Simone A. Haberstock
Top rated Alternative Dispute Resolution attorney in Richmond Heights, Missouri
Law Office of Simone A. Haberstock, L.L.C.
Practice Areas: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Family Law; view more
Licensed in Missouri since: 1991
Education: Saint Louis University School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2020 - 2023 Call today:
314-934-2751
Law Office of Simone A. Haberstock, L.L.C.
2016 S Big Bend BlvdRichmond Heights, MO 63117 Visit website
Details
Simone Haberstock is an attorney and the owner of the Law Offices of Simone A. Haberstock, L.L.C., in Richmond Heights, Missouri. Ms. Haberstock concentrates her practice on alternative dispute resolution in family law and divorce. She has over 30 years of legal experience and more than 20 years of experience in mediation and ADR in the St. Louis, Missouri, metropolitan area and throughout the surrounding counties.
Over the years, Ms. Haberstock has helped many Missouri residents resolve their family-related legal matters by providing supportive and honest legal representation. She helps each client resolve their situation by setting goals and guiding them each step of the way toward the best possible outcome for their situation.
Ms. Haberstock holds a master’s of law degree in dispute resolution from the University of Missouri School of Law and is a certified family court mediator and civil mediator. She has mediated over 500 cases. She is also a certified public accountant, a distinction that allows her to help her clients understand and achieve their financial goals. She also teaches mediation practice as an adjunct professor at Saint Louis University School of Law and provides mediation training for senior pactitioners, judges, attorneys, mental health professionals and individuals from many other professions. In 2023 and 2024, she provided training for the St. Louis City Police Department- Public Safety Division through Conflict Resolution Center St. Louis.
Although litigation is not her main focus, Ms. Haberstock received trial practice training from the American Bar Association Trial Advocacy Institute. She earned her law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law and obtained her license to practice law in Missouri in 1991.
Outside of her law practice, Ms. Haberstock is a member of several bar associations and legal organizations, as well as a past president of the Missouri Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis presented her with various awards in past years and she has volunteered her time to several groups including Habitat for Humanity, the Girl Scouts and Confluence Missouri, Inc.
Practice areas
Alternative Dispute Resolution, Family LawFocus areas
Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Father's Rights, Marital Property, Mediation, Mediation & Collaborative Law, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family Law
- 50% Alternative Dispute Resolution
- 50% Family Law
First Admitted: 1991, Missouri
Professional Webpage: https://haberstocklaw.com/about/
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- Certified Public Accountant, passed examination, 1985
- Rule 17 Civil Neutral/Mediator, 2003
- Rule 88 Certified Family Court Mediator, 2003
Pro bono/Community Service:
- St. Louis Master Lawyers Preservation/Education Project, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, 2005
- Habitat for Humanity Volunteer -NOLA 2009, Crew leader- St. Louis 1999, 2009
- Volunteer Special Prosecutor-Domestic Violence, St. Louis County Family Court
- Girl Scout Troop leader 1996-2009, 2009
- Volunteer Mediator, Self-represented litigants for Confluence Missouri, Inc.
