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
