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Attorney Trisha McCulloch Running for Judge in St. Charles County. Come Celebrate!

August 26, 2021

The Firm is proud and excited to share that attorney Trisha McCulloch is running for Associate Circuit Judge, Division 6 in St. Charles in the 2022 election.  Trisha joined the firm in 2020 after successfully running her own practice in St. Charles since 2015, TEM Law, LLC.  Prior to that, she practiced family law in St. Charles at Todt, Ryan, and McCulloch with her father-in-law.


Trisha serves as the Vice President of the St. Charles County Family Resource Center and is a provisional judge for the Cottleville Municipal Court.  Trisha has extensive experience in a variety of legal areas including juvenile justice and family law.  Since 2014, Trisha has served as a contract guardian ad litem in St. Charles juvenile court. 


Trisha was born and raised in Wisconsin. She moved to Missouri in 2009 to attend UMKC School of Law, where she graduated with honors. Trisha and her husband Joe have three children (Jackson, Grayson, and Sadie) who attend school in the Francis Howell School District.


Q&A with Trisha


Why do you want to be a judge? 

"I believe I can have a greater impact and make a larger difference in the legal community as a judge.  I believe I have the temperament, drive, and compassion needed to provide fair and prompt justice.  My aspirations to become a judge started in law school in part due to my passion for legal writing.  Since graduating, I have primarily practiced in St. Charles and have established meaningful working relationships with attorneys and have developed respect and admiration for the judges. I cannot think of a better county to become a judge than St. Charles due to the outstanding and supportive legal community. "


How would you describe your judicial philosophy?

"I hope to interpret and apply the law in a fair and impartial manner while remaining respectful and conscientious. I believe that a judge should actively listen to the facts presented and apply the facts to the law. When applying the facts, I believe a judge should be conscientious of the case law established and, if necessary, clearly distinguish the facts presented to the judge if there is any deviation to the current case law. 

 

My judicial philosophy is to efficiently handle cases before me. Sensitive matters should be handled in a timely manner and in accordance with the rules established for such matters. Citizens deserve to know that the laws and rules were created for a purpose and will be followed by the judges. When there is an absence of rules guiding my process, I hope to create rules within my division to provide guidance to effectively manage cases. 

 

I will treat everyone with respect and dignity. Every case before me is important and will be given the time it deserves. Every final judgment requires review of the law and application of the facts to the law."


Briefly describe an issue that you have interest in working toward improving.

"I have devoted my career to improving the lives of children who are involved in the court system. Throughout my role as a contract Guardian ad Litem with juvenile court and on private cases, and my parent-attorney cases, the overarching problem I see is the time it takes for cases to be finalized. This leads to the lives of children being put on hold for months or even years, which ultimately takes a toll on their social, emotional, academic, and mental well-being. I would use my role to work on decreasing the amount of time it takes for a child custody matter to be resolved, work towards finding alternative methods for delinquency cases to be handled, and enforce the appropriate timelines for case goals in abuse and neglect cases. 

 

Along with improving the timeliness of the cases, I would work towards finding programs to assist the children through the court system. Children are often innocent bystanders and the ones most negatively impacted by the system.  We do not have enough services to offer to children and families going through the system to effectively have them leave the system unharmed or unaffected by the process. I would strive to order more mediation, co-parenting counseling, and family counseling to help families struggling to function as two separate units and come up with parenting plans that fit each family. In return, I believe this would help minimize the amount of families that return to court on a motion to modify."


Can you explain the election process in St. Charles?

 "St. Charles County has partisan elections.  Judges are elected by the people, and candidates are listed on the ballot alongside a label designating political party affiliation. The primary election takes place in August with the general election following in November. Associate Circuit Judges are elected to four-year terms and Circuit Judges are elected to six-year terms.  If elected, my job will be to remain fair and impartial."


Event with Trisha

The Firm is hosting a Meet and Greet with Trisha on September 29, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at our Clayton office.  Please RSVP to mccullochforjudge@gmail.com by September 24.  Masks required for those unvaccinated.

Second Saturday Workshop - 2025 Dates

January 24, 2025
The Center for Family Law is excited to announce the start of its fourth year hosting the Second Saturday Divorce Workshops, providing valuable support and guidance to individuals navigating the divorce process.

