Mo. Rev. Stat. § 452.395: Custody proceedings, priority of — judge to determine law and fact — secrecy, when.

1. Custody proceedings shall receive priority in being set for hearing.

2. The court without a jury shall determine questions of law and fact. If it finds that a public hearing may be detrimental to the child's best interests, the court may exclude the public from a custody hearing, but may admit any person who has a direct and legitimate interest in the particular case.

3. If the court finds it necessary to protect the child's welfare that the record of any interview, report, investigation, or testimony in a custody proceeding be kept secret, the court may make an appropriate order sealing the record.