Michael P. Shea

Michael P. Shea, Adoption Attorney in St Charles, Missouri

Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Appellate, and Child Custody · 5.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

Retired PartneratShea Kohl Law, LC

St Charles, MO

Practicing adoption in St Charles since 1976.

50+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
4 client reviews
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Michael P. Shea is a retired partner based in St. Charles, MO. The practice focuses on Adoption, Appellate, and Child Custody. Michael has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shea Kohl Law, LC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Based in
St. Charles, MO
Experience
over 50 years
Known for
Adoption · Appellate · Child Custody
  • Handles Adoption, Appellate, and Child Custody matters from St. Charles, MO.
  • Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Michael P. Shea: Michael P. Shea is a retired partner based in St. Charles, MO. The practice focuses on Adoption, Appellate, and Child Custody. Michael has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shea Kohl Law, LC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in St Charles

Michael concentrates on adoption, appellate, child custody, child support, and divorce. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in St Charles, Missouri

Michael takes adoption matters in St Charles, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Appellate cases in St Charles, Missouri

Michael takes appellate matters in St Charles, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in St Charles, Missouri

Michael takes child custody matters in St Charles, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in St Charles, Missouri

Michael takes child support matters in St Charles, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in St Charles, Missouri

Michael takes divorce matters in St Charles, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

Michael P. Shea, adoption attorney serving St Charles

Michael P. Shea is a retired partner based in St. Charles, MO. The practice focuses on Adoption, Appellate, and Child Custody. Michael has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shea Kohl Law, LC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews. Michael works from St Charles, Missouri and takes on adoption matters across the region.

Well-known as a top family lawyer in the St. Charles area, Attorney Mike Shea fights tenaciously for Missouri families facing toxic legal battles including divorce, child custody, or probate issues. With over 40 years of family law experience, he understands that family problems affect every aspect of your existence – your children, finances, friends, and future.

Winning contested custody battles and complex divorce cases has earned Attorney Shea many grateful client referrals from his neighbors in St. Charles and surrounding Missouri counties.

With years of experience as the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the City of St. Charles, Attorney Shea has a keen ability to examine your case from the opposing viewpoint. He uses this to your advantage to prepare and fight effectively for your case.

He is also known for his wise guidance and skilled negotiations as a family court mediator — enabling hundreds of families to settle out of court.

In recognition of these abilities, his peers in court have elected and appointed Mike Shea for many years as a Special Master of the St. Charles Family Court. In teamwork with a female Special Master, he provides a valuable community service. Who doesn’t want seasoned advice and a professional, honest perspective in your time of need?

Attorney Shea also cares for your community by serving as the president of Tri-County Advisory Board To Probation and Parole. This small non-profit raises funds for those who cannot afford their parole and probation requirements, such as classes or alcohol counseling.

As a NRA-certified pistol instructor and Range Safety Officer, Attorney Shea enjoys spending time on the range.

In the words of a client:

“There are many words for Attorneys. Some of them are not too complimentary. However, one word appropriately applies to Mike. That word is Counsel. Sometimes, you may not like what he is telling you. However, you know it is rooted in a firm foundation of honesty and practicality. If you are an individual or family in need of legal advice, those qualities are an absolute must in your Counsel. Mike has been our family Counsel since he became an Attorney. We strongly recommend Mike if you need a Counsel.” – John E. Bruenger | Senior Credit Advisor to Small & Medium Companies | Greater St. Louis Ar

What his peers say:

“Mike is an outstanding family law attorney committed to his clients and their issues. He is at the top of his profession and held in high regard by all attorneys in St Charles County. He has a reputation for fairness and integrity while still being a tenacious advocate for his clients.” – Attorney Daniel O’ Donnell

Attorney Shea’s long-standing reputation for honesty and professionalism has won him the high honor of a AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Fight for your family with the experience, honesty, and compassion that Shea Kohl Law offers!

Honors

• AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest recognition possible in the legal industry for professionalism and ethics.

• Volunteer Lawyer Service Award, Legal Services of Eastern MO

• Bar Association President, 11th Judicial Circuit, 1981

• Special Master St. Charles Family Court, 2010 – present.

Associations & Memberships

• Charles County Bar Association

• The Missouri Bar (Member, Family Law Section)

• Missouri Association of Mediators

Michael's approach to adoption cases

Well-known as a top family lawyer in the St. Charles area, Attorney Mike Shea fights tenaciously for Missouri families facing toxic legal battles including divorce, child custody, or probate issues. With over 40 years of family law experience, he understands that family problems affect every aspect of your existence – your children, finances, friends, and future. Winning contested custody battles…

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, appellate, and child custody matters in St Charles and the surrounding Missouri area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

  • University of Missouri-Kansas City

    J.D. · 1975

  • University of Missouri-St. Louis

    B.A. · 1973

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1977 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1976 · ACTIVE

  • Missouri

    1976 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of Missouri-Kansas City and B.A. in University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of Missouri-Kansas City and B.A. in University of Missouri-St. Louis. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Missouri is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Michael's legal honors and published work

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

  • The Bar Association of Metropolitan St

    membership

  • Louis St

    membership

  • Charles County Bar Association The Missouri Bar

    Member, Family Law Section · membership

Locations

Michael P. Shea's office in St. Charles

Michael's primary office is at 400 North Fifth Street, Suite 200, St. Charles, MO, 63301. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Shea Kohl Law, LC

400 North Fifth Street, Suite 200

St. Charles, MO 63301

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael P. Shea — 5.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in St Charles.

5.0

4 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael P. Shea claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Michael P. Shea — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in St Charles, Missouri

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael P. Shea

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a adoption case?

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

  • Does Michael offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do adoption cases in Missouri typically take?

    Simple adoption 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Michael take my case if I'm outside St Charles?

    Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?

    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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Michael accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving St Charles, St Louis and Jefferson City in Missouri

Michael handles adoption matters throughout Missouri. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in St Charles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.