Best Child Custody Lawyer in St Louis
Susan Amato
Child Custody Lawyer
In 1992, after nearly a decade as a successful attorney and divorce mediator, Susan Amato founded her own practice with a focus on mediation and family law matters. Susan is a recognized trailblazer in mediation and collaborative law, on the forefront of introducing, developing and utilizing these methods in the St. Louis legal arena. She also has years of experience resolving complex family matters through litigation.
Susan received her B.A. from St. Lawrence University and her law degree from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.
She has been named for many years by Saint Louis Magazine and by U.S. News as a “Best Lawyer” in the areas of Collaborative Family Law and Family Law Mediation, and has been named by Best Lawyers in America as 2015, 2019, and 2023 St. Louis Collaborative Law: Family Law “Lawyer of the Year” and in 2016 as Best Lawyers St. Louis Family Law Mediation “Lawyer of the Year”. She was awarded the Missouri Lawyer’s Media 2009 Women in the Law Citizenship Award. Susan holds the Martindale Hubbell “AV” Peer Review Rating for achieving the highest level of professional excellence.
Kathleen E. Shaul
Child Custody Lawyer
As a leading St. Louis family law firm, we know that the delivery of premier legal services is made possible only by the talent and dedication of our staff. It is our goal to provide prompt, professional, and courteous service from your initial consultation all the way through to the resolution of your case.
Kathleen E. Shaul concentrates her practice exclusively on family law with an emphasis on divorce litigation. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Shaul taught high school English in Chicago. She is a certified Guardian ad Litem and is passionate about children’s issues.
7710 Carondelet Ave UNIT 401, St. Louis, MO 63105, United States
(314) 207-8523
www.go.kshaul-law.com
Joseph A. Sepcter
Child Custody Lawyer
Joseph A. Specter graduated from Drake Law School in 2011. While at Drake, he worked in the Neal & Bea Smith Legal Clinic providing criminal defense to low income clients. Subsequent to his experience at the Legal Clinic, he spent time working at the Public Defender’s Office in St. Louis County where he furthered his knowledge and experience as a criminal defense attorney. Joseph A. Specter received his undergraduate degree in Business from the University of Missouri – Columbia.
Joseph A. Specter was born and raised in St. Louis. He is one of six children. When he is not fighting for his clients he enjoys watching Cardinals baseball, NFL football, traveling, and spending time with his family.
“St. Louis will always be my home. It is a great city with great people. I am committed to making sure the people in and around St. Louis get the representation they deserve. Everyone needs someone on their side fighting for their rights. That’s where I come in.”
JENNIFER R. PIPER
Child Custody Lawyer
Jennifer R. Piper attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where she earned a B.A. in political science, she then went on to receive her law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law.
As an attorney, Jennifer has been distinguished by Missouri Lawyers Weekly as a Rising Star, Up and Coming Lawyer; she has been named to The Best Lawyers in America® 2017-2023 in the practice area of Family Law. Ms. Piper also recently received a Woman’s Justice Award from Missouri Lawyers Weekly in 2019 and recognized by Missouri Super Lawyers for 2021-2023.
Ms. Piper served as a member of the 2010 and 2011 inaugural class of Barristers in The Theodore McMillian American Inn of Court. As a member and Past President of The St. Louis County Bar Association, Ms. Piper is still actively involved in the organization and helps organize Continuing Legal Education Seminars and events. Ms. Piper was appointed and served on a special committee of the Missouri Bar Association dealing with issues involving juvenile cases and immigration. Ms. Piper was appointed by St. Louis County Circuit Court Judge Burton to serve on a special committee to improve the Family Court of St. Louis County that developed and implemented new local rules and procedures. Ms. Piper served on the Board of Directors for Caring for Kids, an organization developed and designed to provide essential resources to meet the urgent needs of children in foster care in St. Louis County.
William Grant
Child Custody Lawyer
Lawyer William Grant brings more than 35 years of experience to the table. As one of the area’s leading attorneys in family law and juvenile law, his accomplishments include:
- The St. Louis County Family Court Award as the Distinguished Guardian Ad Litem of the Year
- Selected by his peers as a Missouri Super Lawyer every year since 2013
- Criminal defense attorney representative on the St. Louis County Domestic and Family Violence Council
- St. Louis County Bar Association Distinguished Service Award (2012)
A tireless advocate for children, Mr. Grant has served as a guardian ad litem (court-appointed advocate for children) for more than 35 years. He has also maintained a high level of civic involvement in various professional and nonprofit organizations, most recently as a board member of Caring for Kids, a Missouri-based nonprofit.
