Besserman Law

Family Law Attorneys That Care.

St. Charles - Edwardsville - O'Fallon - Granite City

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Family Law

Divorce

As divorce and separation attorneys, we assist clients with rebuilding their lives amidst the difficult times and challenges they face.
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Family Law

High Net Worth Divorce

In addition to handling complex property division and high-asset divorce cases, we have unrivaled experience in high-asset divorces.
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Missouri & Ilinois

Mediations

Your divorce should be resolved in a timely manner so that you can begin your new life. Call us today! Let us help you through the divorce process. Clients value our services.
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Family Law

Child & Spousal Support

Keeping client rights in mind, we ensure that child and spousal support payments are calculated fairly and accurately for every client.
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Family law

Domestic Violence

For those seeking protection from abusers or facing false allegations of abuse, we offer compassionate service & aggressive representation.
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Missouri & Illinois

Family Law

Only family law matters are handled by our firm, which gives us the in-depth knowledge necessary to handle even the most complicated, sophisticated, and serious family law matters for clients.
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Family Law

Military Divorce

We assist clients on both sides of these cases, regardless of their status as military service members or spouses, the person filing for divorce or the person who has served.
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Family Law

Modifying Divorce & Custody Agreements

Our firm assists clients in modifying child custody and child support judgments based on the facts of the case.
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Missouri & Illinois
Offices

Our offices in Missouri and Illinois are conveniently located. Divorce laws differ according to the jurisdiction. Having in-depth knowledge of the local statutes in their region, our attorneys are prepared to assist you in dealing with any family law issue.
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Setup Up the Initial Appointment

You need to schedule an initial consultation with an attorney to begin the legal process, divorce process, or custody process. You will have an opportunity to ask your most pressing questions during this 30-minute meeting.

During this phone consultation, the attorney will also gather essential details about your situation to better understand your unique circumstances and provide preliminary guidance. This is a crucial step in establishing clear expectations, outlining potential next steps, and ensuring you feel informed and prepared as you move forward. Bring or provide any relevant documents, such as financial records, parenting agreements, or prior court orders, to make the most of your time.
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What to Expect for Any Case.

A divorce or legal process begins with the initial consultation with your attorney. The hour will be devoted to answering specific questions and drafting goals for your case. You can expect your attorney to outline a strategy that has the best chance of success based on the information you provide.
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Meet With Attorney Over the Phone or Online

Ensure you bring all necessary documentation to your consultation, including current and legal documents you think our attorneys will need to see, such as W-2 forms and last year's tax records. If you're not sure what documentation to bring, ask. You will have a more productive initial consult if you have the proper documentation on hand.
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Deborah Besserman

Founding & Managing Partner
As a founding partner of Besserman Law, Deborah Besserman brings extensive experience and a passion for justice to the firm. With a focus on delivering personalized legal solutions, Deborah is dedicated to advocating for her clients with integrity and professionalism.
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Scott Trout

Partner
Scott Trout, also a partner at Besserman Law, is known for his strategic approach and unwavering commitment to his clients. With a deep understanding of the law and a sharp analytical mind, Scott consistently achieves favorable outcomes for those he represents.
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stcharles, Missouri, st. louis, divorce

Taedra

Google Review
"Deborah Besserman has absolutely gone above and beyond. She is confident, professional and extremely thorough. I couldn't have placed my trust with a better attorney."

Cassandra

"I'm so thankful that I found Besserman Law Office. The entire staff has been so very helpful during difficult times. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs legal counsel."

Dan

"Deborah Besserman and her team took care of my case. With all the craziness going on they didn't let me down. It can be a nerve-wracking thing to have to go and hire lawyer. Besserman law office always made me feel reassured. I am grateful."

Tina

"From day one I felt Deborah would be a strong advocate for me, have high ethical standards and extremely knowledgeable on family law. After 18 long months, including a trial, I received a favorable decision. I never promote divorce, but recommend Deborah for when it is necessary. Thank you!"
FAMILY LAW • DIVORCE • CUSTODY • SUPPORT

Family Law FAQs — Organized by State

These frequently asked questions cover common divorce and family law issues in Missouri and Illinois. Each question is clearly labeled by state so updates remain easy to track over time. This page is general educational information and not legal advice.

Laws and outcomes vary. Talk with an attorney to understand options for your specific facts and jurisdiction.

Divorce Basics

Filing, no-fault rules, timing, and separation requirements—labeled by state.

