Your Roadmap to Divorce in Missouri: Tips and Insights

Divorce is a challenging journey, but understanding the process can make a big difference. This page focuses on divorce in Missouri, offering you a clear picture of what to expect. We’ve also got more detailed resources and links to help you learn more.

Divorce Laws in Missouri

In Missouri, you can file for a no-fault divorce. This means you don’t need to prove your spouse did something wrong. Instead, you just say your marriage is “irretrievably broken.” Missouri doesn’t require a specific separation period before filing.

To file here, you or your spouse should have lived in Missouri for at least 90 days. Compared to some states, Missouri’s residency requirement is shorter.

Also, Missouri is not a community property state. Property division is based on what’s fair and reasonable, not always equal.

Process of Filing for Divorce

Starting a divorce in Missouri means filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. You file this in the circuit court of the county where you or your spouse live. The necessary forms include the petition and a summons.

After filing, you must serve these papers to your spouse. This tells them about the divorce. Serving can be done through a sheriff or a professional process server. In Missouri, if both parties agree on the divorce terms, you can file a joint petition.

Child Custody and Support

Missouri courts always focus on the child’s best interest when deciding custody. Factors like each parent’s relationship with the child, their ability to care for the child, and the child’s wishes are considered. Joint custody is common, but the exact arrangement depends on the situation. For child support, Missouri uses a formula. It looks at parents’ incomes, custody arrangements, and how many kids there are.

Alimony/Spousal Support

In Missouri, alimony, also known as spousal support, is not guaranteed. The court looks at things like the marriage length, each spouse’s financial needs, and their ability to pay. Alimony can be short-term or long-term, based on what the court thinks is fair.

Property Division

When it comes to property division in Missouri, it’s about fairness, not necessarily equality. The court divides property and debts in a way that’s fair and reasonable. They consider factors like each spouse’s economic situation and contributions to the marriage.

Missouri Divorce Resources

Want to dig deeper? We’ve got lots of helpful resources and links for you. Check out Missouri family law courts, official government resources, and legal aid groups. They’re great for exploring more about divorce in Missouri.

Article: How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Missouri

Missouri Divorce Forms:

Uncontested Divorce:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (CAFC001): https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=3832
• Summons (CAFC002): https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=3832
• Proof of Service (CAFC010): https://www.courts.mo.gov/courts/clerkhandbooksp2rulesonly.nsf/c0c6ffa99df4993f86256ba50057dcb8/19d85de0a4e1aaf586256ca600521528
• Entry of Appearance (AOC-135): https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=103116
• Financial Disclosure Affidavit (AOC-104): https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=31147
• Income and Expense Statement (CAFC007): http://www.selfrepresent.com/mo/Forms/CourtApproved/CAFC050-DissolutionIncomeExpense-V317.pdf
• Statement of Property and Debt (CAFC008): https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=38349
• Parenting Plan (CAFC009): https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=30788
• Proposed Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage (CAFC011): https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=92424

Additional Forms:

• Joint Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (CAFC012): https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=3832
• Motion for Default Judgment (AOC-138): https://haysconsulting.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Mo-for-Default.pdf
• Domestic Relations Motion and Order (AOC-160): https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=103116
• Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage (CAFC013): https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=3832

Resources:

• Missouri Courts – Dissolution of Marriage: https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=10580
• Missouri Bar – Legal Help: https://mobar.org/

Disclaimer

This page offers general guidance, not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please talk to a lawyer.