Understanding How Long Does a Divorce Take in Missouri

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Missouri? Find Out About Timelines, Tips and Resources

Wondering how long a divorce takes in Missouri? You’re not alone. Divorce isn’t just tough; it’s full of questions.

The big one is always, “How long will this take?” In Missouri, it’s not a simple answer. Lots of things can make a divorce longer or shorter.

We’re here to help make sense of it all. This article will look at what changes the timeline and give you some handy tips to make things go faster. So, let’s jump right in and start figuring it out together!

Key Takeaways:

• The duration of a divorce in Missouri can range from one month to six months or longer.
• An uncontested divorce can be finalized in as little as one month, while a contested divorce may take 6 to 12 months or even longer.
• In Missouri, there is a mandatory waiting period of 30 days before a divorce can be granted.
• Several factors can impact the timeline, including the complexity of the case, the level of cooperation between the parties, and the need for court hearings or negotiations.
• To potentially speed up the process, collaborate with your spouse, hire experienced divorce attorneys, and consider alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation.

Is There a Waiting Period?

In Missouri, there is a mandatory waiting period of 30 days before a divorce can be granted. This waiting period begins from the date the divorce petition is filed.

However, this waiting period may be extended if there are certain issues that need to be resolved, such as child custody or property division.

In cases where the divorce is contested, it may take longer to finalize the divorce as there may be additional hearings and negotiations required.

If you’d like to find out about the costs involved in a Missouri divorce, check out our article How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Missouri.

How To Speed Up Process

Length by Divorce Type

In Missouri, how long a divorce takes will usually depend on whether it is uncontested or contested.

Uncontested Divorce

In an uncontested divorce, the process is typically more streamlined. There is a mutual understanding and cooperation between the spouses, which allows for a smoother resolution.

The spouses work together to reach agreements on key issues such as property division, child custody, and support. This collaborative approach can significantly reduce the time required to finalize the divorce.

Divorce Type	Average Timeline
Uncontested Divorce	1 to 6 months
Contested Divorce	6 months to 1 year or more

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce, on the other hand, involves disputes and disagreements between the spouses. This can prolong the divorce process as it may require additional court hearings, negotiations, and potentially even a trial.

The length of a contested divorce in Missouri can range from six months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of the issues involved and the level of cooperation between the parties.

Note that these timeframes are general estimates and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. Read on to learn about the main factors that affect the timeline.

Factors That Impact Timeline

Several factors can affect the length of a divorce case in Missouri. Understanding these factors can provide insight into how long the process may take and help individuals navigate the legal proceedings more effectively.

Complexity of the Case

The complexity of a divorce case can greatly impact the timeline. Cases involving substantial assets, businesses, or complex financial arrangements may require more time to resolve.

Additionally, disputes over child custody, spousal support, or other contentious issues can prolong the process as parties work toward a resolution.

Level of Cooperation

The level of cooperation between the parties involved can significantly influence the speed at which a divorce is finalized. Collaborative and amicable divorces, where both parties are willing to negotiate and compromise, tend to be resolved more efficiently.

Conversely, high-conflict divorces that involve contentious courtroom battles and ongoing disputes can lengthen the process.

Court Hearings and Negotiations

The need for court hearings and negotiations can also affect the timeline of a divorce case. If disputes cannot be resolved through mediation or negotiation, court hearings may be necessary to present arguments and evidence.

Scheduling these hearings, along with negotiations between attorneys, can extend the overall duration of the case.

Child Custody, Property Division, and Spousal Support

Issues such as child custody arrangements, property division, and spousal support can add complexity to a divorce case and impact the timeline. These matters often require thorough evaluations, negotiations, and court interventions.

Resolving these issues can take time, especially when parties have differing opinions or contentious disputes arise.

Efficiency of the Court System

The efficiency of the court system and the availability of judges can also play a role in the speed of a divorce case. The workload and backlog of the court can vary, affecting the scheduling of hearings and the overall progress of the case.

In some instances, delays may occur due to court-related factors outside of the parties’ control.

How To Speed Up the Divorce Process in Missouri

If you’re going through a divorce in Missouri and want to expedite the process, there are several steps you can take to help speed things up. The tips below can potentially help you navigate the process more efficiently.

Prioritize Collaboration and Agreement

To expedite your divorce, it’s essential to collaborate with your spouse and strive to reach agreements on key issues such as property division and child custody. The more you can agree on these matters, the smoother and quicker the process will be.

Consider discussing these matters through informal negotiations or mediation, which can help facilitate compromise and save time on court hearings.

Hire Experienced Divorce Attorneys

Another way to speed up the divorce process is to enlist the help of experienced divorce attorneys. These professionals are well-versed in Missouri divorce laws and procedures and can guide you through the process efficiently.

With their expertise, they can help ensure that all necessary paperwork is accurately completed and submitted in a timely manner, minimizing delays.

Stay Organized and Responsive

Being organized and responsive is crucial when expediting a divorce. Be proactive in providing your attorney and the court with any requested information or documentation promptly.

By staying organized and responsive, you can prevent unnecessary delays and keep the process moving forward smoothly.

While these steps can potentially speed up the divorce process in Missouri, keep in mind that every case is unique. The specifics of your situation, such as the level of cooperation between you and your spouse and the complexity of the issues involved, can have an impact on the timeline.

Consulting with a qualified divorce attorney can help you understand the best strategies for expediting your specific case.

Divorce with Children in Missouri

When going through a divorce in Missouri and there are children involved, it introduces additional considerations and proceedings that can impact the length and complexity of the process.

Child custody and visitation arrangements, as well as child support obligations, need to be addressed and determined.

In order to ensure the best interests of the children are prioritized, you’ll want to develop a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines the responsibilities and schedules for each parent, including holidays and vacations.

The court in Missouri takes into account several factors when making decisions regarding custody and support, such as the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s individual needs, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable and nurturing environment.

These additional factors can potentially extend the timeline of the divorce process, as they require careful consideration and negotiation between the parties involved.

Parenting Plan Example

Parenting Plan	Responsibilities	Parenting Time
Parent A	– Decision-making authority on healthcare, education, and religion – Financial support for child	– Every Monday and Wednesday evening – Alternating weekends from Friday evening to Sunday evening
Parent B	– Decision-making authority on extracurricular activities – Financial support for child	– Every Tuesday and Thursday evening – Alternating weekends from Friday evening to Sunday evening

Creating a parenting plan that addresses the specific needs and circumstances of the children involved can help streamline the divorce process and minimize conflicts.

Always consider the best interests of the children and work towards a cooperative and collaborative approach with your ex-spouse in order to reach agreements that serve the children’s well-being.

Wrap-Up

Remember, the estimated time for divorce in Missouri can vary from case to case. By staying informed and actively participating in the process, you can work towards achieving a favorable outcome in a timely manner.

While divorces can be emotionally challenging, seeking the support of professionals and focusing on resolving the issues amicably can help you move forward with your life.

To see how the timeline of a divorce in Missouri compares to how long it takes in other states, check out our articles about how long does a divorce take in Arkansas and the divorce timeline in Illinois.