Attorneys (lawyers) represent juveniles, children, parents, custodians, and agencies. The information below is provided to you to provide assistance to your client representation. 

Missouri Courts Electronic Filing Information

Sixteenth Circuit Electronic Filing Information

Guardian ad Litem Lists and Standards

Self Representation

A party may choose to participate in the judicial process without legal representation and represent herself/himself in court.  This is called pro se.  Although it is strongly recommended that a party be represented by legal counsel, self-represented parties have a right to access the judicial system without legal representation.

Practicing Before the Family Court Division

• Juveniles and Adoptions
• Domestic Relation and Domestic Violence

Training Videos for Appointed Attorneys

• Welcome Message from Judge Dale Youngs (1 min 27 sec)
• Nuts and Bolts of Jackson County Family Court (5 min 07 sec)
• Juvenile Delinquency Cases (11 min 24 sec)
• Child Abuse and Neglect  (CA/N) Cases (33 min 54 sec)
• Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) (34 min 24 sec)

Juvenile Law CLE Presentations

• Introduction to Representing Parents at Protective Custody hearing, Judge Dale Youngs, Nuts and Bolts of Family Court Protective Custody, Sophia Bond and Ethical Considerations of Representing Parents in Limited Scope Hearings, Commissioner Molly Merrigan and Dave Suroff (1 hour 08 min 42 sec)
• Attorney Insights into Representing Parents at Protective Custody Hearings, Dan Berezoski and Sandy Wirtel (35 min 45 sec)

Parent’s Report to Court 

Practice Tips for Interacting with Counsel for Other Parties

• Attorney for the Juvenile Officer
• Court Appointed Special Advocate
• Office of the Guardian ad Litem