Attorney

Kristen Sparks

Kristen Sparks joined The Center for Family Law in June 2024 as a partner. She previously worked at the firm from 2013 to 2017 as a law clerk and associate. Kristen concentrates her practices in the areas of family law, probate, orders of protection, adoption, partition, and estate planning. Kristen regularly serves as a Guardian ad litem in St. Louis County. She is also a certified family law Mediator, trained in Collaborative Divorce, and a former Adjunct Professor at Washington University School of Law.

 

Kristen was born in Madison, Wisconsin, grew up in Chesterfield, Missouri, and attended Washington University School of Law. She currently resides in St. Louis City with her husband and two dogs, Lady and Milo. Outside of the office, Kristen enjoys yoga, hiking, reading, and concerts.

I am very mindful of the fact that my clients are going through one of the hardest, if not the hardest, times in their lives when they come to see me. I take a compassionate, yet pragmatic, approach to helping clients reach resolutions that work best for them and their families.

Professional Background & Community Involvement

  • Missouri Super Lawyers Rising Star List for 2019-2024
  • The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (Family and Juvenile Law Section & Young Lawyers Division)
  • BAMSL Award of Merit recipient in 2017-2018 and 2021-2022 bar years
  • The Missouri Bar Association
  • Collaborative Family Law Association (CFLA)
  • Board member from 2021-Present
  • Membership Chair from 2021-Present
  • Missouri AFCC
  • St. Louis Lunch & Learn Committee Co-Chair from Nov. 2019-Present
  • St. Louis County Bar Association
  • Adjunct Professor at Washington University School of Law – Fall 2018
  • Project Inc. – Board Member 2018-2019

Education & Bar Admission

  • Licensed to practice law in Missouri since 2015
  • Washington University Law School, J.D., 2015
  • Truman State University, B.S. Psychology, B.S. Justice Systems, 2012

Related Insights

Honoring a Leader Who Lifts Others Up: Courtney Green Receives Women's Justice Mentor Award

April 22, 2026
The Center for Family Law celebrates Courtney Green's recognition at the 2026 Missouri Lawyers Media Women’s Justice Awards in the Mentor category, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the legal profession and her commitment to the development of attorneys starting their careers. The 28th annual Women’s Justice Awards on April 16, 2026 celebrated women across Missouri who exemplify leadership, integrity, service, and excellence in advancing the quality of justice. Honorees are selected from diverse sectors of the legal community, including private practice, the judiciary, public service, academia, and nonprofit leadership. The Mentor Award is presented to experienced legal professionals who have played a meaningful role in shaping the careers of emerging attorneys. Throughout Courtney's career, which she has spent with The Center for Family Law, she has demonstrated a deep dedication to mentorship, offering guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to those entering the profession, both in and out of the firm. Courtney has been devoted to fostering professional growth and helping cultivate the confidence and skills of future leaders in the law. Please join us in congratulating Courtney on this well-deserved recognition. We are honored to have her as part of our firm and grateful for the example she sets within our profession and community.

Second Saturday Workshop - 2026 Dates

December 29, 2025
The Center for Family Law is excited to kick off its fifth year of hosting the Second Saturday Divorce Workshops and to share the 2026 workshop dates. 

Honoring Four Attorneys for 2025 Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars

December 3, 2025
We are thrilled to announce that four of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars lists! This distinction honors outstanding legal professionals across the nation who demonstrate excellence in their field, and we are proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our team. Celebrating Our Super Lawyer Ann Bauer has once again been recognized as a Super Lawyer in Missouri & Kansas, marking her 19th consecutive year on the list. Ann’s dedication, skill, and commitment to her clients have earned her additional prestigious honors: Top 50: Women Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers – 11th year Top 50: St. Louis Super Lawyers – 7th year Ann’s recognition is a testament to her decades of experience and unwavering commitment to families and individuals navigating complex legal matters. Rising Stars of 2025 We are also proud to celebrate our three attorneys named Rising Stars this year: Allison Gerli – 8th year Kristen Sparks – 7th year Hallie Van Duren – 5th year The Rising Stars designation recognizes outstanding attorneys who are making a significant impact in their field earlier in their careers. What This Recognition Means The Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists are highly selective, recognizing only a small percentage of attorneys in each state based on peer nominations, professional achievement, and other rigorous criteria. Being named to these lists reflects the consistent excellence, skill, and dedication our attorneys bring to every case.  We are proud to have a team of legal professionals who combine experience, empathy, and expertise to serve our clients. Congratulations to Ann, Allison, Kristen, and Hallie for this well-deserved recognition!