Top best Family Lawyers Near me in ZIP 63117

Ruth draws from extensive professional experience and four degrees of higher education in her practice of law. She grew up on a family farm in New Athens, Illinois, graduated from New Athens High School, and attained her Bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University. Soon after, she began an education career as a teacher, principal, and superintendent that included earning Master and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees from Southern Illinois University.. Building on her experience as a public educator, Ruth pursued her passion of fighting for area residents and businesses as an attorney. During her Juris Doctorate (JD) education at Southern Illinois University, Ruth worked with the Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office and the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation helping domestic violence victims and families in need. Those experiences inspired her to co-found RISE Law Institute, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence and cyber-stalking. She serves as RISE’s Executive Director.. As the principal attorney at RCJ Law, LLC, Ruth prides herself on fighting hard and standing firm on behalf of her clients. At all times, she keeps her clients’ interests paramount. She gives a personal touch to each case and provides no-nonsense legal representation for her clients.. Since law school, the breadth and depth of Ruth’s work has grown into the tort and civil litigation practice that it is today through her commitment to quality, and her involvement in the legal community. Ruth’s professional activities include active membership in the American Bar Association (ABA), Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), Missouri State Bar Association (MSBA), St. Clair County Bar Association, and Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL). She is also a member of the prestigious ISBA Privacy Law and Information Security Council.. Ruth holds licenses to the Illinois Bar, Missouri Bar, Eastern District of Missouri (Federal Court), and Southern District of Illinois (Federal Court).. Community engagement is important to both RCJ Law and to Ruth. Her community activities include membership in the Webster Groves, Shrewsbury, Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and service as adjunct professor at Missouri Baptist University.

My BackgroundI grew up in New York City and received my bachelor’s in history and education from Adelphi University in 1978. After this, I left for law school at the University of Tulsa to study Real Estate Law. After graduating in 1981, I settled in Saint Louis. Since that time, I’ve practiced family, real estate, personal injury, and other types of law around the Saint Louis area. Today live in Ballwin with my wife of nearly 25 years and spend as much time as possible with my 4 grown children and 3 grandchildren.. Why I Practice LawWhen I first entered the workforce, my parents encouraged me to do something where I could make a difference in the lives of others. I tell my children and grandchildren to do the same thing in their lives. After over 35 years practicing law, I’m proud to have had the opportunity to help individuals and families advocate for themselves and make it through tough times.. Legal ConcentrationSome time ago I had a Divorce case that is still the seminal case for “time limits” in Missouri. It involved child custody, child sexual abuse, domestic violence and marital rape. We had a 5 day trial that included nights and weekends. The matter was under submission for ruling for 18 months before the Judge finally ruled in our favor. My client won custody because I proved that the children were sexually abused. In a rare case I also proved my client (the mother) was the victim of domestic violence including marital rape. The father received supervised visitation through the Juvenile Court. When the children were old enough, they chose to terminate their contact with their father. Today they are adults, happy and well adjusted individuals.In another case I was appointed by the Court to represent 4 little girls. The case had custody/visitation trials in both Divorce Court and Juvenile court. The father sought custody of the children because the mother had drug issues and was unfit to have custody. The maternal grandparents also sought custody. There were some complications with the Indian Rights Act because of the grandparents’ heritage. The Divorce Court ultimately kept the case. The Deputy Juvenile Offer and I (as Guardian Ad Litem for the Children) visited the father’s home while the children were staying there. I learned that the children were not properly cared for. The older child (12) had to wake up every hour or so to turn on the clothes dryer to heat the children’s bedroom. The girls were always hungry because the father did not or could not adequately feed them. Father also used a paddle to discipline the children. They each had their own paddle hanging on the wall. The breaking point in the case was when I had the youngest child, who was only 4 years old, testify about the father’s abuse and neglect. The older three children were too traumatized to testify. The grandparents were rightfully awarded custody. When the Judge issued his ruling there was not a dry eye in the Courtroom. The children were afforded the opportunity to grow up happy in a warm home with plenty of food and plenty of love.. I was involved in yet another Custody Modification matter where my client (the father) was incarcerated by a bogus Texas warrant for alleged nonsupport. The mother lived in Texas, the father in St. Louis City. They fought for custody over the 13 year old boy both in St. Louis City and Texas simultaneously. Eventually Missouri won jurisdiction. The mother was represented by an Assistant U.S. Attorney volunteering his time. The mother’s attorney had my client arrested on a bogus Texas warrant which was eventually quashed, but not until the father was wrongfully jailed. Additionally, this Assistant U.S. Attorney helped the mother kidnap the child and spirit him to Texas while the case was pending. The City Family Court Judge was livid over this and ordered the child to be returned to Missouri. After two days of trial involving jurisdiction and custody, the father prevailed.. Representative ClientsI represent clients in Family Law Matters including, but not limited to: Divorce, Child Custody / Visitation, Adoptions, Adult & Child Abuse matters, Child Support, Annulment, Domestic Violence, Enforcement of Decrees and Guardianships. Additionally, I handle Mediation, Collaborative Practice, Military Divorce Matters, Name Changes, Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements, Paternity Matters, Restraining Orders, Legal Separations, Spousal Support, Maintenance and Alimony Cases.

John R. Fenley practices in the areas of Family Law and Criminal Defense. He received his Bachelor's degree in communication and political science from DePauw University and his law degree from St. Louis University. While in law school Mr. Fenley served as a staff member and editor for the St. Louis University Law Journal. He also interned with the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, and was a law clerk with Robert Hamilton and Jennifer Piper for over a year as well as spending time as a law clerk with insurance defense firm Hennessey & Roach.. Mr. Fenley is admitted to practice in Missouri State Courts and is a member of the Missouri Bar, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and the St. Louis County Bar Association. He is also actively involved in the local community. Mr. Fenley regularly volunteers with Join Hands East St. Louis and is also a board member for the local DePauw University Alumni Association. Mr. Fenley practices in St. Louis County, St. Louis City, Jefferson County, St. Charles, Franklin, and Warren Counties.

Going through a divorce or a custody case is a very difficult and emotional time in your life.   I come from a divorced family so I'm able to relate to clients on a personal level.  I help clients understand the divorce process and advocate for them.  If you are wrongfully denied custody of your children, I will help fight to get custody back.  I truly enjoy helping people during one of the most difficult times of their lives.  Call my office for a free consultation.

FREE CONSULTATION. Professional legal services with a personal touch.. The choice of legal representation is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Saint Louis and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Saint Louis and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Saint Louis and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Saint Louis and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Saint Louis and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Saint Louis and surrounding areas.