pledges to respond quickly when you call. She also knows the importance of good communication. That is why she takes the time to fully explain every issue so you can make informed decisions. She even has translators available to facilitate communication with those who do not speak English.
If you are seeking compassionate, knowledgeable, and assertive legal assistance with your divorce, call 314-863-9955 or contact the Law Offices of Kathleen Shaul to arrange an initial consultation.
Statement of Income & Expense
Statement of Property
The Law Offices of Kathleen E. Shaul, P.C.
7710 Carondelet Avenue
Suite 401
St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-9955
Fax: 314-863-9933
The Law Office of Kathleen Shaul serves residents of the state of Missouri, including the cities of St. Louis, West End of St. Louis, Ballwin, Brentwood, Bridgeton, Chesterfield, Clayton, Creve Coeur, Des Peres, Ellisville, Fenton, Florissant, Kirkwood, Ladue, Manchester, Maplewood, Maryland Heights, Mehlville, Oakville, O'Fallon, Richmond Heights, St. Charles, St. Peters, Town and Country, University City, Warson Woods, West County, Wild Wood, and the following counties: St. Louis County, St. Louis City County, Franklin County, Jefferson County, Lincoln County, and St. Charles County.
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