Other Outstanding Achievements:
- University of Missouri-School of Law, IRB approved research on Parenting Coordination in St. Louis County Family Court, 2013
Educational Background:
- University of Missouri School of Law, LLM-Dispute Resolution , 2013
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
- In re the Matter of MLA, a minor, ED 105751. Unpublished opinion. Represented Petitioner/Respondent for guardianship of a minor. Prevailed on all counts in appeal. , 2018
- Kimberley Ann RUFFINO v. Salvatore M. RUFFINO III, 400 S.W.3d 851 (2013)- Represented Petitioner/Respondent. Prevailed on all counts of Appellant's appeal and Respondent's cross appeal arging that the trial court erred in its failure to identify retirement accounts from which Wife was to receive her share of retirement and its failure to indicate whether the amounts awarded should include earnings, losses, and appreciation., 2013
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- The presentation explained the application of the Missouri Arbitration Act in the Parenting Coordination process and provided model local rules and court orders used in St. Louis Counthy Circuit Court. , Speaker, Still on the Fence: The Missouri Arbitration Act and Parenting Coordination, Missouri Bar Annual Family Law Conference, Lawyers, Mediators, Judges, 2023
- Session explores the roles and boundaries for court-connected mental health providers and mental health processes, the specific orders and information required by providers to meet the objectives of court ordered treatment. , Speaker, Effective orders for mental health interventions in parenting plans, Missouri Bar Annual Family Law Conference, Lawyers, Mediators, Judiciary, 2023
- Experential learning exploring basic conflict resolution and negotiation skills, use of effective communication strategies in mediation, confronting impasse, bias (implicit and cognitive), considering culture in mediation, pre and post mediation preparation, practice management in mediation, and application of the ABA Standards for Mediation Practice, Lead Trainer, Basic mediation Training, Lexitas Mediation Center and Confluence Missouri, Lawyers, 2023
- Exploration of a case study including discussion of multi-party mediation, advanced negotiation theory, effective and ethical use and withholding of information in mediation, difficult parties in mediation, and preparation for complex mediation using the pre-mediation process, Lead Trainer, Advanced Mediation Training-Epic Challenges to Resolving Disputes, Lexitas Mediation Center and Confluence Missouri, Attorneys And Retired Members Of Judiciary, 2023
- Basic (Core) Mediation (16 hour) training and conflict resolution for St. Louis City Police Department- Public Safety, Trainer, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Conflict Resolution Center- St. Louis, Law, Mental Health, Court Administrators, Business, Accounting, 2024
- This session provided a detailed discussion of the role for a Parenting Coordinator (a role held by mental health professionals and attorneys who have completed the required training) post-judgment and a review of the new Parenting Coordination Appointment Order template. This includes the process for filing orders with the court and questions about the enforceability of PC orders. We will also explain how PCs apply the Missouri Arbitration Act with respect to due process considerations, hearing procedures, and the entry of orders when PCs are required to make decisions. Finally, we will also review some ideas for drafting parenting plans that will allow parenting coordinators to be more effective in supporting change and reducing conflict between co-parents, while reducing the number of decisions the PC is required to make and, therefore, increasing the longevity and effectiveness of PC work. , Presenter/Lecturer, ABCs of Parenting Coordination, Missouri Chapter of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Law, Mental Health, Court Administrators, 2023
- Session explores the benefits of the structure of mediation in helping parents solve problems and begin to restructure their co-parenting relationship. The presentation also provides an understanding of how mediation connects with each parent's identity and role as a parent and how the autonomy and social connection reestablished and promoted through mediation helps the parties through conflict, towards resolution of their difference.. Practitioners will learn about adapting negotiation and communication strategies to help clients in mediation become more prepared and engaged in the mediation process. , Speaker, Understanding the Dynamics of Structure and Restructuring in Family Court Mediation and Parenting Coordination, Missouri Chapter of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Law, Mental Health, Court Administrators, 2022
