Legal Resources for St. Louis Individuals, Families & Businesses
Legal issues often involve unfamiliar procedures, terminology, documents, deadlines, and government agencies. Knowing where to find reliable information can make it easier to understand what you are dealing with and determine what questions you should be asking.
The Law Office of Stephen G. Bell has served individuals, families, and businesses throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area since 1982. As part of that commitment, we have assembled helpful legal resources for people dealing with business matters, estate planning and probate, civil litigation, real estate, family law, personal injury, and other legal concerns.
The resources below can provide useful general information. They are not, however, a substitute for advice from an attorney who understands the specific facts and circumstances of your situation.
Missouri Courts & Legal Resources
Whether you are involved in litigation, researching an existing case, or simply trying to understand Missouri law, these resources provide a useful starting point:
- Missouri Case.net:
Missouri's online court system allows members of the public to search available case information by litigant name, case number, and other criteria. The St. Louis County Circuit Court directs people looking for their cases to Missouri Case.net and also provides information about tracking cases for future updates. - Missouri Courts:
The Missouri Courts website provides information about the state's court system, court forms, rules, opinions, court locations, and other judicial resources. - Missouri Revised Statutes:
Missouri statutes provide the written laws governing matters ranging from businesses and contracts to estates, property, families, civil actions, and other legal issues. - The Missouri Bar:
The Missouri Bar provides public legal information, educational resources, and information concerning attorneys licensed to practice in Missouri. - Missouri Attorney General:
The Attorney General's website provides information concerning consumer protection, complaints, Missouri laws, and various state legal matters.
St. Louis County Court & Probate Resources
Because our office is located in Kirkwood, many clients have legal matters involving St. Louis County and the 21st Judicial Circuit.
- St. Louis County Circuit Court:
The Circuit Court provides information about court divisions, cases, filing procedures, court services, and other matters involving the St. Louis County court system. - St. Louis County Probate Court:
Probate matters can involve estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and administration following someone's death. Public probate information may also be available through Case.net. - St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds:
The Recorder of Deeds maintains various real estate and public records that may be relevant to property ownership, transactions, estate matters, and litigation. - St. Louis County Property Information:
Property records can be useful when researching ownership, assessments, parcels, and other real estate information.
Resources by Area of Law
Business Law Resources
Starting and operating a business involves more than having a good idea. Business owners must make decisions about entity formation, ownership, contracts, purchases and sales, liability, and other legal obligations.
At the Law Office of Stephen G. Bell, we assist entrepreneurs and businesses with matters ranging from formation and contract review to asset and stock purchases and sales.
Helpful resources include:
- Missouri Secretary of State – Business Services: Search Missouri businesses, learn about entity registration, and access forms and other business resources.
- Missouri Business Entity Search: This database can be used to search corporations, LLCs, and other registered Missouri businesses.
- U.S. Small Business Administration: The SBA provides information about starting, operating, financing, and growing a small business.
Estate Planning & Probate Resources
Estate planning allows you to make important decisions about your property, finances, healthcare, beneficiaries, and the people who may act on your behalf.
Depending on your circumstances, an estate plan may involve wills, trusts, powers of attorney, beneficiary planning, and other documents. Following a death, probate or estate administration may also be necessary.
Helpful resources include:
- St. Louis County Probate Court: Information for probate matters handled through the 21st Judicial Circuit.
- Missouri Case.net: Search publicly available Missouri court information, including available probate case information.
- Social Security Administration: Provides information concerning Social Security benefits, survivor benefits, retirement, disability, and other federal programs that may become relevant to estate and family planning.
Civil Litigation Resources
A civil dispute can arise from a contract, business relationship, property issue, financial disagreement, or numerous other circumstances.
Litigation does not necessarily mean a case will ultimately be decided at trial. Depending on the situation, disputes may be resolved through negotiation, settlement, mediation, arbitration, or litigation in court.
Useful resources include:
- Missouri Case.net: Search publicly available Missouri court cases and review available docket information.
- St. Louis County Circuit Court: Access information about St. Louis County court divisions, procedures, and services.
- Missouri Court Rules: Missouri's court rules can provide information concerning procedures governing cases within the state's judicial system.
Real Estate Law Resources
Real estate transactions often involve significant financial commitments and legally binding agreements. Buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, investors, and businesses should understand the documents and obligations involved before completing an important transaction.
Steve Bell assists individuals and businesses with buying, selling, leasing, and other real estate legal matters throughout the St. Louis area.
