Van Pelt & Van Pelt, P.C.
In our representation of clients in dissolution of marriage, we are committed to obtaining the best result possible through negotiation of settlement or presentation of a case at trial, if necessary. We give your case our individual attention and strive to provide excellent personal service to each client.
In dissolution of marriage matters, parties are dissolving a partnership and a financial arrangement, as well as dealing with emotional issues. For many people, this is an extremely difficult period of time in their lives. It is important to have representation and advice that is based on experience and a thorough knowledge of the law to guide you through this difficult and complex process. We explore all methods of resolution which include settlement by negotiation, mediation, attorney-assisted mediation, and trial, should that be necessary.
We also provide Mediation Services for mediation by individual parties and attorney-assisted mediation.
In regard to adoption matters, we provide individualized service and help you navigate through the adoption laws and requirements of each state so that the new families that we create will be permanent and secure in the future.
We have written fee agreements for all services that we provide and typically bill hourly for time expended by individuals in our firm.
Our firm practices dissolution of marriage law in the counties of Greene and Christian, as well as other counties in the area.
Our firm handles adoptions in various counties in southwest Missouri and represents people from all states when involved in an interstate adoption in Missouri.
F. Richard "Rick" Van Pelt – Springfield Divorce Lawyer
F. Richard "Rick" Van Pelt is one of the 100 Diplomates of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers in the United States. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He has been listed in the directory “Best Lawyers in America – Family Law” each year since 2001. He was named the Springfield, Missouri “Lawyer of the Year for Family Law” by the publication Best Lawyers in America in 2022 and 2014.
The firm and our staff provide services in the area of family law, including cases that involve substantial assets and income. We provide representation in family law matters including divorce, settlement negotiations, mediations, trial practice, modifications, paternity, business divisions, prenuptial agreements, and adoptions. We strive to provide individual attention and service to our clients and to work toward a settlement, if possible. We utilize mediation. We are also prepared to try your case if that is required. Our goal is to provide quality legal service and counsel to you.
F. Richard "Rick" Van Pelt, in addition to traditional representation and trial services, will now offer mediation services as a mediator. Rick received his mediation training from the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in Chicago, Illinois, from some of the best family law mediators in the United States. He is ready to assist you in mediating a resolution to your case.
Education
F. Richard "Rick" Van Pelt received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Pittsburg State University in 1980. He was named the Outstanding Senior Man of Pittsburg State University. He received his Juris Doctor Degree in 1983 from the University of Missouri, Columbia School of Law. He was named to the Dean’s Honor Roll and received an Academic Achievement in Law Award while attending.
Awards & Honors
- 2022 Recipient of the Missouri Bar Association's Roger P. Krumm Family Law Practitioner of the Year Award
- 2015 Recipient of the Missouri Bar Association's Roger P. Krumm Family Law Practitioner of the Year Award
- Named one of the 100 Diplomates in the United States of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, on November 11, 2014.
- Named in Missouri Lawyers Weekly Power List for Family Law, October 2022
- Named the Best Lawyers in America 2014 Springfield, MO Family Law "Lawyer of the Year"
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America
- Listed in Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
- AVVO Superb 10.0 / 10.0 Rating
- Member of the Family Law section of the Missouri Bar
- Recipient of CASA of Southwest Missouri's First Lifetime Achievement Award
- Recipient of Equal Access to Justice Award - Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
- Pittsburg State University 1997 Outstanding Alumni Award
- Pittsburg State University 2002 - 2003 National President, Alumni Board of Directors
- Trustee of the Pittsburg State University Foundation
- Member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
- Member of the Missouri Bar Association
- F. Richard "Rick" Van Pelt named Diplomate of the American College of Family Trial
Awards & Honors
- Named the 2022 Best Lawyers in America, "Lawyer of the Year" for Family Law in Springfield, Missouri.
- 2015 Recipient of the Missouri Bar Association's Roger P. Krumm Family Law Practitioner of the Year Award
- Named one of the 100 Diplomates in the United States of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, on November 11, 2014.
- Named in Missouri Lawyers Weekly Power List for Family Law, October 2022
- Named the Best Lawyers in America 2014 Springfield, MO Family Law "Lawyer of the Year"
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America
- Listed in Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
- AVVO Superb 10.0 / 10.0 Rating
- Member of the Family Law section of the Missouri Bar
- Recipient of CASA of Southwest Missouri's First Lifetime Achievement Award
- Recipient of Equal Access to Justice Award - Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
- Pittsburg State University 1997 Outstanding Alumni Award
- Pittsburg State University 2002 - 2003 National President, Alumni Board of Directors
- Trustee of the Pittsburg State University Foundation
- Member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
- Member of the Missouri Bar Association
- F. Richard "Rick" Van Pelt named Diplomate of the American College of Family Trial
Awards & Honors
- Fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys
- Listed in Missouri / Kansas Super Lawyers
- Recipient of Equal Access to Justice Award - Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
- Recipient of Faith in Action Award
- Member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
- Member of the Missouri Bar Association
Kay Van Pelt – Springfield Adoption Attorney
It has been my privilege to assist in the creation of families through adoption, with over 35 years of experience. My adoption practice includes private adoptions, agency placement adoptions, step-parent adoptions, and completion of international adoptions. I have extensive experience in handling the complexities of an interstate adoption, as well as Missouri procedures necessary to complete a secure adoption. I emphasize providing individual attention and service to my clients in their goal of expanding their families.
As a Fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, I am able to participate in programs and attend meetings that expose me to some of the best adoption attorneys in the nation. These associations provide me with knowledge and insight on interstate adoption legal matters as well as contacts with experienced adoption attorneys in other states which is necessary when handling interstate adoptions.
Education
Kay received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs Reporting in 1980 from the University of Missouri, Columbia, where she graduated cum laude and with honors.
Kay received her Juris Doctor Degree in 1983 from the University of Missouri, Columbia School of Law. She was named to the Dean’s Honor Roll. She was a member of The Missouri Law Review. In 1983, Kay authored, “The Standard of Reliability for Declarations Against Penal Interest in Missouri”, 48 University of Missouri, Columbia, Law Review 3, Summer 1984. Kay received an American Jurisprudence Award for excellent achievement in the study of evidence law. She received an Academic Achievement in Law Award for Tort Law. She received an Academic Achievement in Law Award for Employment Discrimination.
Awards & Honors
- Fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys
- Listed in Missouri / Kansas Super Lawyers
- Recipient of Equal Access to Justice Award - Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
- Recipient of Faith in Action Award
- Member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
- Member of the Missouri Bar Association
Contact Our Office
For Your Adoption or Divorce