- Part Io What is mediation and how is it different from court settlement conferences and otheralternate dispute resolution processes?o What can you and your client expect at mediation?o What are the rules for the mediation process and why are they important? PART IIo Differences in preparing your case for mediation & settlement and preparing for trialo Effective mediation briefso Preparing your client for the mediation processo Supporting your client in mediation outside the process vs. attorney participation inthe mediation process, Presenter/Lecturer, Effective Advocacy in Mediation, St. Louis County Bar Association, Law, Mental Health, Court Administrators, 2022
- Session will discuss the sources of conflict between individuals when making decisions concerning money and strategies to address the differences between co-parents. , Co-Presenter, After the Love is Gone-Negotiating Co-Parenting Money Issues, Missouri Bar Family Law Conference, Lawyers, Mediators, 2022
- Presentation explores high conflict litigants and provides a model for mediation that can be sucessful, Co-Presenter, Diffcult Disputants in Mediation, St. Louis Chapter of Assocation of Attorney Mediators, Lawyers, Mediators, 2022
- This session will offer model provisions for parallel parenting plans that are focused on disengaging high conflict parents and that contemplate the use of parenting coordination and/or co-parenting counseling, post judgment, to create an overall structure, that allows parents to disengage. Further, the model provisions will also be used to discuss how they might be applied in parenting coordination and co-parenting counseling to make this structure more successful in reducing conflict between parents., Co-Presenter, The Art of Parallel Parenting Plans and Disengaging TOO Engaged Parents (Las Vegas Symposium), Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (Law Vegas Custody Symposium Conference), Law, Mental Health, Court Administrators, 2022
- Session focused on mediation techniques and address some of the issues in a complex financial matter. Session also explored the psychology around numbers and money which affect both spouses in a divorce and present various ways to get the parties to settle the case, even when the financial topics are difficult., Co-Presenter, Getting Your Case Settled- How to Settle a Financially Complex Case, Missouri Bar- Family Law Conference, Lawyers, 2022
- Presentation provides an understanding of mediation and provides basic knowledge of negotation and strategies for preparing a client for a mediation, Co-Speaker/Presenter, Effective Advocacy in Mediation; Succeeding for Your Client and Your Practice (2 Part series), St. Louis County Bar Association, Lawyers, 2023
- Rule 17 Basic mediation training focused on community mediation skills, Lead Trainer, Basic (Core) Civil Mediation, Conflict Resolution Center- St. Louis, Lawyers, Nonprofit, Business, General Public, 2022
- This program will explore the positive and negative aspects of public perception; how factors in the long studied area of procedural justice factor into family court; and strategies we can use in our practice and in our courts to improve perceptions and litigant satisfaction., Co-Presenter, Putting Our Best Inside Out: Improving the Optics of Family Law Practice, Missouri Bar Family Law Conference, Lawyers, 2021
- There is a wide disconnect between the expectations of judicial system, a dispassionate and analytical institution, and the integrated needs of the litigants who use the system. Legal professionals gain analytical intelligence through education but have not necessarily developed their emotional intelligence. The presentation will make recommendations to bridge that divide including further research and application of the Myers and Salovey model for emotional intelligence as a foundation for training and development of this neglected skill set., Co-Presenter, Growing Professional IQ with Emotional IQ, Missouri Bar/Missouri Lawyers Assistance Program Annual Conference, Attorneys, 2020
- Overview of the mediation process used in Missouri workers compensation including perspectives on procedure, best practices and and understanding of why the mediation process can help resolve cases., Co-Presenter, How to Mediate Your Workers' Compensation Cases Without Getting Hurt!, Missouri Bar Solo and Small Firm Conference, Lawyers, 2021
- Discussions about money—values, practices, and conflicts—present enormous challenges to co-parenting counselors and mediators. This session explores the conscious and subconscious economic and behavioral factors related to money that make mediators weep and co-parenting counselors pull their hair out., Co-Presenter, Mediation and Co-Parenting: The Cents and Nonsense in Financial Decision-Making, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts 58th Annual Conference, Law, Mental Health, Court Administrators, 2021
- 40 Hour training for lawyers qualifying them for the family court neutral list in 12th Circuit Court of Missouri (Audrain, Montgomery, and Warren), Lead Trainer, Basic/Core (Rule 17) and Family Law Training for Mediators in the 12th Circuit Court of Missouri, Lawyers, 2021