Helpful resources include:
- St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds: Access information concerning recorded property documents and other public records.
- St. Louis County Department of Revenue: Provides access to property-related information and county revenue resources.
Family Law Resources
Divorce and other family law matters can affect your children, finances, property, living arrangements, and future. Understanding the court process is helpful, but every family's circumstances are different.
Useful resources include:
- St. Louis County Family Court: The Family Court of St. Louis County handles matters involving families and children within the 21st Judicial Circuit.
- Missouri Courts: The state court system provides court information and forms for various legal matters.
- Missouri Department of Social Services - Child Support: Provides information regarding Missouri's child support program and related services.
Personal Injury Resources
After a serious accident, documentation can become extremely important. Medical records, photographs, witness information, insurance communications, and accident reports may all become relevant to a potential personal injury claim.
For Missouri motor vehicle accidents, the Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains crash information and procedures for obtaining official reports. Its online database contains preliminary information for qualifying crashes investigated by the Highway Patrol; crashes investigated by other agencies may not appear in that online search.
- Missouri State Highway Patrol Crash Reports: Search online traffic accident reports throughout the state.
- Request an Official Traffic Crash Report: The Highway Patrol provides a separate process for obtaining official crash investigation reports.
- Missouri Department of Commerce & Insurance: Provides consumer information concerning insurance companies, insurance complaints, and Missouri insurance matters.
Illinois Legal Resources
Steve Bell is licensed to practice in both Missouri and Illinois, making it useful to provide clients with access to official Illinois resources as well.
- Illinois Courts:
Information concerning Illinois courts, opinions, forms, rules, and judicial resources. - Illinois Compiled Statutes:
The Illinois General Assembly provides online access to statutes covering civil procedure, families, estates, trusts, property, business organizations, business transactions, and other areas of Illinois law. - Illinois Secretary of State - Business Services:
Business owners can access services for starting and managing businesses, filing annual reports, searching the business database, and obtaining certificates of good standing.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Louis Legal Resources
How can I look up a court case in Missouri?
Missouri provides public access to available court information through Missouri Case.net. Users can search for cases using information such as a litigant's name or case number. The St. Louis County Circuit Court also directs users to Case.net to locate and track eligible cases.
Where can I find Missouri state laws online?
The Missouri Revisor of Statutes provides online access to the Revised Statutes of Missouri. Keep in mind that simply locating a statute does not necessarily tell you how it applies to your situation. Court decisions, procedural rules, other statutes, and the facts of the matter can all affect the legal analysis.
How do I find a business registered in Missouri?
The Missouri Secretary of State's Business Entity Search allows you to search available records for Missouri corporations, LLCs, and other registered entities.
How do I find probate information in St. Louis County?
Probate matters in St. Louis County are handled through the Probate Division of the 21st Judicial Circuit. Publicly available probate case information may also be accessible through Missouri Case.net.
Can I handle a legal matter using online forms and resources?
Sometimes a straightforward administrative matter can be handled without extensive legal assistance. The difficulty is knowing when a matter actually is straightforward.
A contract, real estate transaction, estate plan, business decision, lawsuit, or family dispute can create consequences that may not be apparent from a standard form. Speaking with an attorney before making an important decision can help identify risks that an online resource cannot evaluate for you.
Where can I find property records in St. Louis County?
The St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds and county property resources can provide access to various records concerning real estate and property ownership.
When should I contact an attorney about a legal dispute?
It is generally beneficial to seek legal advice before making decisions that could affect your rights or position. Waiting can result in missed deadlines, lost evidence, unfavorable contractual obligations, or statements and actions that complicate the matter later.
Early legal guidance may also make it possible to resolve a disagreement before it develops into expensive litigation.
Does Stephen G. Bell represent both individuals and businesses?
Yes. Since 1982, Steve Bell has represented individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and businesses throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area in a range of legal matters.
Online Information Is a Starting Point. An Experienced Law Firm in St. Louis Can Take You Further.
Government websites, court databases, and online legal resources can help you locate information. What they cannot do is evaluate your particular circumstances, identify your risks, explain your options, or recommend a strategy designed to protect your interests.
Steve Bell has practiced law in the St. Louis metropolitan area since 1982, helping individuals, families, and businesses prevent legal problems when possible and resolve them effectively when they arise.
If you have a legal concern involving business law, estate planning and probate, civil litigation, real estate, family law, or personal injury, contact the Law Office of Stephen G. Bell to discuss your situation and determine your next step.