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St. Louis Family Law Attorneys

Your Family DeservesExceptional Representation.

Thompson & Walker combines 30+ years of combined experience with genuine compassion. We protect your children, your assets, and your future — every step of the way.

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30+ Years Combined Experience
1,200+ Families Served
Missouri Super Lawyers®
Free Consultations
1,200+
Families Helped Since 2005
0
Families Represented
0
Years Combined Experience
98%
Client Satisfaction Rate
$0
Consultation Fee
Missouri Super Lawyers®
Top Family Law Firm — St. Louis
1,200+ Families Helped
Missouri Bar Association
AAML Members
Free Consultations
Available 24/7
Missouri Super Lawyers®
Top Family Law Firm — St. Louis
1,200+ Families Helped
Missouri Bar Association
AAML Members
Free Consultations
Available 24/7
What We Do

Comprehensive Family Law Representation

From contested divorce to adoption — we handle every dimension of family law with precision and care.

Divorce

Contested and uncontested divorce representation. We protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.

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Child Custody

Custody and visitation agreements that put your children's best interests first — always.

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Property Division

Missouri is an equitable distribution state. We fight to ensure you receive your fair share.

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Alimony & Support

Spousal maintenance and child support — negotiated or litigated to protect your financial future.

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Domestic Violence

Emergency orders of protection, safe exit planning, and relentless advocacy when you need it most.

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Adoption

Step-parent adoption, agency adoption, and private placement — we guide you through every step.

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Meet The Team

Your Attorneys

Two decades of combined courtroom experience — and a genuine commitment to every client's outcome.

Mary Thompson, Family Law Attorney

Mary Thompson

Founding Partner

Mary brings 18 years of family law experience and a reputation for tenacious advocacy — particularly in complex custody disputes and high-asset divorces. A former St. Louis circuit court law clerk, she understands exactly how judges think.

  • Washington University School of Law, J.D.
  • Missouri Super Lawyers® 2019–2025
  • AAML — American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Missouri Bar Family Law Section Chair (2022)
Jason Walker, Family Law Attorney

Jason Walker

Partner

Jason focuses on property division, business valuation in divorce, and post-decree modifications. A trusted voice in Missouri family court, he has successfully argued precedent-setting cases involving closely-held business interests.

  • Saint Louis University School of Law, J.D.
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Rated
  • Missouri Bar Family Law Committee Member
  • Certified Family Law Mediator
How It Works

Simple, Transparent Process

We make the legal process clear from day one — no surprises, no hidden fees.

1

Free Consultation

A confidential 60-minute conversation to understand your situation and your goals.

2

Strategy Session

We build a clear legal roadmap — with realistic timelines and honest expectations.

3

Active Representation

From filings to negotiation to courtroom — we handle everything, keeping you informed.

4

Resolution

A favorable outcome and a clear path forward — for you and your family.

Radical Transparency

Estimate Your Legal Fees

Most law firms hide their fees. We don't. Use this tool to get a realistic estimate before your first call — no surprises, ever.

Estimated Retainer
$2,500
Estimated Total Range
$3,500 – $6,000
Typical Timeline
60–90 days

Estimates based on typical St. Louis County cases. Actual fees depend on your specific situation. We provide a written fee agreement before any work begins.

Get Exact Quote — Free Consultation →
Know What to Expect

Your Case, Phase by Phase

Uncertainty is the hardest part. Here's exactly what a Missouri divorce looks like from filing to final decree — tap each phase for details.

1
Day 1–7

Filing & Service

Petition for dissolution filed with the St. Louis circuit court. Spouse is formally served. A 30-day response window begins.

Your attorney prepares and files the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. If you have children, a parenting plan is filed simultaneously. Service can be waived if the spouse signs an Entry of Appearance.
2
Week 2–6

Temporary Orders

Court may issue temporary custody, support, and housing arrangements to maintain stability while the case proceeds.

Temporary orders govern how you and your spouse live during the divorce — who stays in the house, temporary child support, temporary custody schedules. These can be negotiated or set by the court at a temporary hearing.
3
Month 2–4

Discovery

Both sides exchange financial documents, answer written questions, and take depositions to fully understand the marital estate.

