Top Family Lawyers Near Me in Columbia Area

Going through a divorce or facing a family law matter in Columbia, Missouri, can be an overwhelming experience. Having a dedicated and experienced attorney by your side can provide clarity and support during this difficult time. Eunice Larsen is a compassionate Junior Associate Attorney with Stange Law Firm. Based in our Columbia, MO office, she proudly serves clients throughout Boone County and the surrounding areas.. Eunice earned her Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. Before pursuing her legal education, Eunice attended Loyola University in Chicago, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Her academic background and experience provide her with a good foundation when assisting clients through complex family law matters.. Before becoming a Junior Associate Attorney with the Columbia, Missouri divorce and family law lawyers at Stange Law Firm, Eunice built a diverse professional background. She previously founded and operated her own real estate brokerage. In this role, she guided clients through the home buying and selling process while ensuring accuracy in all documents and procedures. In addition to her work in real estate, Eunice served as an Administrator at a school. There, she oversaw day-to-day operational tasks and prepared the institution’s financial audits, accreditation renewals, and regulatory compliance with various government agencies. Her professional skill set includes legal research and writing, contract and document review, mediation, and client communication. Eunice is dedicated to assisting clients in navigating complex family law matters.. Note: The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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Facing a divorce or family law matter is never easy. For individuals in Boone County, MO, having caring and supportive legal counsel in your corner can make all the difference throughout the process of your case. You deserve legal counsel that understands what you are facing and that will be there to help you rebuild your life. Ari Moody is an Associate Attorney with Stange Law Firm in our Columbia, Missouri office, and she looks forward to helping you get back on your feet.. Ari attended Southern Illinois University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in May 2024, while also earning certification in Health Law and Policy. During law school, she also served as a Team Lead and Law Student Ambassador. Before law school Ari obtained her Bachelor of Science in Criminology Pre-Law, with a minor in Ethics, graduating cum laude from Bradley University.. Before joining the Columbia, Missouri divorce and family law attorneys at Stange Law Firm, Ari worked as a Law Clerk for various organizations. For the Illinois Department of Insurance’s Health Law Division, she analyzed insurance regulations, supported enforcement and litigation, and contributed to compliance policies. Previously, at the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office Juvenile Justice Division, Ari drafted court documents, conducted legal research, and assisted with trial preparation. Ari also completed various internships, gaining valuable legal experience with juror processing at Peoria County Courthouse, compliance support with the Illinois Healthcare and Family Services, and legal assistance with the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office.. Note: The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Compassionate, assertive, and dependable, Randall Johnston is a wonderful attorney to have on your side as you deal with the complications of Missouri’s legal system. He has a long history of professional success and is eager to use the knowledge he’s gained to resolve your current legal concerns.. Academic and Career History. As an undergraduate, Randall Johnston attended the University of California at Berkeley. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1971. Later, he attended law school at the University of Missouri. There, he developed a clear passion for law and the desire to use his innate skills for good. Since graduating from law school, he has enjoyed a very successful legal career, serving with Johnston & Smith LLC and later as a sole practitioner.. During his multiple decades in the legal industry, Randall Johnston has developed a solid reputation in and around Columbia. Clients are impressed by his detailed knowledge of several practice areas, plus his unparalleled negotiation skills and his willingness to provide patient counsel to those who need it most. Fellow attorneys also respect him; he’s received glowing endorsements from some of the region’s finest legal professionals.. Practice Areas. Randall Johnston boasts a comprehensive understanding of the legal industry. He is willing to take on a variety of complex cases. Regardless of the details of the cases he handles, his approach is always respectful and proactive. The following are a few of his primary practice areas:. Randall Johnston’s Legal Appproach: A Proactive Columbia Attorney. Ranked highly with Martindale-Hubbell, Randall Johnston is known for his ethical and compassionate approach to law. He cares deeply about his clients and their families, and is confident in his ability to put their most pressing legal issues to rest. His personalized approach ensures that each client’s concerns are addressed.. Are you ready to put your legal concerns in the past? Whether a contract dispute or real estate issue has you feeling stressed, you can count on Randall Johnston for support. He will offer the thorough legal counsel you need to feel confident about your case. Contact Randall B. Johnston, P.C. today to learn more about his background, his approach to law, and how he can help you navigate the Columbia legal system.

