Navigating Divorce in St. Louis: City vs. County – Understanding Your Options

Deciding to file for divorce is a significant life event. It is a business decision with profound personal implications. If you reside in the St. Louis metropolitan area, one of the initial considerations you might face is where to file your case: the City of St. Louis or St. Louis County. While both jurisdictions operate under Missouri’s divorce laws, understanding the options can be beneficial as you navigate this process.

Establishing Residency in Missouri for Divorce

First, before you can file for divorce in Missouri, the state has specific residency requirements that must be met. According to Missouri law, to file for dissolution of marriage, at least one of the parties must reside in the state for at least 90 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition. Additionally, at least one of the parties must have resided in the specific county or city where the divorce is filed for at least 30 days immediately preceding the filing. Understanding these requirements is the first crucial step in determining where you can legally initiate your divorce proceedings in the St. Louis area.

Your Options: St. Louis City and St. Louis County Courthouses

In the St. Louis metropolitan area, divorce cases are typically handled in the following specific courthouses and divisions:

• City of St. Louis: Divorce cases are generally heard at the Civil Courts Building, located at 10 North Tucker Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63101. These cases are usually handled within specific divisions of the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis.
• St. Louis County: Divorce cases in St. Louis County are primarily handled at the St. Louis County Circuit Court, located at 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105. Within the County’s Circuit Court, there are dedicated Family Court divisions that specifically address dissolution of marriage and related matters.

Resources in St. Louis

Divorce proceedings aren’t always straightforward. When disagreements arise regarding property division, child custody, support, or other crucial issues, your case may enter the realm of contested litigation. In these situations, having legal counsel with experience in Missouri and specifically St. Louis courts is important.
Aaron Bundy is licensed and actively practicing across three states: Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. Our team at Bundy Law has extensive experience handling complex and contested divorce cases in multiple jurisdictions. We understand the intricacies of presenting evidence, negotiating effectively, and advocating fiercely for your rights in the local courtrooms. We know how important it is to engage the right experts in contested divorce cases. Whether it’s a forensic accountant or business valuator for a complex financial case, a child psychologist to provide insights on custody arrangements, or a vocational expert to assess earning potential, access to qualified and reputable experts in the St. Louis area can be invaluable. We have established relationships with a network of respected experts in both the City and the County, ensuring that we can build a strong case for mediation and trial.

If you are contemplating filing for divorce in St. Louis, you may wish to contact Aaron Bundy — experienced divorce lawyer for a confidential consultation. He can help you navigate these initial considerations and provide you with the knowledgeable guidance you need during this challenging time.