Dear reader,

"If you're gonna play in the major leagues, you'd better learn how to hit a fast ball." As a young lawyer, new to family law practice, I was given that advice by a senior partner. In the more than two decades since, I have followed it. I do family law – divorce, modification, custody, support – I don't do wills or collections or criminal defense.

Just because there are forms for "do it yourself divorce" at the courthouse it doesn't mean that you should use them. And just because there is a form for figuring the presumed amount of child support available on the internet, that number is not necessarily appropriate in your case. After all, just because your vehicle manual is available on the internet doesn't mean that you should fix your own airbags. Ted Williams was perhaps the greatest hitter ever to play the game, but a marginal manager.

Hi, my name is Leigh Joy Carson and I'd like to welcome to The Carson Law Firm, Family Law Attorneys web site.   Our practice is devoted exclusively to family legal matters, including divorce, child custody, maintenance, child support, modification, adult abuse and child orders of protection.   We have over twenty years of combined experience in family law matters in St. Louis.  We are licensed in both Missouri and Illinois, and practice in St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis.   This site is intended to give you some basic information about our firm and about family law.  Because every situation is unique, you're invited to call us at 314-721-2422 to make an appointment to discuss your circumstances.

Our lawyers are knowledgeable, aggressive and compassionate.  But we refuse to "tell you what you want to hear" simply to obtain or keep your business.  You need honest information and advice to make decisions based on the facts, the law, and the probabilities of the outcome you wish.  We will estimate the costs of various options with you before proceeding, as we understand that financial limitations are a reality in many family law situations.

The Carson Law Firm understands that to effectively serve you in your divorce or child custody case, we must provide a vast network of professionals in the St. Louis area and beyond.  Professionals like counselors, coaches, custody evaluators, accountants, business valuators and appraisers may be needed as we work through your case.  Sometimes our clients already have a relationship with these partners, and other times we help them select an appropriate person for their unique situation.

We have extensive trial experience in all sorts of cases, including divorce, child support, child custody, mediation, legal guardianship and appeals.  Our attorneys understand the intensity and complexity of emotional family court cases, especially when it comes to conflict related to child custody and assets.  Our law firm has been involved in a number of ground-breaking cases, including one where a non-biological parent received joint custody and another where a non-biological parent received substantial visitation.

Legal matters involving you and your family are stressful and difficult.  Whether yours is a divorce case, or one that deals with child custody or support, it is important that you choose a lawyer who will go the extra mile for your case.  We commit to client service through our communication.  We keep you informed by sending copies of all incoming and outgoing correspondence and court papers to you and responding promptly to all telephone calls and e-mail messages.  Our lawyers are backed by a dedicated staff, committed to superior client service. 

Please take advantage of the vast collection of resources and information gathered for you here.  If you have any comments or suggestions, we would enjoy hearing from you personally by email.  We look forward to working with you.    

Leigh Joy Carson                                                     
Attorney at Law                                                       

            Leigh Joy Carson

Contact Information

The Carson Law Firm, LLC

7730 Cardondelet Ave.

Suite 300

Clayton MO 63105

U.S.A.

314-721-2422 Phone

314-721-1663 FAX

Electronic mail

General Information: familylawinfo@thecarsonlawfirm.com

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

If you have a specific legal question or you are seeking legal advice, please contact our office to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our attorneys, as we are unable to answer questions or give legal advice over the phone.  

Please be advised that your fee structure shall be determined during your initial consultation, which is billed at our normal hourly rates.  Unless and until a retainer agreement is executed and a retainer received, no attorney/client relationship exists.  However, all communication made in anticipation of retaining a lawyer is confidential.