Both officesBy appointment onlySpeak directly with attorney Chris Doskocil.
Fenton
476 Old Smizer Mill Rd, Ste 232 Fenton, MO 63026 Mon to Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Louis
3407 S Jefferson Ave St. Louis, MO 63118 Mon to Fri, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Civil Litigation Services
What a Civil Litigation Attorney Handles
Civil litigation covers legal disputes outside of criminal, family, and bankruptcy law: disagreements between businesses, individuals, and property owners that end up in front of a judge because a resolution couldn't be reached any other way. This includes situations like a contract that fell apart, a property line dispute with a neighbor, or a business partner who won't honor an agreement. If you're dealing with a broken contract, a real estate dispute, or a disagreement over an estate or trust that's turned adversarial, this is the area of law that applies.
Chris Doskocil has represented businesses, families, and property owners throughout Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and St. Louis City for over three decades. That experience covers everything from breach of contract claims and business disagreements to real property disputes and contested trust matters, whether the case settles through negotiation or needs to go to trial in St. Louis County Circuit Court.
As a civil dispute attorney, Chris works to resolve matters through mediation or arbitration whenever it serves your interests. When the other side won't negotiate in good faith, he's a trial attorney who is ready to build your case and take it to court.
How We Handle Your Case
From Case Evaluation to Resolution
Every civil litigation matter starts with an honest look at what you're facing and what a realistic outcome looks like. Here's how Chris Doskocil approaches a case from the first call through resolution.
1
Case Evaluation
You start with a direct case evaluation with Chris, not an intake coordinator. He'll listen to what happened, review your documents or contract, and give you a straightforward assessment of your options.
2
Investigation and Strategy
Once he understands the dispute, Chris digs into the facts, gathers evidence, and identifies the legal claims or defenses available to you. You'll get a clear strategy built around your specific goals, not a generic playbook.
3
Negotiation or Mediation
Many disputes can be resolved without a courtroom. Chris pursues settlement, negotiation, or mediation when it can get you a fair result faster and with less expense than a drawn-out lawsuit.
4
Trial, If Necessary
When the other side won't come to a reasonable resolution, Chris prepares your case for trial and represents you in court. You'll have the same attorney who evaluated your case standing beside you at every hearing.
Why Choose Doskocil Law Firm
Direct Access to an Experienced Trial Attorney
Facing a lawsuit or considering filing one is stressful enough without wondering who's actually working on your case. Here's what clients get when they hire Doskocil Law Firm for a civil dispute.
You Talk to the Attorney, Not a Paralegal
When you call about your case, you reach Chris Doskocil directly. He returns calls the same day, usually within minutes, so you're never left guessing where things stand.
Over 30 Years of Trial Experience
Chris has practiced law since 1986 and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a distinction awarded to attorneys recognized by their peers for the highest levels of skill and ethics.
Personalized Legal Representation
Chris takes the time to understand your situation, your goals, and what matters most to you before recommending a strategy. That means realistic advice and a case built around your actual priorities, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Types of Civil Disputes We Handle
Common Civil Litigation Matters in the St. Louis Area
Civil disputes come in a lot of forms, and the right approach depends on the facts of your case. Chris Doskocil regularly represents clients in the following types of matters:
Business contract disputes and partnership disagreements, as a business contract dispute lawyer for local companies
Breach of contract claims involving vendors, service agreements, or business deals gone wrong
Real estate and property disputes, including boundary lines, easements, and title issues, as a real property lawyer
Trust litigation involving disputes over trustee conduct or the terms of a trust, handled by a trust litigation attorney
Probate litigation disputes over the validity or administration of a will or estate
Personal and business insurance claim disputes
If your dispute doesn't fit neatly into one of these categories, reach out anyway. Most civil disputes have overlapping legal issues, and a legal consultation is the fastest way to find out where you stand.
Civil Litigation Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Litigation
How long does a civil lawsuit take in Missouri courts?
Timelines vary widely depending on the county, the complexity of the dispute, and whether the other side is willing to negotiate. A straightforward contract dispute might resolve in a few months, while a contested real estate or trust litigation matter can take a year or more. Chris will give you a realistic timeline once he's reviewed the specifics of your case.
What's the difference between a civil litigation attorney and a probate litigation attorney?
A civil litigation attorney handles a broad range of disputes between businesses, individuals, and property owners. A probate litigation attorney focuses specifically on conflicts over a will, trust, or the administration of an estate. Chris Doskocil handles both, so if your dispute touches on an inheritance or a contested will, he can represent you either way.
Do I have to go to trial if I hire a civil litigation lawyer?
Not necessarily. Many contract disputes, real estate disputes, and business disagreements settle through negotiation or mediation before ever reaching a courtroom. Chris will always look for a fair resolution outside of trial first, but he prepares every case as though it might go the distance so you're never caught unprepared.
What should I bring to a case evaluation for a contract or property dispute?
Bring any written agreements, correspondence, invoices, deeds, or documents related to the dispute, along with a timeline of what happened. The more information Chris has upfront, the faster he can assess your options and outline a strategy for moving forward.
Related Legal Services
Additional Legal Services from Doskocil Law Firm
Beyond civil litigation, Doskocil Law Firm provides legal counsel for families and individuals across the St. Louis area facing other legal matters. Explore the other legal services Chris Doskocil offers below.
Whether you're pursuing an uncontested divorce or need help resolving a custody matter, Chris Doskocil provides direct, personal representation through every step of your family law case.
Wills, trusts, and estate plans give your family clarity and protection. Chris helps clients throughout Fenton and St. Louis build an estate plan suited to their specific situation.
When a loved one passes away, Chris Doskocil guides families through probate administration and estate matters with the same directness and responsiveness he brings to every case.
Explore
Communities We Serve
Civil Litigation Representation Across the St. Louis Area
Doskocil Law Firm represents businesses and property owners in civil disputes from offices in Fenton and St. Louis, by appointment only. Clients throughout the following communities turn to Chris Doskocil for direct, experienced legal representation:
Talk to a Civil Litigation Attorney Who Returns Your Calls
Whatever dispute has brought you here, from a broken contract to a fight over property, you shouldn't have to navigate it alone or wonder if your calls will get returned. Reach out to schedule a case evaluation with Chris Doskocil directly, and get a clear read on your options before your next move.