Jack Cavanagh
Child Custody Lawyer
Attorney Jack Cavanagh is a veteran attorney with over 50 years of legal experience. This includes involvement in hundreds of judge and jury trials. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a skilled and dedicated legal professional. His practice is based on a foundation that includes a range of legal experience, which includes time as a former prosecutor and personal injury attorney. His aggressive counsel and commitment to addressing his clients’ concerns with the fullest extent of his abilities has led to outstanding case results even in the most complex and challenging legal matters.
Today, Attorney Cavanagh focuses his legal practice primarily on divorce and family law, criminal defense, and business and corporate law. From his offices in St. Louis, he represents people in St. Charles, Chesterfield, and across the surrounding areas in Missouri.
Cavanagh earned his undergraduate degree and law degree from St. Louis University, beginning his legal career in 1962. The following year, he became an assistant prosecuting attorney for St. Louis County.
After working as a prosecutor for 4 years, Jack went into private practice in Clayton, Missouri. Over the decades, he has represented clients in a range of legal matters. He has represented individuals, businesses, and organizations by providing legal counseling and advice as well as representation inside and outside of the courtroom in the areas of family law, civil litigation, bankruptcy, criminal law, and business law. He has also represented several municipalities as a City Attorney and Municipal Prosecutor.
Ann Bauer
Child Custody Lawyer
Ann Bauer is a founding member of The Center for Family Law. Ann attended law school after more than 15 years working with parents and children in early childhood education. She practices exclusively in the area of family law. She is a certified family law Mediator and trained in collaborative law, as a Guardian ad Litem, and as a Parenting Coordinator.
Ann was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and has lived in Chicago and Dallas. She moved to St. Louis in 1983 and currently resides in St. Louis with her husband. She is the parent of two adult children and two grandchildren. When she is not in the office, you can find her testing out a new recipe in her kitchen while marathon-listening to a new true crime podcast.
230 S. Bemiston Ave., Ste. 405 St. Louis (Clayton), MO 63105
(314) 721-8844
www.thecenterforfamilylaw.com
Brendan Davis
Child Custody Lawyer
Brendan Davis attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio for his undergraduate degree in Political Science and Loyola University St. Louis School of Law for his Juris Doctor.
Prior to starting his own firm, Brendan managed a large, multi-jurisdictional consumer law firm. He is now bringing all he learned to his own practice to help secure and protect his clients’ futures.
Davis has helped hundreds of clients over the years and believes everyone should have access to high quality, efficient, and affordable legal representation.
The need for the best child custody lawyer in St. Louis is significant in cases where child custody disputes arise during divorce or separation proceedings. These skilled attorneys specialize in family law and are essential for several reasons when child custody issues are involved:
- Legal Expertise: Child custody laws in Missouri are complex and can be challenging to navigate. The best child custody lawyers in St. Louis have a deep understanding of state and local family laws, ensuring that their clients’ interests are protected.
- Child’s Best Interests: The primary focus of child custody cases is the best interests of the child. Child custody lawyers advocate for arrangements that prioritize the child’s well-being, including their physical and emotional needs.
- Custody Options: Child custody lawyers explain the various custody options available, such as sole custody, joint custody, physical custody, and legal custody. They help clients understand these options and choose the most suitable arrangement for their family.
- Negotiation: In many cases, child custody disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. The best lawyers are skilled negotiators who work to reach amicable agreements that benefit both parents and serve the child’s interests.
- Court Representation: When negotiations fail or when the case cannot be resolved through alternative methods, child custody lawyers represent their clients in court. They present evidence, make legal arguments, and advocate for their clients’ custody preferences.
- Parenting Plans: Child custody lawyers assist clients in creating comprehensive parenting plans that outline custody schedules, visitation rights, and other crucial details to ensure a smooth transition for the child.
- Enforcement: In cases where one parent fails to adhere to the custody agreement, child custody lawyers can take legal action to enforce the court order and protect their client’s rights.
- Modifications: Circumstances can change over time, and child custody arrangements may need to be modified. Child custody lawyers help clients petition the court for modifications when necessary.
- Protection Against Unfit Parents: In cases where one parent poses a risk to the child’s safety or well-being, child custody lawyers work to protect the child’s interests by advocating for supervised visitation or other protective measures.
- Legal Documentation: Child custody lawyers ensure that all legal documents, including custody agreements and court orders, are prepared accurately and in compliance with the law.
- Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: The best child custody lawyers often recommend alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to resolve conflicts more amicably and reduce the emotional toll on the child.
- Emotional Support: Child custody cases can be emotionally challenging for all parties involved, including the child. Child custody lawyers offer support and guidance to their clients throughout the process.
- Parental Rights: These attorneys work to protect their clients’ parental rights, ensuring that they have a fair opportunity to maintain a meaningful relationship with their child.
In summary, the best child custody lawyer in St. Louis is essential for parents navigating child custody disputes, as they provide legal expertise, advocacy, and support to ensure that the child’s best interests are prioritized, and the parents’ rights are protected during the legal process.