Attorney
Ann Bauer
Ann Bauer is a founding member of The Center for Family Law. Ann attended law school after more than 15 years working with parents and children in early childhood education. She practices exclusively in the area of family law. She is a certified family law Mediator and trained in collaborative law, as a Guardian ad Litem, and as a Parenting Coordinator.
Ann was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and has lived in Chicago and Dallas. She moved to St. Louis in 1983 and currently resides in St. Louis with her husband. She is the parent of two adult children and two grandchildren. When she is not in the office, you can find her testing out a new recipe in her kitchen while marathon-listening to a new true crime podcast.
I work with clients to develop solutions to their problems and plan for their future. I want my clients to understand their choices and options. I tailor my work for each client’s goals and objectives. I often have the opportunity to see clients who have “reached the other side” of a difficult time. There is new joy in their lives and it often shows on their faces and in their voices."
Professional Background & Community Involvement
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) fellow since 2011, a nationally recognized organization whose members must pass a rigorous application and testing process before being invited to become an AAML fellow
- 2013 Roger P. Krumm Family Law Award, an annual award given by the Missouri Bar to honor a family law lawyer who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication toward the practice of family law and families involved in family law matters
- Founding member and former president of the Collaborative Family Law Association in St. Louis (CFLA)
- International Academy of Collaborative Professions (IACP)
- The Missouri Bar Association (Family Law Section and governing council member since 1999)
- Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis
- Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
- Appointed to the Advisory Council of the Assistance League
- Former president of the Advisory Board for Woman’s Place (a hospitality center in St. Louis serving women who have experienced domestic violence)
- YWCA Board of Directors since 2018
- Volunteer Attorney for Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
- Court Attorney for order of protection dockets at St. Louis County Circuit Court
Education
- Licensed to practice law in Missouri since 1994
- Washington University School of Law, J.D., 1994
- Loyola University (The Erikson Institute of Child Development) M.Ed., 1976
- Iowa State University, B.S., 1973
Related Insights
We are proud to share that our attorneys’ dedication and exceptional work for clients have been recognized by peers. This year, four attorneys from The Center for Family Law are honored in the 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America . Ann Bauer - Best Lawyers list for family law, family law mediation, collaborative law--family law. In addition, Ann was named as "Lawyer of the Year" for her work in collaborative law. This is Ann's 12th consecutive year being recognized. Allison Gerli - Best Lawyers list for family law, family law mediation, collaborative law--family law. This is Allison's third consecutive year being recognized. Kristen Sparks - Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" list for family law, family law--arbitration & mediation, and alternative dispute resolution. Hallie Van Duren - Best Lawyers list for family law, family law mediation, collaborative law--family law. This is Hallie's second year being recognized. About Best Lawyers Since 1983, Best Lawyers has been recognized as one of the most respected guides to legal excellence. Attorneys selected for The Best Lawyers in America are nominated and evaluated by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo a rigorous verification process to ensure they are in current practice and in good standing. About The Center for Family Law Founded in 2013, The Center for Family Law provides comprehensive representation in all areas of family law, with a culture built on partnership with our clients and other professionals. We believe the role of a lawyer is to partner with clients, help them understand their options, and give them the information and confidence they need to make well-informed decisions. To schedule a consultation, click here .
The Center for Family Law is proud to announce that Ann Bauer has once again been named the “Lawyer of the Year” in Collaborative Family Law in St. Louis by Best Lawyers for 2026. Each year, this designation is awarded to only one attorney in each practice area and region, based on outstanding peer feedback—making it a truly exceptional distinction. This marks Ann’s third year being recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" for her work in collaborative divorce, and her 12th year being recognized by Best Lawyers. For 2026, she is listed for her work in family law, family law mediation, and collaborative law. Ann is an active member of the St. Louis Collaborative Family Law Association and is deeply committed to the collaborative divorce process, valuing the positive and lasting impact it has on her clients and their families. About the Collaborative Divorce Process Collaborative divorce is a respectful legal process that enables couples to resolve all aspects of their divorce—such as property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support—without litigation. Using a team-based approach, which includes attorneys for each spouse, a financial neutral, and a mental health professional, couples work together through negotiation and mediation to reach agreements without the stress and conflict of court. Learn more on the St. Louis Collaborative Family Law Association website by clicking here . About Best Lawyers Since 1983, Best Lawyers has been recognized as one of the most respected guides to legal excellence. Attorneys selected for The Best Lawyers in America are nominated and evaluated by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo a rigorous verification process to ensure they are in current practice and in good standing. About The Center for Family Law Founded in 2013, The Center for Family Law provides comprehensive representation in all areas of family law, with a culture built on partnership with our clients and other professionals. We believe the role of a lawyer is to partner with clients, help them understand their options, and give them the information and confidence they need to make well-informed decisions. To schedule a consultation, click here .
We are proud to share that Ann Bauer will be honored at the 27th Annual Women's Justice Awards on April 10, 2025, as one of this year's recipients in the "Mentor" category. This award celebrates experienced legal professionals who have played an important role in guiding and supporting the next generation of attorneys. Ann’s journey in family law began with co-founding her first firm in 2009, eventually leading to the establishment of The Center for Family Law in 2013. What began as a small practice has grown into a dynamic firm with a team of attorneys and staff dedicated exclusively to family law. Ann has been the heart of this growth—leading with purpose, mentoring with compassion, and consistently advocating for positive change. Ann's unwavering commitment to transforming how families navigate legal separation has helped shift the focus from adversarial litigation to a more compassionate approach to resolution, especially within the collaborative divorce process and in mediation. Her philosophy and approach to family law continue to influence and guide a new generation of legal professionals and practitioners she has mentored throughout her career. Whether she's mentoring within the firm or taking the time to speak with a law student, Ann is always generous with her time, wisdom, and support. She also shares her expertise through active service on numerous committees dedicated to family law and domestic violence. Please join us in congratulating Ann on this well-deserved honor. We are grateful for her vision and proud to continue building on the foundation she helped establish at The Center for Family Law.