Tips for Co-Parenting During the Holidays

By Allison Gerli • December 20, 2024
The holiday season can be a balancing act for all parents, but it can be especially challenging for divorced parents who need to coordinate plans with a former spouse and navigate interactions with new partners. While some stress is to be expected, with careful planning, flexibility, and the right mindset, you can make the holidays smoother for everyone. Here are a few tips to help you manage. Prioritizing the Children. The holidays are a time for children, and their well-being should be the focus of the schedule. Whether it's your first holiday post-divorce or you have had a few years to adjust, there are simple steps you can take to make the season easier for them. Create a Joint Plan. Collaborate with your ex to ensure the children can spend time with both of you without feeling torn. A clear, shared plan helps avoid confusion and conflict. This might involve splitting the day between both households or longer periods of time with each parent to allow for out-of-town travel to visit relatives. It is important that parents are on the same page on what schedule will be followed and that is communicated to the children as a joint plan. Balance Traditions with Flexibility. It is natural to want to keep cherished family traditions, but flexibility is key. Discuss with your co-parent which traditions are most important and find a realistic way to divide them. This ensures that the kids do not feel pressured to choose between one tradition or family, allowing them to enjoy special moments with both sides. Create New Traditions. This is an opportunity to start fresh. Let go of old expectations and focus on what will bring joy to your current family setup. Whether changing when your holiday meal occurs or coming up with new ways to celebrate with those who matter now, these changes can redefine your holiday experience in a way that reflects your family as it is today. Remember, children care more about spending time with you and celebrating together than about the exact day. [The Right] Communication is Key. Keeping communication focused on the kids can help prevent old conflicts from resurfacing. Keep discussions brief and to the point. Set times to address important matters and confirm plans through a message or email to ensure everyone is aligned and to prevent miscommunication. Involving New Partners. Whether it is you or your ex with a new partner, you should be mindful of how this change can stir emotions and make the situation feel uncertain. If planning to include a new partner in holiday activities, having a conversation with your ex beforehand is best. Discuss your plans for the day and make sure your ex is comfortable with the arrangement. If you are nervous about being around your ex’s new partner, remember that you have the right to decide how much or how little to engage with this new person, all while keeping things positive and calm for the children. Children may also need time to adjust to a new partner, particularly if the relationship is still fresh. Monitor how they are coping and give them space to process these changes. Do not force interactions, and if possible, let the relationship evolve naturally. Spending Time with Former In-Laws. Another challenge during the holidays for separated parents is dealing with ex-in-laws. Seeing them may feel awkward, but it is often necessary for the children's sake. If spending time with your ex-in-laws feels too emotionally challenging, be honest with yourself and them. It is okay to politely decline an invitation if it being there would cause too much stress. Regardless of how you feel about your ex-in-laws, remember that ex-in laws are still important figures in your children’s lives, and it is often best for the kids if you maintain a relationship with them. Encourage your children to spend time with their grandparents or other relatives from your ex’s family when possible. Remember even when feeling frustrated, remind yourself that cooperation between parents benefits the children, making these moments more manageable.

Trivia Night for a Cause: Supporting Children Impacted by the Criminal Justice System

December 18, 2024
(This article was originally posted in November 2024 by Courtney Green on the website of The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and can be found here .) Every year, a heartwarming and competitive event takes place that not only tests participants’ knowledge but also makes a significant impact in the lives of children affected by the criminal justice system. The annual Motion for Kids Trivia Night hosted by BAMSL’s Young Lawyers Division, has become a beloved tradition, blending fun with philanthropy to raise funds for the Saint Louis Bar Foundation’s Motion for Kids holiday event aimed at providing a magical holiday experience for children in the Metropolitan St. Louis area, most of whom are currently in foster care. A Night of Fun and Philanthropy The 2024 trivia night will be held at the Parkway United Church of Christ and draws participants from the St. Louis legal community, along with friends, family, and colleagues to compete in a lively atmosphere filled with friendly competition. The trivia night is made possible by sponsors in the legal community who play a vital role, providing financial backing and in-kind donations that help cover costs and enhance the evening’s festivities. Additionally, gracious volunteers and members of the Young Lawyers’ Division donate their time to help organize the event and ensure its success. Adding in a twist each year, the trivia night themes have ranged from the 90’s to “The Eras tour”. This years’ theme is a spooky, legal-adjacent: “Whodunnit? Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.” As the trivia rounds unfold, teams will battle it out to compete for bragging rights (and potential prizes). The questions are crafted to be both challenging and entertaining, ensuring that everyone, from trivia novices to seasoned experts, can contribute. Silent Auction, 50/50 Raffle, & Games Galore One of the highlights of the evening is the silent auction, featuring an array of enticing items donated by generous St. Louis based businesses, community members, and local firms. Ranging from gift certificates to tickets for local sporting events, attendees can bet big on items, knowing that every item raised will directly benefit the Motion for Kids holiday event. The auction not only raises vital funds but also showcases the community’s creativity and generosity. Additionally, there are other opportunities to show support for the Motion for Kids event at the trivia night, including a 50/50 raffle, and mini-games in-between rounds, which are sure to stir up excitement. The proceeds raised from these games will also be given directly to Motion for Kids. Impact on Children’s Lives The funds raised during trivia night play a crucial role in making the annual holiday party a reality. The Motion for Kids event provides a joyful experience for children who often face significant challenges in their young lives. For many of these children, the holiday party is one of the few occasions where they can experience the warmth of community, receive gifts, and enjoy festive activities in a safe and welcoming environment. BAMSL volunteers work tirelessly to create a magical atmosphere, complete with decorations, games, and a visit with Santa Claus. The smiles on the children’s faces during the party serve as a reminder of the positive impact the community can make when it comes together for a common cause. A Community Effort The Young Lawyers’ Division Trivia Night is more than just a fundraising event; it’s a testament to the power of community. Local firms, businesses, individuals, and organizations come together to ensure that children impacted by the criminal justice system feel loved and supported during the holiday season. The success of this event highlights how collective efforts can bring joy and hope to those who need it most. It is the Young Lawyers’ Division goal to not only raise money for the Motion for Kids holiday event, but to encourage a sense of accomplishment and commitment from trivia night attendees for the role they have played in the lives of these children. Trivia Night has become a cherished tradition, one that reinforces the message that together, we can create a brighter future for our most vulnerable children.
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