- This is an interactive class that provides theory as well as practical skills and includes active input from the participants and role-play opportunities. Coursework includes review of interest-based negotiation; nature and sources of conflict; communication skills; values and principles underlying mediation practice; impasse and challenges in mediation; mediation role play; Uniform Acts and Missouri Rules and statutes relevant to mediation. The course prepares participants for community/neighbor to neighbor mediation and small claims/landlord tenant mediation., Trainer, Basic (Core) Civil Mediation, Conflict Resolution Center- St. Louis, Law, Mental Health, Business Leaders, Non Profit, 2021
- Conciliation is a very old concept that can still apply in our practices. Conciliation provides litigants with a process they need in court, or from alternate dispute resolution processes, to feel more satisfied with their experience. When selected and applied at strategic times, conciliation can also help courts , lawyers, and mediators help parties get past their emotions and become more focused on practical solutions. This presentation will help you understand more about conciliation and how you can use it to help parties in litigation move towards resolution of their case., Co-Presenter, What’s that Extra “C” in AFCC- Using Conciliation in Your Cases, Missouri Chapter of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Law, Mental Health, Court Administrators, 2021
- A primer and tips for lawyers drafting orders appointing parenting coordinators and interfacing with parenting coordinators appointed in St. Louis County Circuit Court , Speaker, Parenting Coordinators, St. Louis County Bar Association - Guardian ad Litem Training, Law, 2021
- Identification and Understand of cultural differences which may affect a mediation and tools the mediator can employ to address the challenges posed by cultural differences., Presenter, At the Blind Intersection of Culture and Mediation, Association of Attorney Mediators- Missouri Chapter, 2020
- All of us, including our clients, have been and continue to experience one of the most challenging years in recent history. Although lawyers are trained to be rational and dispassionate, our ability to express and act with compassion offers many benefits to our clients and to ourselves, while also solidifying and expanding our business relationships. This session will explore why compassion is important; how we can build our capacity and ability to be more compassionate; and, what we can offer to clients to meet their needs in this very difficult environment. , Plenary - Co Speaker, Compassionate Lawyering in Hard Times, Missouri Bar Family Law Conference, Attorneys, 2020
- Money is the subject of, and frequently the source of, most of the disputes we mediate, yet, most of our mediation training does not help us understand how people actually process and make decisions about money. We frequently assume that financial decisions are ultimately guided by logic and math when, in fact, there are many other factors affecting such decisions. This session will explore some of the factors that affect financial decision making and how mediators can help disputants make sense of the dollars and cents required to get the dispute resolved. , Speaker, Making Dollars and Sense out of Mediation, ADR Court-Certified Neutrals Webinar (US Federal Court), Attorneys, 2020
- Overview of the considerations and design elements for a high conflict parenting court program., Speaker, Developing a Place in the Heart: Problem Solving Court for High Conflict Families, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Annual Conference in Washington D.C., 2018
- Ethics and standards applied to Mediation practice., Co-Presenter, Ethics and Mediation, Missouri Bar Family Law Conference, Attorneys, 2018
- Presented strategies based on strategic planning principles to support and provide a framework for problem-solving in collaborative practice., Co-presenter, Creating Vision: The Process of Intended Change, International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Collaborative Professionals, 2012
- Presenting ethical models for limited scope representation., Co-Presenter, Ethics of Limited Scope Representation, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and Federal District Court/8th Circuit Court of Appeals, Attorneys, 2019
- Defined Parallel parenting and explored applying strategies and court orders to disengage high conflict parents and provide safe space for children. , Co-presenter, Disengaging Too Engaged Parents, Missouri Bar Family Law Conference, Attorneys, 2019
- Presentation of economic behavioral theory and cognitive bias and effect on decisions concerning money and finances, including strategies for mediators to apply when presented with impaired decision-making, Presenter, Making Cents of Money Decisions, Missouri Chapter of Association of Attorney Mediators, Mediators, 2019
- Presentation of research on the effect of the economic environment on parenting styles and conflict between parents. Recommendations made on how professionals can confront resulting conflict and help parents improve problem solving. , Co-presenter, What Money Tells us about Parenting and Co-Parenting, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Attorneys, Mediators, Mental Health Providers, Judges, 2019
