$ 225-450 per hour
About Michael
Biography
I am a trial lawyer with extensive jury trial experience in state and federal courts. My practice is somewhat unique in that while I have considerable jury trial experience I also have extensive bench trial experience in the area of matrimonial law. My experience extends to a wide range of civil disputes, such as: medical malpractice, complex commercial cases, product liability claims, personal injury actions, wrongful death claims and complex divorce litigation, including disputes involving substanial marital estates and custody litigation.
Hi, my name is Mike Taylor. I am a trial lawyer with over 40 years of trial experience. I can help.
With over 40 years of experience in difficult family law cases I can help.
With over 40 years of experience in difficult family law cases I can help.
I am a trial attorney with over 40 years of experience handling difficult personal injury cases.
If you have been injured by someone's neglegence you need an experienced trial attorney. I can help.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Litigation
30%
44 years
Personal Injury
30%
44 years
Divorce and Separation
20%
44 years
Family
20%
44 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Kansas for 7 years
State: Kansas
Acquired: 2018
No misconduct found
Licensed in Missouri for 43 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 1982
No misconduct found
Location
Taylor, Siemens, Elliot, Creedy & Lyles, P.C.
(816) 364-9677
Fax
3007 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO, 64506
mtselaw.com/Gallery
Michael Leslie Taylor's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Cathy | May 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
High integrity with positive results
Michael Taylor is a very caring and accomplished attorney who has assisted our family in numerous legal situations. We have been extremely pleased with the results of our interactions with him and his professional staff. We highly recommend Michael Taylor as an attorney of high moral values and int...
Posted by Marina | November 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
dissolution
My good fortune was to hire Michael Taylor for my divorce. He is a superb lawyer, but much more - so caring and compassionate. When my case went to trial I was so proud to have him represent me. Understated, yet he made point after point. A few well chosen cross- examination questions and my ex's ...
Posted by anonymous | June 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Attorney
Mr. Taylor did a wonderful job handling my custody case. He listened thoroughly and empathetically. His experience is extremely valuable and I appreciated how he made such a daunting experience into something as simple and painless as possible.
Posted by Leesia | January 27, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Michael Taylor
We contacted Michael Taylor after my husband was served papers to have his parental rights terminated. Everyone we talked to at the office was very professional and clear on exactly what information they needed from us for our case. The communication with him was awesome. We work not so normal hour...
Posted by Valerie | December 2, 2014
A Compassionate and Honorable Attorney
I was in great need of a divorce and child custody attorney last spring. Mr. Taylor came HIGHLY recommended by both friends and family. Divorce is never an easy decision, but I was immensely confident in Mr. Taylor's reputation. There were so many times I was afraid, apprehensive, and distressed, bu...
Michael Leslie Taylor's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Taylor is a superb trial attorney. Prior to joining his law firm, I tried several cases against him. I can easily say that he has mastered the art of litigation. He has extensive experience trying multi-million dollar divorce cases. I am honored to now try cases with him."
"I confidently endorse Mr. Taylor. His thorough answers on this forum are true testament to his vast experience and acute analysis of the scenarios presented by individuals posting a question on this site. He is caring and proficient in his assessment and his answers are very helpful."
"Mike and I have worked together for the last ten years and have been partners for the last three. He is a phenomenal trial lawyer that has the ability to successfully persuade judges and juries alike. I have seen him take on a number of difficult cases and achieve justice for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer for legal matters in Missouri."
Jennifer Ray
Family lawyer
William Bird
Personal injury lawyer
Joseph Elliott
Personal injury lawyer
Lindsey Bachman
Divorce and separation lawyer
David Senkel
Family lawyer
Veronica Silva
Family lawyer
David Barrett
Family lawyer
Ashleigh Macpherson
Personal injury lawyer
Kenneth Siemens
Unknown lawyer
Robert Murphy
Unknown lawyer
Benjamin Creedy
Unknown lawyer
Rian Ankerholz
Unknown lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Top 100 High Stakes Litigator, America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators
2020
Top 100 Trial Attorneys, The National Trial Lawyers
2020
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2020
Missouri - Kansas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Bar Register of Preeminent AV Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Top 100 Civil Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100
2018
Top 100 Trial Attorneys - Missouri, America's Top 100 Attorneys
2018
Top Attorney in Missouri and Kansas, SuperLawyers
2018
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2018
AV Preeminent Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In American Law
2017
Top 10 Attorneys, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2017
Selected by peers for Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyers in American
2017
Top Attorneys in Missouri & Kansas, SuperLawyers
2017
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyer
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in Missouri, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Who's Who in America, Who's Who
2016
Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis
2016
Top 100 Family Law Lawyer, American Society of Legal Advocates
2015
AVVO 10.0 Superb Rating Award, AVVO
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Top Attorneys in Missouri & Kansas, SuperLawyers
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Super Lawyer - The Top Attorneys in Missouri & Kansas, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyer
2015
Top Rated Lawyer in Family Law, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Who's Who in the World, Who's Who
2015
Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in Missouri, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2015
Client Choice Award, AVVO
2015
Top 100 Family Law Attorneys, Ameican Society of Legal Advocates
2015
Who's Who in America, Marquis Who's Who
2015
Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in Missouri, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2014
Member, Who's Who in the World
2014
Member, Who's Who in America
2014
Member, Marquis Who's Who in American Law
2014
Top Attorneys in Missouri & Kansas, SuperLawyers
2014
AVVO 10.0 Superb Rating, AVVO
2014
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2013
Top Attorneys in Missouri & Kansas, SuperLawyers
2013
Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2013
Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2012
Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Top Attorneys in Missouri & Kansas, Super Lawyers
2011
Top Attorneys in Missouri & Kansas, SuperLawyers
2011
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Top Attorneys in Missouri & Kansas, SuperLawyers
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Top Attorneys in Missouri & Kansas, SuperLawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Top Attorneys in Missouri & Kansas, SuperLawyers
2008
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
Top Attorneys in Missouri & Kansas, SuperLawyers
2007
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2006
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2003
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1989
Lon O. Hocker Memorial Trial Lawyer Award, Missouri Bar Foundation
Work Experience
2023 - Present
Partner/Shareholder, Taylor Siemens Elliott Creedy & Lyle, P.C.