Columbia trial attorney Jim Rutter has decades of professional experience in a variety of case types, including jury trial experience. Beginning his practice in 1979, Attorney Rutter has handled criminal defense issues from the other side of the courtroom as a prosecutor. He uses his more than 35 years of knowledge and insight to help clients throughout Columbia and the surrounding areas with their complex legal matters. His practice has a special interest in false allegations and those falsely accused of child abuse and sexual assault, as well as other legal matters handled by the Rutter and Sleeth Law Offices. To learn how he can help you, contact the firm and schedule a case consultation.

Columbia divorce attorney Amanda S. Mueller’s experience working with families and children as an attorney for the Department of Social Services opened her eyes to the immediate and direct impact that family court can have on a family and child.. “Once I started working in family law, I knew that everything I did touched a person’s life and really made a difference,” Ms. Mueller said, “and that is not a responsibility I take lightly.”. Ms. Mueller understands that no two divorce cases are exactly alike, and that what may have worked in one situation may not be the best course of action for another.. “You have to look at each client’s situations on a case-by-case basis and tailor the course of action accordingly,” she said.. During her initial meeting with a client, Ms. Mueller always explains that the process ahead is not going to be easy, but that she is there to provide help and support along the way.. “While the client may not like everything that I have to say, I will always do my best to explain and help him understand the ‘why’ just as much as the ‘what,'” she said.. Prior to joining Cordell & Cordell, Ms. Mueller was a paralegal in law school. After passing the Bar, she was a County Attorney for the Department of Social Services representing Richland and Kershaw County in child abuse/neglect proceedings.

Chris came to the firm approximately 23 years ago as a courier and then a law clerk. He earned a bachelor's degree in English Literature from the Towson State University and then, in 2002, graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law with a concentration in family law and litigation and has remained with the firm as Partner. Chris is admitted to practice before the Maryland Court of Appeals, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.Chris was born and raised in Howard County with family roots in the County spanning nearly 100 years. He has practiced in the County his entire career. He has tried and handled cases in nearly every county in the State of Maryland, including the Courts of Appeal, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Wicomico County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Washington County, and Allegany County. He has successfully handled matters relating to construction law, domestic relations law, criminal matters, landlord/tenant matters, estate administration, personal injury, and contract disputes.During his years with the firm, Chris has become an integral part of the practice. Chris devotes his time to trial advocacy in the areas of criminal and civil law.

Chad is the Managing Partner of The Spencer Law Group, a boutique Central Maryland litigation and appellate firm, focusing on family law and business issues.  He has been "AV" rated by Martindale every year since 2015, and has been named in the Maryland edition of "Superlawyers" as a "Superlawyer" in 2018 through 2021, and as a "Rising Star" in 2014 to 2017. Prior to opening The Spencer Law Group, Chad was a partner with Spencer & Stahl, a central Maryland family law firm.  Before that, Chad spent almost 10 years in private practice. His work has focused on helping families and businesses in every aspect of their legal issues. Chad has helped hundreds of families with issues ranging from Prenuptial Agreements to divorces (both traditional and same-sex), and from child custody and visitation matters to modifications of child support, as well as work on guardianships and Peace and Protective Orders. He has been appointed by the Court to represent children in highly contested custody matters. Chad has also helped hundreds of businesses in our community address legal issues. He has helped organize both for-profit and not-for-profit entities. His work has included contract drafting, review, litigation and negotiation for these businesses that otherwise may not desire in-house counsel to assist them. Industries for which Chad's clients engage include contracting, specialty trades, Information Technology, real estate rehabilitation, retail, medical and psychological services, realty, alcoholic beverages, and philanthropic services. Chad has also spent substantial time assisting clients with their real property issues. His work in assisting clients with criminal and traffic issues dovetails with assisting families and businesses as issues arise. Chad clerked for Judge Dennis M. Sweeney, on the Howard County Circuit Court, and worked for Judge Glenn T. Harrell, of Maryland's Court of Appeals. He has worked for the Howard County State's Attorney's Office, and has a working relationship with many of the attorneys in Central Maryland. Chad has devoted considerable time to assisting the community through the Howard County Bar Association, the Carroll County Bar Association, the Maryland State Bar Association and the Howard County Bar Foundation. His philanthropic interests include Wills For Heroes, Ducks Unlimited and the Nathan Chris Baker Foundation. Chad grew up in Howard County, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, College Park and his law degree from the University of Baltimore. An avid outdoorsman, in his spare time Chad hunts, fishes, boats, rock climbs, and spends time with his wife and children.

