Kayla Welch

Kayla Welch founded the Welch Law Office in Columbia, Missouri, with a mission to support children and families in finding stability and a sense of belonging. Her practice focuses on adoption, guardianship, Guardian ad Litem representation, along with simple estate planning and select family law issues, including child custody and parent representation in juvenile cases.

A long-time resident of mid-Missouri, Kayla graduated summa cum laude from Stephens College with a degree in Psychology and earned another summa cum laude degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana Wesleyan University. She then obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law and was admitted to the Missouri Bar the same year.

During her law school years, Kayla contributed to the Innocence Project Clinic, investigating appellate criminal cases based on claims of actual innocence. She also served as an Associate Managing Editor for the Journal of Dispute Resolution and published an article titled, "Restorative Justice: An Alternative Dispute Resolution Approach to Criminal Behavior."

Before her legal career, Kayla dedicated over five years volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in the foster care system. This role, collaborating with family law attorneys, Guardians ad Litem, juvenile officers, and social workers, enriched her insight into advocating for children's best interests and assisting families in crisis.

As a licensed attorney, Kayla has committed her career to the family and juvenile court systems. Being an adoptee herself, she offers a personal perspective to each case, understanding the emotional and lasting effects of family law decisions. Through the Welch Law Office, LLC, Kayla aims to deliver empathetic advocacy and meaningful solutions.