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In St. Louis County, Missouri, Gwendolyn H. Marshall, previously known as Eugene J. Marshall, has filed a comprehensive motion seeking to convert her legal separation from Amy B. Marshall into a full dissolution of marriage. This motion, submitted on August 1, 2024, comes after more than two years since the original judgment of legal separation was entered on June 28, 2022. Represented by attorney Aaron M. Staebell of Staebell Law Firm LLC, the petitioner argues that the marriage is irretrievably broken, and that both parties desire to move from a state of legal separation to a complete dissolution of their 23-year marriage.
Marshall’s motion is multifaceted, addressing not only the dissolution of the marriage but also the termination or reduction of her monthly maintenance obligations, currently set at $2,567.00. She cites significant changes in her circumstances, including a decrease in income due to a sabbatical from her employment and ongoing legal disputes that threaten her financial stability. The petitioner further argues that Amy Marshall’s financial situation has improved, as she is now cohabiting with a boyfriend, which reduces her need for ongoing spousal support. Given these substantial and continuing changes, Marshall is asking the court to either terminate or reduce the maintenance payments.
Additionally, the petitioner seeks a modification of the existing custody and support arrangements for their two minor children. Under the original 2022 judgment, the parties were granted joint legal and physical custody, with the children residing primarily with the petitioner. Gwendolyn Marshall now requests a review and possible adjustment of these terms, although she does not specify what changes are being sought in her current motion. The petitioner emphasizes that the court has jurisdiction to modify these arrangements under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).
Marshall’s motion also reaffirms that neither party is active in the Armed Forces, and there are no other custody proceedings concerning the children. She underscores that the existing legal separation judgment no longer serves the interests of the parties and that a full dissolution of marriage is now necessary to reflect the irreparable breakdown of their relationship.
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