Stephanie L. Jones

Attorney

I came to a career in law a little bit later than most. I didn’t grow up saying I wanted to be an attorney like a lot of my colleagues. I wanted to be a psychologist and help people. I didn’t have any attorneys in my family – most of my family didn’t attend college. Looking back now, a legal career was always there. I negotiated my first “contract” with my parents my senior year in high school when I presented them a detailed PowerPoint presentation as to why I should no longer be required to have a curfew. In fifth grade, I won an award for Most Questions Asked. Some people would call kids like me “spirited.” Looking back now, it was clear that becoming an attorney was unavoidable. I am a native St. Louisan. I was raised in the southwest St. Louis suburb of Fenton and lived there until college.

While most St. Louisans do not leave, my family has all relocated and I don’t have many relatives here anymore. My husband, Will James, and I currently live in Sunset Hills. Will is the Principal Percussionist with the St. Louis Symphony and I enjoy attending concerts to watch him and his colleagues play. We have two young children who keep us on our toes and who charm everyone they meet. When I am not lawyer-ing or mom-ing, I enjoy gardening, working out, golfing, and drinking Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Obviously not all at the same time.

Journey To Family Law

I have always wanted to help people. Originally, that journey led me to a career in social work after college. I graduated with a psychology/sociology degree and worked as a social worker for three years prior to starting law school. I had a caseload of abused and neglected children who were wards of the state. I enjoyed advocating for my clients through the juvenile court system but I was missing something in that role. I missed writing, analysis, and research. I also was frustrated easily by a broken system. I applied to law school with the intention of practicing family law, a rarity among law students as most strive for careers with big law firms in tall buildings. I’ve never practiced any other type of law and have always considered it my calling.

Journey To Family Law

I have always wanted to help people. Originally, that journey led me to a career in social work after college. I graduated with a psychology/sociology degree and worked as a social worker for three years prior to starting law school. I had a caseload of abused and neglected children who were wards of the state. I enjoyed advocating for my clients through the juvenile court system but I was missing something in that role. I missed writing, analysis, and research. I also was frustrated easily by a broken system. I applied to law school with the intention of practicing family law, a rarity among law students as most strive for careers with big law firms in tall buildings. I’ve never practiced any other type of law and have always considered it my calling.

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Areas of Practice

Divorce, Child Custody, Spousal and Child Support
Business Valuation in Divorces
High Net Worth Divorces
Complex Asset Divorces
Pre/Postnuptial Agreements
Family Law Mediator

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Education

Saint Louis University School of Law, Juris Doctor (2005)
Fontbonne University, Bachelor of Arts (1999), magna cum laude

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Affiliations & Community

Kids In the Middle – Board of Directors (2019-present)
Foundry Art Center – Board of Directors (2010-2017), Secretary (2011-2015)
St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association (2009-2015)

Awards

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Awards

Favorite Activity:

Golf! While the learning curve for a new golfer is steep, I get great satisfaction being out on the course regardless where the ball lands.

Favorite Podcast:

Armchair Expert, How I Built This, Ologies with Alie Ward, Revisionist History, Broken Record, and Smart-Less

Favorite Quote:

“Reacting in anger or annoyance will not advance one’s ability to persuade.”

– Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Credentials & Distinctions

Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Family Law Trial Advocate of the National Board of Trial Advocacy
Best Lawyers in America (2016-Present)
US News & World Report Best Lawyers Law Firms in America (2016-Present)
Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers for Family Law 2021-present

In addition to her formal academic training, Ms. Jones received extensive and specialized training in trial advocacy at the Houston Family Law Trial Institute from experts across the United States. Ms. Jones also attended the Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Associate Institute in 2006 and 2007.

Publications & Presentations

Divorce Litigation and Discovery Essentials, National Business Institute (January 2024), Presenter
Advanced Family Law Discovery Strategies and Tips (December 2023), Presenter
Family Law From A to Z: Finance 101, National Business Institute (June 2020), Presenter
The “Whats, Whens and Hows” of Presumptions in Family Law, MO-AFCC Fall Conference (December 2018), Presenter
Crafting an Effective Parenting Plan, Missouri Bar (February 2017), Presenter
Court Procedures, National Business Institute (September 2016), Presenter
Family Law Essentials – Characterization of Property and Debts: Issues of Categorization, Acquisition and other Special Circumstances, Missouri Bar (March 2015), Presenter
Family Law Appellate Cases for Appraisers and Accountants: A Case Law Update, Business Valuation Roundtable (September 2014), Presenter

It’s a Matter of Trust: Understanding Trusts in Dissolution of Marriage Cases, Missouri Bar Annual Meeting (September 2014), Presenter
Evidentiary Challenges: Tips and Tactics for Authenticating Useful and Practical Evidence, Annual Family Law Conference (August 2013), Presenter
Critical Trial Skills for Legal Services Attorneys, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, St. Louis, MO (April 2013), Presenter
E-Discovery in the Family Law Case: New Age Media, Age Old Issues, Missouri Bar/Missouri Judicial Conference Annual Meeting (September 2011), Presenter
“The New Era of Electronic Eavesdropping and Divorce: An Analysis of the Federal Law Relating to Eavesdropping and Privacy in the Internet Age” Journal of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Fall 2008), Co-Author with Cary J. Mogerman
“Characterization and Division of Property” Missouri Family Law CLE Deskbook, Divorce Chapter, Missouri Bar (2007-present), Co-Author with Cary J. Mogerman
Spyware: What it is, What it Does, and Use and Misuse in Divorce Cases, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Family Law Symposium (May 2007), Presenter
Spyware: Does the Law Protect Us, Missouri Bar Annual Meeting (September 2006), Presenter
Advanced Trial Techniques: Methods and Strategies for Every Stage of Litigation, AAML Advanced Family Law Symposium (April 2024), Presenter

