Child Custody Attorney in Festus, MO
Protecting Your Parental Rights. Prioritizing Your Child’s Best Interests.
When your family is going through a transition, nothing matters more than the well-being of your children. At Ponder-Bates Stewart Gonz Law Offices, LLC, our experienced child custody lawyers in Festus, MO, provide trusted, compassionate legal support to help you navigate these deeply personal challenges with confidence and clarity.
Whether you’re facing a contested custody battle, creating a parenting plan, or seeking a modification to an existing order, we are here to protect what matters most—your relationship with your child.

Lawyer of the Year 2021 – AILP

The National Trial Lawyers Top 100

Lawyers of Distinction 2020

National Advocates Top 30 – 2019

The National Advocates Top 10 – 2020

Over 64 Years of Combined Experience
- What You Should Know
Missouri Child Custody Law
Types of Custody in Missouri:
- Legal Custody: The right to make decisions about the child’s health, education, and welfare.
- Physical Custody: Where the child lives and who provides day-to-day care.
Both legal and physical custody can be:
- Joint (shared by both parents), or
Sole (granted to one parent when joint custody is not appropriate). - Sole (granted to one parent when joint custody is not appropriate).

What Sets PBSG Law Apart
At PBSG Law Offices, we take the time to understand your unique situation and work toward solutions that support your goals and your child’s needs. Our team combines deep knowledge of Missouri family law with a compassionate, client-centered approach.
We help parents throughout Festus, Ste. Genevieve and the surrounding areas handle:
- Custody negotiations and litigation
- Parenting plan development
- Visitation schedules
- Custody modifications
- Emergency motions or temporary custody
- Enforcement of custody agreements






Crafting Effective Parenting Plans
Missouri courts require both parents to submit a comprehensive parenting plan in custody cases. Our attorneys will work with you to create a plan that addresses:
- Weekly residential schedules
- Holiday and vacation time
- Transportation and exchange logistics
- Communication guidelines
- Decision-making responsibilities
When parents can’t agree, the court will step in and determine what arrangement best supports the child’s overall well-being. Our job is to make sure your voice is heard and your rights are respected throughout that process.
- Why Choose Us
How Our Process Works
Step 1:
SchedulE a Consultation
Reach out to us by phone or through our online contact form to schedule a personalized consultation. Share your legal needs, and we’ll guide you through the first steps.
Step 2:
Discuss Your Case
Meet with one of our experienced attorneys to discuss your situation in detail. We’ll listen carefully, answer your questions, and provide expert advice on how to proceed.
Step 3:
Develop a Tailored Strategy
Our team will craft a customized legal plan designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your unique needs. We’ll keep you informed and supported every step of the way.
Step 4:
Achieve Your Goals
With your goals in mind, we’ll work diligently to resolve your legal matters efficiently and effectively, ensuring peace of mind for you and
your family.
- Services
Dependable Legal Services for Families in Festus
Explore our comprehensive legal services, designed to address your family’s unique needs with expertise and care. Let Ponder-Bates Stewart Gonz Law Offices provide the trusted solutions you deserve.

Need to Modify a Custody Order? We Can Help.
Life circumstances change. Whether it’s a job relocation, a shift in availability, or concerns about your child’s welfare, PBSG Law Offices is here to help you pursue a modification of custody when it’s in your child’s best interest.

Serving Families in Festus & Ste. Genevieve, MO
With offices conveniently located in Festus and Ste. Genevieve, our team is proud to serve families across Jefferson County and Perry County. We offer personalized legal counsel to help you move forward with strength, dignity, and peace of mind.

Speak with a Child Custody Lawyer in Festus, MO Today
If you’re searching for an experienced, compassionate child custody lawyer in Festus, MO, PBSG Law Offices is here to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you create a secure, stable future for your child—and for yourself.
- testimonials
What our client say
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GOOD Based on 36 reviews Karen Torres2024-12-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you so much for the service! Avery Starnes2024-12-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PBSG Law Offices made the estate planning process easy and reassuring. Their team was professional, patient, and attentive to our family’s specific needs. They explained every detail clearly and guided us in setting up a will, trust, and powers of attorney to protect our future. We left feeling confident and well-prepared. I highly recommend PBSG Law Offices for anyone looking to secure their family’s peace of mind. Tracy Jaycox2024-06-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If I could give 10 stars I would! When Jackie says “she’s got this” and winks at you, trust her! I brought her a very complicated, unique case and she took and presented it very well at a hearing. I knew she was great, but very impressive today ;) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Catrina Melkowski2024-06-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am very pleased with my experience at Ponder Bates Stewart Gonz Law Offices. My attorney,Mr. Nathan Stewart, is very professional, always returns my calls promptly, and truly cares about people. I always had a pleasant experience with all the staff. I will continue to recommend their services to friends and family. Carla Davis2024-01-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nathan Stewart is an amazing lawyer..I highly recommend him ..he helped us adopt our grandson,he helped us with everything &it was a very emotional case.thank you Nathan! Tiffany Nelms2024-01-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I used suzan as my family lawyer. She was amazing and non judgemental. She got me everything I wanted. I would recommend her to anyone!