Stephanie Howlett Fortus, Child Support Attorney in St Louis, Missouri

Stephanie concentrates on child support, criminal defense, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephanie handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Child Support

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• Criminal Defense

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• Family Law

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Stephanie's primary office is at 8000 Maryland Ave., Ste. 350, St. Louis, MO, 63105. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new child support attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephanie usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Stephanie discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child support practice — ask which fits.

• How much does it cost to hire Stephanie for a child support case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephanie walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Stephanie offer a free consultation?

  Stephanie charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephanie's office. Some child support attorneys offer free consults — check Stephanie's current terms during booking.

• How long do child support cases in Missouri typically take?

  Simple child support matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Stephanie gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Stephanie take my case if I'm outside St Louis?

  Stephanie is licensed in Missouri. Matters governed by Missouri law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stephanie will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

• What should I bring to my first meeting with Stephanie?

  Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Stephanie will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Stephanie accepting new child support clients right now?

  Stephanie's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.