Credentials & Distinctions

Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Best Lawyers in America (2016-Present)
US News & World Report Best Lawyers Law Firms in America (2016-Present)
Missouri Kansas Super Lawyers Rising Star (2010-2012, 2017)

In addition to her formal academic training, Ms. Jones received extensive and specialized training in trial advocacy at the Houston Family Law Trial Institute from experts across the United States. Ms. Jones also attended the Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Associate Institute in 2006 and 2007.

Publications & Presentations

Divorce Litigation and Discovery Essentials, National Business Institute (January 2024), Presenter
Advanced Family Law Discovery Strategies and Tips (December 2023), Presenter
Family Law From A to Z: Finance 101, National Business Institute (June 2020), Presenter
The “Whats, Whens and Hows” of Presumptions in Family Law, MO-AFCC Fall Conference (December 2018), Presenter
Crafting an Effective Parenting Plan, Missouri Bar (February 2017), Presenter
Court Procedures, National Business Institute (September 2016), Presenter
Family Law Essentials – Characterization of Property and Debts: Issues of Categorization, Acquisition and other Special Circumstances, Missouri Bar (March 2015), Presenter
Family Law Appellate Cases for Appraisers and Accountants: A Case Law Update, Business Valuation Roundtable (September 2014), Presenter
It’s a Matter of Trust: Understanding Trusts in Dissolution of Marriage Cases, Missouri Bar Annual Meeting (September 2014), Presenter
Evidentiary Challenges: Tips and Tactics for Authenticating Useful and Practical Evidence, Annual Family Law Conference (August 2013), Presenter
Critical Trial Skills for Legal Services Attorneys, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, St. Louis, MO (April 2013), Presenter
E-Discovery in the Family Law Case: New Age Media, Age Old Issues, Missouri Bar/Missouri Judicial Conference Annual Meeting (September 2011), Presenter
“The New Era of Electronic Eavesdropping and Divorce: An Analysis of the Federal Law Relating to Eavesdropping and Privacy in the Internet Age” Journal of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Fall 2008), Co-Author with Cary J. Mogerman
“Characterization and Division of Property” Missouri Family Law CLE Deskbook, Divorce Chapter, Missouri Bar (2007-present), Co-Author with Cary J. Mogerman
Spyware: What it is, What it Does, and Use and Misuse in Divorce Cases, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Family Law Symposium (May 2007), Presenter
Spyware: Does the Law Protect Us, Missouri Bar Annual Meeting (September 2006), Presenter
Advanced Trial Techniques: Methods and Strategies for Every Stage of Litigation, AAML Advanced Family Law Symposium (April 2024), Presenter

How can we help?

We’re dedicated to supporting our clients every step of the way. Our team is always on hand to clarify any uncertainties and address your concerns. Reach out to us for a consultation, and discover how we can assist you. Schedule your appointment today and explore the difference we can make.

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Testimonials

I fully and without hesitation recommend Stephanie, Sarah, and the whole team to anyone needing a family law firm. They are meticulous, diligent, hard-working, and compassionate. They take time to understand the details of each case and situation, striving for the best outcomes for their clients. Jones Family Law took the time to explain and talk through all choices and options so I could do what was best for my family in both the immediate and long term. During a very difficult time in my life, I knew I had sound and competent representation from people who truly care about the work they do.

Testimonials

I was refereed to Sarah Wittrock by a friend who is an attorney, and I couldn’t be happier with the end result. I felt as if she and her team always did their due diligence with keeping me in the loop and up to date with any changes. Going through a divorce is a difficult enough without having to deal with all of the legal headache. Hiring Sarah was the best money that I have spent this year, and should anything come up in the future, I know who I can call. Great working with the Jones Family Law Group, LLC!!!

Testimonials

I am very grateful for the legal services and results I received from

Jones Family Law in my divorce case. Stephanie Jones is an outstanding, hard working, professional, and trustworthy attorney who I cannot say enough about. She has come through for me and my children during a very difficult time. Stephanie promised to stick with me through thick and thin and held true to that promise even in the midst of a chaotic and complicated case and trial. Kate Rossi also worked very hard representing me extraordinarily during this time and Megan Leesman, is a diligent and supportive paralegal who is great at what she does. They all work great together and made me feel as though I had an entire team in my corner fighting for us.

Anyone with a complicated family law matter would be blessed to have Jones Family Law on their side.

Testimonials

Sarah Wittrock is an exceptional family collaborative lawyer. She is easy to talk to and makes you feel comfortable in uncomfortable family law. I have used Sarah for 5 plus years.

Testimonials

Sarah was amazing. Made a very difficult time much easier, and made me feel like our interactions were the most important thing she was doing that day.