- This presentation explored the educational and procedural features that should be considered when the court is not authorized to appoint a parent coordinator, The workshop also attempted to answer these questions and more using the experience and a study of the St. Louis County Family Court Parenting Coordination program., Speaker/Researcher, The Path to the Wizard: Engaging Parents in Parenting Coordination When You Are Not in Oz, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Regional Conference, Kansas City, MO, 2013
- This presentation explored the wide disconnect between the expectations of judicial system, a dispassionate and analytical institution, and the integrated needs of the litigants who use the system. Legal professionals gain analytical intelligence through education but have not necessarily developed their emotional intelligence. This presentation made recommendations to bridge that divide including further research and application of the Myers and Salovey model for emotional intelligence as a foundation for training and development of this neglected skill set., Speaker, Harmonizing Courts and Families: Growing Professional IQ with Emotional IQ, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Annual Conference in Boston, MA, 2017
Bar/Professional Activity:
- Council Member - Family Law Section, Missouri Bar, 2023
- Adjunct Professor-Mediation, Saint Louis University School of Law (2022-2024), 2023
- Missouri Chapter of AFCC Parenting Coordination Symposium, co-chair, (develop statewide procedures, forms and approach to parenting coordination), 2014
- Trainer (contractor), Conflict Resolution Center- St. Louis, Basic (Core) Mediation training for Community Mediators (2021-2023), Mediation and Conflict Resolution Training for St. Louis City Police Department (2023-2024), 2023
- Missouri Association of Family Law Advocates- President and Founding Board Member. Organization is comprised of professionals from many separate disciplines who are engaged in the family court system, and their supporters, organized to stand up for family centered policies and practices that support positive outcomes for families and children in that system, 2023
- ABA Peer Mediation Training/Pilot Program-St. Louis City School District , 1997
- Missouri Chapter of AFCC Exploratory Task Force on Court-Connected Therapy and Interventions, 2022
- Lead Trainer, Mediation and Parenting Coordination Training, Confluence Missouri, Inc (501c3) (2016-2021), 2021
- Association of Missouri Mediators
- Association of Attorney Mediators, Missouri Chapter -Treasurer (2023)
- Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
- St. Louis County Family Court Oversight Committee, Mediation and Parenting Coordination
- Missouri Bar, Family Law Conference Planning Committee
- Board Member and Founder, Confluence Missouri, Inc., a non-profit company providing volunteer and sliding scale mediation services and mediation training.
- Missouri Chapter of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (Past-President 2018-2019)
Honors/Awards:
- Award recipients are outstanding professionals who demonstrate the following characteristics: Leadership - Motivates and inspires others to accomplish a specific goal or objective. This involves an element of risk in order to benefit others. Initiative - Demonstrates the ability to take charge by creating or developing a program, project, or activity that impacts the community. Has a personal commitment to see the project through to its resolution with determined effort. Creativity - Develops or proposes creative ways to accomplish the goals and objectives of the project. Dedication - Is recognized by others for being dedicated to achieving the desired results. Accomplishes much within the community by his or her pursuit, courage, enthusiasm, and zeal., Missouri Chapter - AFCC Ellen Cowell Leadership Award, Missouri Chapter of Association of Family and Concilation Courts, 2024
- Missouri Lawyers Weekly 2023 Power List for Family Law, https://molawyersmedia.com/2023/10/12/the-power-list-family-law-2023/, 2023
- Missouri Lawyers Media Women's Justice Award Honoree, https://molawyersmedia.com/event/womens-justice-awards/, 2024
- For work and contribution in child advocacy, Young Lawyers Section Certificate of Recognition in Child Advocacy, American Bar Association, 1999
- Video interview project archiving iconic, and historic past leaders of the Bar Association , President's Outstanding Service Award, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, 2005
- Contribution in reviving the continuing education program., President's Outstanding Service Award, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, 2007
- Bar association community outreach to children, Young Lawyers Award of Merit, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, 1995
- Service to the Young Lawyers Division, Young Lawyers Award of Merit, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, 1998
Office location for Simone A. Haberstock
2016 S Big Bend Blvd
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Phone: 314-934-2751
Selections
4 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2020 - 2023
