Saint Charles County Divorce Attorney Protecting Your Rights
Last updated on April 23, 2026
Whether you have reached the conclusion that a divorce is the best thing for you, or your spouse has decided to end your marriage, it is important to make sure you know your rights. Divorce is difficult for all involved, but it doesn’t have to ruin the rest of your life. If you are faced with divorce, you do need an experienced attorney on your side.
At The Law Office of Baerveldt & Boedefeld, LLC, in Saint Charles County, our lawyers have extensive experience providing men and women with honest advice and dedicated legal representation in Missouri. We focus on protecting the rights of our clients and making sure that legal decisions represent what is in the best interest of any children who are involved.
To schedule a free consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer, call 636-260-2515 or contact us online.
Honest Advice And Personal Service For Your Family Law Needs
Divorce is about more than simply ending your marriage and deciding who gets the house. Our firm handles all aspects of divorce for our clients, including:
- Contested and uncontested divorce
- No-fault divorce
- Property distribution
- Alimony and spousal support
- Child custody and support
Sometimes in life, it helps to talk to someone who’s been through what you are going through. Attorney Christopher M. Boedefeld has been through this before and knows what you are going through. You can count on him to provide valuable counsel as you go through the divorce process.
Navigating Complex Property Division With A Trusted Divorce Attorney
Property division is a central issue in any divorce. Missouri follows an equitable distribution model, not a community property system. This means the court divides marital property in a manner it considers fair, which is not always an equal split. Judges evaluate factors such as each spouse’s financial situation, contributions to the marriage, conduct during the marriage and the needs of any children when making these decisions.
Marital property can include a wide range of assets and obligations:
- Real estate: Marital homes, vacation properties or investments, with options such as sale, buyout or delayed sale depending on equity and mortgage obligations
- Financial accounts: Checking, savings, brokerage accounts and other investments accumulated during the marriage
- Retirement accounts: 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions and military retirement, often divided through specialized court orders
- Businesses or professional practices: Valuation can be complex and may affect both division and support considerations
- Vehicles: Cars, boats and recreational vehicles that must be assigned or divided
- Personal property: Household items, jewelry, art and collections
- Debts: Mortgages, credit cards, auto loans and other liabilities, which are allocated by the court even though creditors are in the divorce decree
Hidden assets can also become an issue. If one spouse attempts to conceal income or property, the court may impose penalties or adjust the division to account for misconduct.
Temporary Orders During Divorce
During the divorce process, temporary orders often play a key role in maintaining stability. These are court orders that apply while the case is pending and address immediate concerns.
Common temporary orders include:
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements: Establish where the children will live and how parenting time will be shared during the case
- Child support and spousal support: Set temporary financial support so basic needs and expenses are covered while the divorce is pending
- Exclusive use of the marital home: Determine which spouse remains in the home to maintain stability during the proceedings
- Payment of household bills and expenses: Assign responsibility for mortgages, utilities and other ongoing costs to avoid financial disruption
- Temporary attorney fee awards: Allow one party to receive assistance with legal fees to maintain fairness during the case
To obtain temporary orders, a party typically files a motion with the court and attends a hearing where a judge reviews the circumstances. These orders remain in effect until the final divorce decree is entered or modified by the court.
Ready For Anything
Whether the issues surrounding your divorce can be easily settled or require intense litigation, we will work hard to find a solution that works for you.
Contact us today to arrange a free consultation with a knowledgeable divorce attorney.