Guiding You Through Life’s Toughest Challenges
Helping You Navigate Complex Legal Matters with Care, Expertise, and a Commitment to Securing the Best Possible Outcome for You and Your Loved Ones.
About the Firm
At Barefield & Hayes, we understand that legal challenges involving your rights, freedom, or the well-being of your children are deeply personal and life-altering. We are a small, dedicated firm committed to providing personalized, compassionate representation in juvenile law and criminal defense. Whether you’re working to reunite with your children after state intervention, navigating the foster care system, or facing serious criminal charges, we are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Our firm was founded on the belief that every case deserves attention, understanding, and expertise. Kris and James, the partners behind Barefield & Hayes, bring years of experience and a shared passion for helping people through their toughest moments. From reuniting families to defending clients against wrongful convictions, we are driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference. When you choose us, you gain advocates who treat your case as if it were their own, working tirelessly to protect your future.
Associations
What We Focus On
Adoptions
We help foster parents and relatives navigate the legal process of adoption to create permanent, loving homes.
Family Law
Our firm assists with a wide range of family-related legal matters, always prioritizing the best interests of the children.
Child Custody
We work to secure custody arrangements that ensure the well-being and stability of your children.
Paternity
We help establish legal paternity to protect parental rights and ensure proper support for children.
Foster Care
We guide children and families through the complexities of the foster care system, aiming for safe and stable outcomes.
Federal Criminal
Our experience in federal criminal defense helps those facing serious charges protect their rights and freedom.
Criminal Law
We provide aggressive defense for individuals facing serious criminal charges, working tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
Juvenile Court
We advocate for children, ensuring they receive the support they need.
Divorce
We provide compassionate legal counsel during divorce proceedings, helping you achieve fair resolutions for your family.
About Kris
For over twenty years, Kris Barefield has dedicated his practice to helping families navigate complex legal challenges. After starting his career in corporate law, Kris shifted to juvenile law to make a direct impact on the lives of real people. He has represented parents seeking reunification with their children, foster parents and private agency clients pursuing adoptions, and families working through child custody disputes.
Kris regularly counsels individuals facing issues with the Missouri Children’s Division, both in court and administrative hearings, and he has successfully argued cases before the Missouri Court of Appeals and the Missouri Supreme Court. His passion lies in advocating for children to thrive in the best possible situation, whether through reunification, placement with relatives, or adoption into loving homes.
About James
James Hayes has built a reputation as a fierce advocate in criminal defense, fighting tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients. From wrongful convictions to life-altering charges, James brings years of expertise to cases ranging from murder, robbery, and kidnapping to drug trafficking, sex crimes, and assault.
His passion for criminal defense stems from a desire to help those facing overwhelming circumstances, offering a second chance to individuals whose futures are on the line. James represents clients in both state and federal courts, often achieving acquittals and favorable resolutions through his relentless dedication.
“Mr. Barefield was very thorough with my case, and helped me understand the process. I highly recommend.”
Anita B.Springfield, MO
“Mr. Hayes put his reputation on the line to fight for me. One of the best criminal defense lawyers around.”
Mark H.Springfield, MO
Read more reviews on AVVO and Google.
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