2002 - Present
Partner/Shareholder, Murphy Taylor Siemens & Elliott P.C.
1989 - 2002
Partner, Watkins, Boulware, Lucas, Miner, Murphy & Taylor
1985 - 1989
Partner, Watkins, Boulware, Lucas & Miner
1982 - 1985
Associate, Watkins, Boulware, Lucus & Miner
Associations
2013 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember
1994 - Present
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow
American Bar Association
Member
Missouri Bar
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Andrews vs. Andrews - Appeal
Missouri Court of Appeals - Western District ruled in favor of Mr. Taylor's client - the father.
Andrews vs. Andrews
After a contested trial Mother's motion to relocate with the minor children to Texas was denied and Mother was ordered to pay Father monthly child support of $1,113 .00 per month.
Heck vs. Heck
Missouri Court of Appeals affirmed the favorable trial outcome achieved by Mr. Taylor.
SKB vs. ALS
Father awarded residential custody of minor child.
Collins vs. Krigel
After a lengthy jury trial the jury returned an award of $3,000,000.00 in favor of Mr. Taylor's client.
Portis vs. Greehaw, M.D. et. al.
At the time the highest verdict in the history of Worth County, Missouri.
Education
1982
University of Kansas School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1979
University of Kansas
Speaking Engagements
1997
Second Annual Institute - An Advanced Seminar and Update on Family Law in Missouri
Evidence and Trial Tactics
1995
Worker's Compensation: Cost Containment Strategies
How to Protect Yourself from Worker's Compensation and Discrimination Litigation
1995
Worker's Compensation Strategies
How to Protect Your Business from Worker's Compensation Litigation
1995
Missouri Chapter of AAML
Fee Agreements
1995
Eighth Annual Family Law Institute
Denial of Irretrievable Breakdown
1994
Tax Aspects of Divorce in Kansas
Ethical Considerations
1992
Divorce Recovery - "Out of the Ashes Rises Hope for the Future
Divorce in the 1990's
Publications
2019
The Missouri Bar - MoBarCLE 7th Addition - Family Law
Chapter 14 Tort Liability and the Family Relationship, Chapter 19 Discovery, Chapter 20 Trial Practice
2014
Missouri Bar Family Law CLE Deskbook
Chapter 20 Trial Practice 2014 Supplement
2012
Missouri Bar Family Law CLE Deskbook
Chapter 20 Trial Practice 7th Edition
2012
Missouri Bar Family Law CLE Deskbook
Chapter 19 Discovery 7th Edition
2009
Missouri Bar Family Law CLE Deskbook
Chapter 20 Trial Practice 2009 Supplement
2009
Missouri Bar Family Law CLE Deskbook
Chapter 19 Discovery 2009 Supplement
2004
Missouri Bar Family Law CLE Deskbook
Chapter 20 Trial Practice 6th Edition
2004
Missouri Bar Family Law CLE Deskbook
Chapter 19 Discovery 6th Edition
N/A
Missouri Bar Family Law CLE Deskbook
Chapter 20 Trial Practice 5th Edition
N/A
Missouri Bar Family Law CLE Deskbook
Chapter 19 Discovery 5th Edition
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
My wife and I are divorcing. House is in my name. I owned it 15 years before marriage. Can I put quick claim on house to my son?
22 Sep 2018
Q&A
Wife went down to court house and cancelled divorce date I still want a divorce what do I have to do to keep court date?
22 Sep 2018
Q&A
If the husband keeps the home, would it be reasonable for me to receive the full equity amount?
18 Sep 2018