Richard Coffee dedicated more than 50 years to the practice of law, providing trusted counsel to individuals, businesses, and institutions across a broad range of legal matters. Throughout his distinguished career, he developed experience in business law, real estate, insurance, education, juvenile court matters, probate, trusts and estates, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and family law.

Richard was particularly well known for his extensive family law practice. He represented clients in complex domestic relations matters, including cases involving active-duty and retired military personnel, interstate jurisdictional issues arising from family relocations, the valuation and division of government and private retirement benefits, and matters involving public education.

His breadth of knowledge, practical approach, and commitment to client service earned him the respect of clients and colleagues alike. We are grateful for Richard's many years of dedicated service and the lasting impact he made on our firm and the clients he served.

Sarah E. Ward is a Partner with Coffee Ward & Bower, LLP. Sarah Ward has practiced over 18 years in Belleville, Illinois, primarily in the area of family law and has represented families in St. Clair County, Madison County, Monroe County, Clinton County and counties throughout Central and Southern Illinois. Sarah Ward has extensive family law advocacy experience, including representation on behalf of clients in contested custody and removal matters, as well as those who are current or retired military personnel.

Natalie Bower is a Partner with Coffee Ward & Bower, LLP and has devoted her practice for over 17 years exclusively to the area of family law. Natalie Bower’s experience includes advocating for clients in contested and non-contested divorces, establishing parentage (paternity), litigating initial determinations and modifications of child custody, child support and spousal support (maintenance/alimony) matters, as well as military divorces, jurisdictional disputes, and asset/property and retirement divisions.