Missouri Family & Landlord-Tenant Court: What to Expect | Judge Denise Childress
What really happens inside Missouri’s Associate Circuit Courts?
Judge Denise Childress of St. Charles County joins host Judge Matt Hamner to share what everyday justice looks like - from orders of protection and child support to family law and landlord-tenant cases.
She talks about handling hundreds of cases a week, working with people who represent themselves, and why keeping courts open and accessible matters to every Missourian. Judge Childress also reflects on her journey from public defender to the bench, the mentors who guided her, and how teaching and fairness shape her approach to the law.
Topics include:
– What to expect in Missouri’s Associate Circuit Court
– Orders of protection and family law cases
– Child support, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes
– The role of mentorship and education in the judiciary
– Why open courts build public trust
About Missouri Law Matters
A podcast from the Supreme Court of Missouri, sharing conversations with judges and court professionals about how the law works in real life - and how Missouri’s courts serve the public every day.
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From Judge to Attorney: Joseph Goff on Civic Education and Trust in Missouri’s Legal System
In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner speaks with Joseph Goff, Jr, private practice attorney and former judge, about his unique journey through Missouri’s legal system — from prosecutor to judge to advocate for civic education.
Together, they explore how civic education builds public trust, why judges should connect with their communities, and how young lawyers can help demystify the court system through outreach and engagement.
👉 Key Topics:
Missouri law and the judicial system
Civic education and community engagement
Legal careers and professional development
Trust and transparency in courts
The role of judges and lawyers in public education
📍 Chapters
00:00 Personal Experiences in the Legal Field
01:43 The Influence of Sports on Legal Careers
13:00 Exploring the 24th Circuit: Counties and Culture
14:28 Judicial Responsibilities: A Day in the Life of a Judge
16:53 Transitioning to the Bench: Expectations vs. Reality
19:53 Civic Education: The Role of Judges in Community Engagement
25:11 Civic Education Committee: Goals and Initiatives
32:59 The Importance of Civic Education for Young Lawyers
37:06 From Judge to Lawyer: Navigating Career Transitions
💬 “Civic education is incredibly important. We only have the trust of the people.” — Joseph Goff
Follow the Supreme Court of Missouri to learn more about Your Missouri Courts
# missouri supreme court
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Legal Deserts in Missouri: Access to Justice, Rural Law & Attorney Recruitment Challenges
In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner sits down with Judge Corey Moon to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing rural Missouri: legal deserts.
What happens when there are fewer than one lawyer for every 1,000 people? Many rural counties in Missouri have only a judge and a prosecutor - leaving residents without meaningful access to legal help.
Together, Judge Hamner and Judge Moon explore:
Why rural areas struggle to recruit and retain attorneys
How community service and engagement impact legal access
Incentive programs from other states, like South Dakota
The growing role of technology in law and virtual hearings
Why access to justice matters for every Missourian
This conversation highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions and ongoing efforts by Missouri courts and the Missouri Bar to address gaps in access to justice.
🔗 Watch more Missouri Law Matters episodes here: https://bit.ly/4kSekXO
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Ask a Judge: Missouri’s Most-Asked Court Questions Answered
Ever had a question you wish you could ask a judge? In this special Ask a Judge episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner answers Missouri’s most-asked court questions.
From how to become a judge to what really happens in the courtroom, Judge Hamner offers clear, practical insights on the legal process. He shares what law school is like, how the bar exam works, why ethics are essential, and what to expect if you have a case in court.
Whether you’re a student, a lawyer, or just curious about Missouri’s justice system, this episode gives you a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how our courts work.
Takeaways
To become a judge, one must first be a lawyer.
Judges must adhere to strict ethical guidelines.
It's important to communicate concerns with your attorney.
The court's decisions are reflected in written opinions.
Public perception of court decisions can be misleading.
Law school requires significant dedication and effort.
Bar exam preparation is crucial for success.
Maintaining personal interests is important during law school.
Distractions are common during the bar exam.
Understanding courtroom procedures can alleviate anxiety.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setup
00:21 Understanding Judicial Ethics and Impartiality
03:20 Judicial Decision-Making and Public Perception
12:09 Courtroom Realities vs. Media Portrayals
15:11 The Art of Legal Strategy and Preparation
15:24 The Art of Cross-Examination
15:51 Understanding Elected Judges in Missouri
17:37 Balancing Law and Public Opinion
19:44 The Role of Judicial Decisions
19:57 Understanding Appellate Courts
20:11 The Role of Appellate Courts
21:23 Mentorship in Legal Careers
25:06 Advice for Aspiring Judges
28:30 Navigating Attorney-Client Relationships
39:35 Preparing for Court Appearances
47:59 Surviving and Thriving in Law School
Keywords
Missouri judicial system, becoming a judge, judicial ethics, public questions, attorney-client relationships, guardians ad litem, courtroom drama, court preparation, law school tips, bar exam preparation
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Inside the Supreme Court of Missouri: Betsy Ledgerwood on Public Service, Technology & Justice
What does it take to run Missouri’s highest court behind the scenes?
In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner sits down with Betsy Ledgerwood, Clerk of the Supreme Court of Missouri, to explore her journey from small-town Missouri to the center of statewide judicial administration.
They cover:
The evolving role of the court clerk
Why transparency and technology matter in today’s judiciary
The rising number of pro se litigants
How mentorship shapes legal careers
And why humanizing the justice system is key to public trust
Whether you're in the legal field or just curious about how the court system really works, this episode offers insight into public service, the challenges of access to justice, and the people who keep the wheels turning at the Supreme Court of Missouri.
📍Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:05 Betsy’s Journey to the Supreme Court
07:41 The Role of the Clerk
12:59 Understanding Missouri Courts
18:14 Technology in the Judiciary
23:23 Access to Justice & Pro Se Litigants
🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations from inside Missouri’s legal system.
#SupremeCourt #LegalProfession #AccessToJustice #CourtAdministration #JudiciaryTransparency #MentorshipInLaw #MissouriLawMatters # Missouri Supreme Court
Missouri Law Matters is the official podcast of the Supreme Court of Missouri, created to increase public access and understanding of the law and the courts.
Each episode features conversations with members of Missouri’s judiciary who share insights about the legal process, public service, and how the courts work to ensure fairness and uphold the rule of law.
From everyday legal questions to in-depth discussions about Missouri’s judicial system, Missouri Law Matters helps listeners better understand their rights, the role of judges, and how justice is carried out across our state.
🎙️ Missouri Law Matters - an initiative of the Supreme Court of Missouri to make the courts more accessible, transparent, and understood by all Missourians.
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