Divorce, custody disputes and family transitions bring stress that no one plans for. Doskocil Law Firm gives you direct access to an experienced family law attorney who handles your case.
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.
Family Law Services
Family Law Services for St. Louis Area Families
Chris Doskocil has practiced family law in the St. Louis region for over 30 years, working with clients across St. Louis City, St. Louis County and Jefferson County. As a family law firm built on one attorney's direct involvement, every case gets his personal attention rather than being passed off to a rotating team of associates.
Whether you and your spouse agree on how to divide your household or you are heading toward a contested case, this practice covers the full range of family law matters: uncontested and contested divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, prenuptial agreements and modifications to existing court orders. If your situation involves inherited property, a family business or assets acquired before marriage, that experience matters even more.
Meetings at both the Fenton office and the St. Louis office are by appointment only, so you always know you will have his undivided attention when you walk in.
Our Process
How a Family Law Case Moves Forward With Chris Doskocil
Every family situation is different, but the path from your first call to a resolved case generally follows the same four stages. Here is what to expect when you work with this family law firm.
1
Initial Case Evaluation
You start with a case evaluation where Chris listens to your situation, reviews your goals and explains the realistic options available under Missouri law. There is no assistant filtering this conversation; you speak directly with the attorney handling your case.
2
Choosing the Right Path
Based on that consultation, you decide together whether an uncontested divorce, a negotiated settlement, or contested litigation fits your circumstances. Many couples who can communicate and agree on the basics are strong candidates for an amicable divorce attorney approach that saves time and money.
3
Preparing Documents and Building Your Position
Chris prepares or reviews all required paperwork, including property statements, parenting plans and child support worksheets, and identifies what needs court action versus what can be resolved by agreement. For contested matters, this stage includes gathering evidence and preparing your position for negotiation or trial.
4
Resolution and Filing
Once terms are settled or a judge has ruled, Chris finalizes and files the necessary documents to close out your case. He stays available afterward if questions come up or if a future modification becomes necessary as your family's circumstances change.
Why Choose Doskocil Law Firm
Personalized Legal Representation From an Attorney Who Answers His Own Phone
Families facing a divorce or custody dispute need more than a firm with a good sign out front. They need an attorney who is actually reachable and who understands the local courts.
You Talk to the Attorney, Not a Paralegal
When you call, you reach Chris Doskocil directly. He answers calls himself whenever he is not in court, and clients routinely get a same-day callback, often within minutes rather than days.
Over 30 Years of Missouri Family Law Experience
Chris has practiced family law in Missouri and Illinois since 1987 and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a distinction earned through peer review of legal ability and ethics. He knows how Jefferson County and St. Louis County judges typically approach custody and support.
Personalized Legal Representation, Not a Cookie Cutter Case File
No two families' finances, parenting schedules or histories look alike. Chris takes the time to understand your specific goals before recommending a strategy, whether that means an uncontested divorce filing or preparing for a contested hearing.
What to Know Before You File
Key Considerations for Divorce and Custody Cases in Missouri
Missouri law treats most property and debt acquired during a marriage as marital, with specific exceptions for inheritances and pre-marital assets. Before you file, it helps to understand a few things that affect how your case unfolds.
Missouri courts generally start from a presumption toward marital property, so pre-marital or inherited assets need to be properly documented and disclosed.
An uncontested divorce lawyer can only represent one spouse; the other spouse may hire separate counsel to review the settlement.
Child support in Missouri is calculated using a Form 14 worksheet based on income, parenting time and other factors, though parents can agree to a different arrangement.
Parenting plans must specify a custody schedule, decision-making authority and how disputes will be handled going forward.
Courts retain ongoing jurisdiction over custody and support, so a modification may become necessary as children grow or circumstances change.
Contested divorces typically cost significantly more and take longer than an amicable divorce reached through cooperation and disclosure.
Common Questions
Family Law Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't see your question answered here, a direct call to the office is the fastest way to get a straight answer.
What makes someone a good candidate for an uncontested divorce attorney?
You are likely a good candidate if you and your spouse can communicate, agree on dividing your assets and debts, and, if children are involved, can agree on a parenting plan and support arrangement. An uncontested divorce is generally faster and considerably less expensive than a contested case, since it avoids extended court hearings.
How is child custody decided in St. Louis County and Jefferson County?
Judges consider the best interests of the child, including each parent's living situation, work schedule and ability to co-parent. Jefferson County courts often start from a presumption of equal custody time, while St. Louis County tends to weigh factors more case by case. An experienced attorney familiar with local judges can help you understand what outcome is realistic for your situation.
Can I still work with an amicable divorce attorney if we disagree about a few things?
Yes. Many couples start out disagreeing on one or two issues, such as how to split a retirement account or a parenting schedule detail, and still reach a full agreement with guidance. Chris helps identify what is actually in dispute and works to resolve those points without escalating into a fully contested case.
What if my custody or support order needs to change later?
Missouri courts retain jurisdiction over custody and child support, so orders can be modified as children age or circumstances shift, such as a job change or relocation. A modification isn't automatic; it requires showing a substantial change in circumstances, and getting experienced advice early can save you time and legal fees.
Related Legal Services
Other Legal Services From Doskocil Law Firm
Family transitions often overlap with other legal needs, from updating a will after a divorce to resolving a dispute over inherited property. Doskocil Law Firm offers a full range of services beyond family law.
Protect your family's future with a will, trust or complete estate plan built around your goals as an estate planning attorney with decades of local experience.
Whether you're facing a contract dispute or need a real estate dispute attorney, get trial-ready representation from this experienced litigation law firm.
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Service Areas
Family Law Services Across the St. Louis Region
Doskocil Law Firm meets with family law clients by appointment at offices in Fenton and St. Louis, and represents families throughout the surrounding communities, including:
You don't have to sort through a divorce or custody question alone. Call the office and you'll reach Chris Doskocil directly to schedule a consultation and get honest guidance about the options in front of you.