MISSOURI How do I file for divorce in Missouri?
To file for divorce in Missouri, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days before filing. Divorce cases are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides.
MISSOURI Is Missouri a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Missouri is a no-fault state. You do not have to prove adultery, abuse, or wrongdoing—only that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
MISSOURI How long does a divorce take in Missouri?
Missouri has a minimum 30-day waiting period, but most divorces take 3–12 months, depending on custody disputes, property issues, and court schedules.
MISSOURI Do I need my spouse’s permission to get divorced?
No. One spouse can file for divorce even if the other objects.
ILLINOIS How do I file for divorce in Illinois?
One spouse must have lived in Illinois for at least 90 days before filing. Cases are filed in the circuit court of the appropriate county.
ILLINOIS Is Illinois a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Illinois only allows no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences.
ILLINOIS How long does a divorce take in Illinois?
Uncontested divorces can be finalized in as little as a few months, while contested cases often take 9–18 months.
ILLINOIS Do we have to be separated before divorcing?
Illinois law presumes irreconcilable differences if spouses have lived apart for 6 months, but the court's no longer require an affidavit of living separately for any length of time.

Property & Finances

Equitable distribution, the house, retirement accounts, and maintenance/alimony.

MISSOURI Is Missouri a community property state?
No. Missouri follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily 50/50.
MISSOURI What counts as marital property in Missouri?
Generally, assets acquired during the marriage—including income, retirement accounts, and real estate—are marital property, regardless of whose name is on them.
MISSOURI Who gets the house in a Missouri divorce?
There’s no automatic rule. Courts consider factors like financial contributions, custody arrangements, and each spouse’s ability to maintain the home.
MISSOURI Will I have to pay spousal maintenance (alimony)?
Possibly. Missouri courts look at need, ability to pay, length of marriage, and earning capacity. Maintenance can be temporary or long-term.
ILLINOIS Is Illinois a community property state?
No. Illinois follows equitable distribution, not automatic 50/50 division.
ILLINOIS What is considered marital property in Illinois?
Most assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of title.
ILLINOIS How are retirement accounts divided?
Often through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)—errors here can be extremely expensive.
ILLINOIS Will I receive or pay maintenance (alimony)?
Illinois uses statutory guidelines based on income, marriage length, and financial need, though courts may deviate.

Child Custody & Support

Best-interest standards, parenting time, and how support is calculated.

MISSOURI How is child custody decided in Missouri?
Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, considering stability, parental involvement, and the child’s needs.
MISSOURI Does Missouri favor mothers in custody cases?
No. Missouri law is gender-neutral. Courts often favor arrangements that allow frequent and meaningful contact with both parents.
MISSOURI What types of custody exist in Missouri?
  • Legal custody (decision-making)
  • Physical custody (where the child lives)
Both can be joint or sole.
MISSOURI How is child support calculated?
Missouri uses Form 14, which considers income, parenting time, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses.
ILLINOIS Does Illinois still use the term “custody”?
No. Illinois now uses allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time.
ILLINOIS How does Illinois decide parenting time?
Based on the best interests of the child, including stability, cooperation, and each parent’s involvement.
ILLINOIS Can a child choose which parent to live with?
A child’s wishes may be considered, but no child decides custody outright.
ILLINOIS What happens if one parent violates the parenting schedule?
Courts can impose fines, modify parenting time, or hold the parent in contempt.
ILLINOIS How is child support calculated in Illinois?
Illinois may use an income shared model, considering both parents’ income and time with the child based on overnights.
ILLINOIS Does parenting time affect child support?
Yes. Overnights and shared parenting significantly impact calculations.
ILLINOIS Can child support be modified?
Yes, if there’s a substantial change in circumstances (job loss, income change, medical issues).

Special & High-Conflict Issues

Pregnancy, hidden assets, relocation, domestic violence, and enforcement.

MISSOURI Can I get divorced while pregnant in Missouri?
Yes, but courts may delay final custody decisions until after birth.
MISSOURI What if my spouse is hiding assets?
Courts can impose penalties, reopen judgments, and award additional property if concealment is proven.
MISSOURI Can I move out with my children during a divorce?
This can seriously impact custody. Always talk to an attorney before relocating.
MISSOURI Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?
Legally no—but mistakes can be costly and irreversible, especially with property and custody.
ILLINOIS What if there is domestic violence?
Illinois courts can issue Orders of Protection immediately and prioritize safety.
ILLINOIS Can I move out of state with my child after divorce?
Relocation may require court approval or parental agreement depending upon the mileage involved.
ILLINOIS What if my spouse won’t cooperate?
Courts can compel disclosure, enforce deadlines, and impose sanctions.
ILLINOIS Do I really need a lawyer if we “agree on everything”?
Many people think they agree—until tax consequences, retirement, or future enforcement becomes an issue.

Want answers specific to your situation?

Get guidance tailored to your facts, goals, and jurisdiction. We’ll help you understand options and next steps.

Facing family or divorce issues?

At Besserman Law, we understand that family and divorce matters can be challenging and emotionally draining. Our experienced team is here to provide you with compassionate, professional legal support every step of the way.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website. Legal outcomes depend on the facts of each case. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice regarding your specific situation.
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