Attorney Patricia Knight-Bellisle Professional Background. Attorney Knight-Bellisle began her her practice of law in 1979 as a corporate attorney specializing in private placements and various investment structures. She drew from this practice experience in partnership, trust and tax law. In 1987 Attorney Knight-Bellisle left corporate practice and Connecticut Legal Services to serve poverty level families and children in litigation in housing matters both before the Connecticut Superior Court and the Federal District Court in New Haven, Connecticut. Since 1987 the focus of Attorney Knight-Bellisle's practice has been children and families. In 1993 Attorney Knight-Bellisle joined the Child Protection Unit of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General and continued fo serve children and families. She spent twenty three years representing the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Juvenile Matters involving child protection and child custody, including order of temporary custody, neglect petitions, termination of parental rights and permanency planning. She has handled numerous appeals from juvenile court. She has extensive trial experience and experience in resolving custody, guardianship and termination of parental rights cases duering negotiations during case status conferences. She participated in several mediation sessions in juvenile court when the court services officer mediation program was active. She also represented DCF in Federal District Court and before the Connecticut Claims Commission.. After twenty three year of practice dealing with children and families in the Child Protection Unit Attorney Knight-Bellisle retired from the Office of the Attorney General in June, 2016. Her litigation experience has led to a conviction that litigation is an often destructive and painful process for families and that alternative dispute resolution should be used whenever possible. She is on the list of qualified attorneys utlized by the Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families in negotiating open adoption agreements as an alternative to termination of parental rights trials whenever has a rich background of working with families and understanding family dynamics. She is committed to serving couples or parties that wish to explore mediation as an alternative to family court litigation or civil litigation. She has a deep understanding of custody issues and the financial and tax background to assist in crafting support orders and divisions of assets in Family Court. She also is a firm believer in marital mediation for those couples that wish assistance in gettin their marriage back on track.. Attorney Knight-Bellisle graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Connecticut in 1976. She was named a University Scholar and inducted into Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies. She received her Juris Doctor from the Duke University School of Law in 1979. She was appointed staff member and then editorial board member of the Duke Law Journal. She recieved a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in taxation from the New York Univeristy School of Law in 1988. She is married to Richard Bellisle. She hikes with her two Shih Zu dogs when time allows. She also is an intern in the two year spiritual directors' training program at Spiritual Life Center in West Hartford.

Attorney Dwight W. Clark established his practice in 1999 with a specific mission: to provide the highest quality, yet affordable legal services possible. Mr. Clark chose to go into the field of law after a career in the Department of Defense. Working in various civil practices, he gained a great deal of experience in family law and landlord/tenant work. His present practice is a reflection of these experiences.. We pride ourselves in serving your family law needs in a professional manner, and in a courteous and friendly atmosphere. We can assist you with family law issues such as prenuptial agreements, separation and property settlements, divorce, alimony, child custody and support, adoptions, and guardianships. Difficult domestic issues often exact a heavy toll on the family members that are affected. This heavy toll is mainly exacted in 3 ways:. Our goal is to help you minimize the adverse effects that the process may have on you and your loved ones.. Dwight Clark is the principle of the Law Firm of Dwight W. Clark L.L.C. He graduated from the University of Baltimore Law School, and has practiced law in Maryland for more than 20 years. He has written and spoken on various issues related to estate planning and family law matters. He is a member of the Family Law Sections of both the Maryland and Howard County Bar Associations.