Discovery is the evidence-gathering phase. Interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions reveal the full financial picture. Hidden assets, business interests, and retirement accounts are identified here.
4
Month 4–6

Mediation

Missouri courts require mediation before trial in most cases. A neutral mediator helps both parties reach agreement.

80%+ of Missouri divorces settle at or before mediation. A skilled mediator helps parties find common ground. Thompson & Walker prepares extensively for mediation — it's often where the most value is created for clients.
5
Month 6–12+

Settlement or Trial

If mediation succeeds, a settlement is drafted and submitted to the court. If not, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.

A negotiated settlement gives you control over the outcome. Trial gives the judge that control. We prepare every case for trial — which makes our settlements stronger. Most cases settle; all are trial-ready.
6
Final

Decree of Dissolution

The judge signs the final decree. Your divorce is final. We ensure every term is properly documented and enforceable.

The Decree of Dissolution is the final court order ending the marriage. It incorporates the separation agreement or court rulings on all issues. Thompson & Walker reviews every decree for accuracy and enforceability before you sign.
The Real Cost of Going It Alone

Represented vs. Unrepresented

The data is clear — represented clients consistently achieve better outcomes. Here's what the research shows for Missouri family law cases.

Outcome Metric
Going It Alone
Pro Se / Self-Represented
Recommended
With Thompson & Walker
Experienced representation
Average Time to Resolution 14–24 months
Procedural errors cause repeated delays
 6–12 months
Efficient, on-track case management
Custody Outcome 41% achieve preferred outcome
Without advocacy, judges fill in the gaps
 91% achieve primary or joint custody
Thorough preparation and advocacy
Asset Recovery in Divorce Avg. 31% below fair share
Unknowingly accepting unfavorable terms
 Avg. 34% more assets recovered
Expert valuation and aggressive negotiation
Procedural Errors 67% of self-filers make errors
Errors can void agreements or delay finalization
 Zero procedural errors
Everything filed correctly the first time
Post-Decree Modifications 3x more likely to need modification
Vague orders create future disputes
 Comprehensive orders prevent future fights
Clear, detailed orders that hold up
Support / Alimony Outcome Frequently leave money on the table
Not knowing what to ask for
 Maximized support based on statutory factors
We know exactly what courts will award
Overall Satisfaction 29% satisfied with outcome
Regret is the most common self-filer response
 98% satisfied with our representation
Based on client surveys 2020–2025
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What Clients Say

Real Results, Real Families

★★★★★
"

Mary fought for my children like they were her own. I couldn't have gotten through my divorce without her calm, steady presence and brilliant strategy.

Jennifer K.
Contested Custody · Clayton, MO
★★★★★
"

Jason saved my business. He knew exactly how to value it and protect it during the divorce process. His expertise in complex financials is unmatched in St. Louis.

Robert T.
High-Asset Divorce · Chesterfield, MO
★★★★★
"

From the very first call, Thompson & Walker treated me like a person — not a case number. They got me out safely and helped me start fresh. Forever grateful.

Sarah M.
Domestic Violence Order · St. Louis City
As Seen In
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KSDK
News Channel 5
Fox 2
St. Louis
Missouri
Lawyers Weekly
St. Louis
Business Journal
“
Thompson & Walker has built a reputation as the go-to firm for families navigating Missouri's most complex custody and asset division cases.
St. Louis Business Journal March 2025
Missouri Lawyers Weekly

Thompson & Walker Named to Missouri Super Lawyers for 7th Consecutive Year

Both founding partners recognized among Missouri's top family law practitioners for demonstrated peer recognition and professional achievement.

February 2025 Read More →
KSDK News Channel 5

"How St. Louis Families Are Navigating the Surge in Post-Pandemic Divorce Filings"

Attorney Jason Walker speaks to KSDK News about the rise in complex divorce cases and what Missouri families need to know about their rights.

January 2025 Read More →
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Attorney Mary Thompson Appointed Chair of Missouri Bar Family Law Section

Mary Thompson joins the Missouri Bar Association leadership, shaping statewide family law policy and continuing education for practitioners.

December 2024 Read More →

Ready to Protect Your Family?

Your first consultation is free and completely confidential. We're available 24/7 for urgent matters.

Schedule Free Consultation 📞 (314) 555-0182
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