Experienced St. Louis Child Guardianship Attorney

Last updated on April 22, 2025

Life can present unexpected challenges that directly impact a child’s well-being. When parents cannot meet their child’s needs, establishing legal guardianship might be the only way to protect them.

If you are concerned about a child’s welfare in St. Louis, Missouri, a child guardianship attorney can provide essential guidance.

At Butler Law Group LLC, we understand these situations often arise during difficult and emotional times. For over 42 years, attorney Ed Butler has helped Missouri families create safe environments for their children.

When Is Child Guardianship Necessary?

Missouri law offers guardianship as a way to protect vulnerable children. This legal arrangement becomes necessary in various challenging situations. Here are some common scenarios where guardianship may be needed:

• When parents cannot provide care due to health issues, such as a serious illness or injury
• During military deployment that takes parents overseas for extended periods
• When parental incarceration leaves children without proper care
• If parents struggle with substance abuse disorders
• If parents have passed away without naming a guardian in their will
• For children with special needs who require dedicated support beyond what their parents can provide
• If extended family members have been raising the child informally and need legal authority

Each of these situations creates unique challenges, but guardianship offers a legal framework to ensure the child’s safety and stability.

How To Establish Child Guardianship In Missouri

Seeking child guardianship in Missouri involves specific legal steps designed to protect the child’s best interests. Here is how the process typically unfolds:

1. File a petition with the probate court in the county where the child lives.
2. Notify all interested parties, including the child’s parents and relatives.
3. Attend the court hearing, where a judge will review your petition.
4. Provide evidence demonstrating to the court why guardianship serves the child’s best interests and why parents cannot fulfill their responsibilities.
5. Complete a background check and home study if ordered by the court.

If the court approves your petition, you will be granted legal guardianship and receive official documentation of your new responsibilities.

Contact A Seasoned Estate Planning Attorney Today

At Butler Law Group LLC, we understand the emotional and legal complexities involved in these cases. This is why we strive to ensure the child’s best interests are always at the forefront of our legal strategies.

Call 314-208-0318 or fill out an online form to schedule a consultation with our team today.