As an associate at Oliver Leffler Law, Alana L. Quint represents clients throughout central Maryland, including Howard County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Carroll County. Ms. Quint handles legal issues related to family law and domestic violence, ranging from divorce and custody to protective orders.. Born and raised in Maryland, Ms. Quint attended Towson University where she graduated with Honors and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies. During college, Ms. Quint had internships in the Maryland state and federal government where she learned more about the legislative and legal processes. She also spent a semester studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain.. Immediately following her graduation from college, Ms. Quint went on to obtain her Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law where she graduated cum laude with a concentration in criminal law. During law school, Ms. Quint took advantage of numerous opportunities to advance her oral advocacy and litigation skills. She was a member of the National Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Team and served on the University of Baltimore's Moot Court Executive Board. She also acted as a Teaching Assistant for the Introduction to Advocacy course, where she assisted first-year law students in developing oral advocacy skills. Ms. Quint also practiced as a Rule 19 Attorney in the University of Baltimore School of Law Innocence Project Clinic for four consecutive semesters in which she represented individuals wrongfully convicted of felony crimes.. Ms. Quint started her legal career with Maryland Legal Aid where she quickly realized her passion for family law. At Maryland Legal Aid, Ms. Quint handled complex family law matters for an underrepresented and indigent population, including victims and survivors of domestic violence. In her first year as an attorney, Ms. Quint litigated approximately one dozen family law cases, provided numerous clients with brief legal advice, and participated in outreach programs to provide free legal advice in Baltimore City.. Her unique background and professional experiences have allowed Ms. Quint to approach cases with compassion, empathy, and a unique perspective.. Ms. Quint is admitted to practice law in the state of Maryland and has experience litigating complex family law matters, as well as negotiating disputes outside of court. She assists individuals and families through some of their toughest life circumstances, which informs her client-centered approach to lawyering. Ms. Quint thoroughly advises her clients and ensures that they are informed and able to make the best decisions for their families.

AREAS OF PRACTICEErnie Ueligger focuses his practice areas in personal injury, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, and family law (divorce, child custody, paternity, adoption, ex parte/orders of protection). Consistent with the basic principles Nathan Jones Law was founded on, Ernie purposely limits his practice areas to what he knows best and to what he has practiced in since graduating law school. Before entering into a partnership with Nathan Jones, Ernie honed his craft and specialty in these areas of law for 6 ½ years at one of the most highly regarded personal injury/trial firms in central Missouri. Since his admission to practice law in 2011, Ernie has represented individuals in both federal and state courts and has tried jury trials and negotiated settlements totaling millions of dollars.. SMALL-TOWN, COMMUNITY ROOTSRaised in a small town (Bunceton, Missouri), Ernie knows and has never forgotten the importance of community, watching out for and helping your neighbor, and hard work. With a father who worked two full-time jobs and a mother who worked a full time job while raising three kids, Ernie learned that you have to fight for the things that matter the most.After graduating from Bunceton High School in 2004, Ernie became the first “Ueligger” to ever attend college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Missouri in 2008. After college, Ernie pursued his dream of a legal education at the University of Missouri School of Law in Columbia, Missouri, where he was awarded his Juris Doctorate in 2011.The combination of his love for people and hard work has not only led to significant results, but also close relationships with clients, both past and present, that is conducive to the attorney-client relationship and communication. Ernie’s number one priority is assisting individuals and making the community a safer and better place to live for our families and our communities.. PERSONALErnie is married to his high school crush, Nikki, and together, they raise their four children: Elijah, Hannah, Easton, and Emmitt. In his personal time, Ernie enjoys movie nights, park dates, and taking walks with his wife and kids. He also enjoys church league basketball and coaching his children in soccer, t-ball, and basketball. Having met his wife in high school, Ernie and his wife are raising their family right where they met in small town Missouri.

After graduating from Winthrop College in 1985, Robert Masella went on to become a key member of the business world. It was here that he excelled substantially, rising to the role of a top producer at a Fortune 100 Company. After his success in the business world he went on to pursue a career in the practice of law, attending the University of South Carolina School. After graduating, he served the now Supreme Court of South Carolina Justice Kaye G. Hearn as a law clerk. He then went on to the Richland County Solicitor’s Office where handled prosecution cases for misdemeanors and felonies. He has now been practicing law for more than 20 years and has continued to develop his skill in this field. He is able to offer his clients exceptional representation in matters of personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense and family law. As a Columbia attorney with a comprehensive understanding of the law, he is able to work with clients faced with all types of situations. He reviews the details of their circumstances, speaks with them to get to know their hopes and gets started on a plan to find the solution they are looking for. When you are dealing with a legal matter, you need an attorney that you can trust to care about your case and to devote themselves to finding an outcome that works for your good. Wondering where to start? Fill out a case evaluation form on the site and someone can contact you.