A Look at the Numbers: How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Missouri?

Your Complete Guide to How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Missouri

The overall cost of a divorce in Missouri averages $13,500 when no children are involved. With children, the average divorce costs $20,200 in the Show Me State.

What you end up paying will depend on several factors. One of the main factors is whether the divorce is uncontested or contested.

For a deeper dive into the cost of divorce, you can check out our article, How Much Does a Divorce Cost: A Complete Guide.

Uncontested divorces, where both spouses agree on all issues, tend to be less complicated and less expensive. On the other hand, contested divorces involve unresolved disputes between the parties, which can increase the overall cost.

Other factors such as minor children, substantial marital assets, complicated marital assets, and requests for alimony can also contribute to a more expensive divorce. It’s important to consider these factors when estimating the cost of a divorce in Missouri.

Below we’ll take a closer look at the factors that affect divorce costs in MO, what you can expect to pay in different situations and ways to cut costs.

Key Takeaways

• The cost of a divorce in Missouri ranges from $13,500 to $20,200.
• Costs vary depending on whether it is uncontested or contested, as well as other factors such as minor children and marital assets.
• Uncontested divorces tend to be less expensive and less complicated than contested divorces.
• Factors such as minor children, substantial marital assets, and requests for alimony can increase the overall cost of a divorce in Missouri.
• Hiring a divorce lawyer and paying filing fees and court costs are additional expenses to consider.
• Mediation and DIY divorce are cost-saving options to explore.

Average Cost Range for a Missouri Divorce Case

The cost of a divorce in Missouri can range anywhere from $1,000 to $29,000 or more.

These figures are only estimates. The actual cost of your divorce will depend on your unique circumstances.

We recommend consulting with a divorce lawyer. This can help you better understand the potential costs and navigate the legal process in a cost-effective manner.

Key Factors That Affect the Costs of Divorce in Missouri

When going through a divorce in Missouri, there are several factors that can impact the overall costs involved. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate and plan for the expenses associated with your divorce.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce

One of the main factors that affects the cost of a divorce is whether it is uncontested or contested.

An uncontested divorce is when both spouses are able to come to an agreement on all issues, including child custody, division of assets, and alimony. Uncontested divorces are generally less expensive because they involve fewer legal proceedings and negotiations.

On the other hand, a contested divorce involves unresolved disputes between the spouses. Disagreements over child custody, division of assets, and alimony can prolong the divorce process and require additional legal work, which can result in higher costs.

Child Custody and Support

Another factor affecting the costs of a divorce in Missouri is the presence of minor children. Child custody and support issues can be complex and require careful consideration to ensure the best interests of the children are met.

Resolving these matters may involve the involvement of experts such as mediators or child custody evaluators. This will increase the overall cost of the divorce.

Alimony and Marital Assets

Requests for alimony and the complexity of marital assets can also contribute to higher divorce costs.

Determining spousal support (alimony) and dividing marital assets can involve detailed financial analysis, appraisals, and negotiations. These additional steps can prolong the divorce process and increase the fees and expenses associated with the case.

Divorce Lawyer Fees in Missouri

Divorce lawyer fees vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case and the attorney’s experience.

In Missouri, divorce lawyers charge between $150 – $1,000 or more per hour. Most commonly rates are in the $200 to $500 an hour range.

Many Missouri divorce attorneys will use a retainer, with upfront amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000, with an average of around $3,500.

Be sure to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer before hiring them. You want to have a clear understanding of the cost of their services upfront. During this conversation, you can also ask about any additional fees that may be necessary for your case.

Yes, it’s true that the cost of hiring a divorce lawyer can add a lot to the overall expenses of a divorce. But keep in mind their expertise and guidance can be invaluable during this complex and emotional process.

A reputable divorce lawyer can provide you with legal advice, help protect your rights and interests, and guide you through negotiations or courtroom proceedings.

Filing Fees and Court Costs in Missouri

There are also filing fees and court costs associated with the divorce process in Missouri.

The filing fees in Missouri range from around $130 to $225, with an average of $200.

These fees vary by county. You can find the most up-to-date information about filing fees and court costs for the biggest counties in Missouri here:

• St. Louis County
• Jackson County
• St. Charles County
• Greene County
• Clay County
• Jefferson County
• Boone County
• Jasper County
• Platte County

This fee is paid to the court when you submit your divorce petition. It covers the administrative costs of processing your case and initiating the legal proceedings.

Type of Fee	Cost
Filing Fee	$130 – $225, average of $200
Court Costs	Varies

In addition to the filing fee, there may be other court costs throughout the divorce process. These costs can include fees for serving divorce papers to the other party, attending court hearings, and obtaining certified copies of court documents. The specific court costs will depend on the circumstances and complexity of your case.

Additional Costs in a Missouri Divorce

Besides the expenses highlighted above, the can also be additional fees that impact the overall cost of a divorce. They can have a significant impact on how much a divorce costs in Missouri.

Here are some of the main ones:

Property Appraisal

This is when an expert comes in to figure out how much your property, like your house, car, or anything valuable, is worth. You’ll need this if you and your soon-to-be ex can’t agree on the value of what you own. This usually costs between $300 and $400.

Hidden Fees and Unforeseen Expenses

When going through a divorce, there are often hidden fees and unforeseen expenses that may arise. These can include fees associated with obtaining necessary documents, such as copies of financial records or property appraisals.

Nonrepresented Party

If one party in the divorce is not represented by a lawyer, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining legal assistance. This can include fees for consulting with a family law attorney or seeking advice on specific legal matters.

Substantial Properties Involved

In cases where there are substantial properties or assets involved, there may be additional costs associated with their valuation and division. These costs can arise from hiring appraisers or financial experts to assess the value of the assets and determine an equitable distribution. It’s important to take these potential costs into account when estimating the overall expenses of the divorce.

Parties Don’t Have to Prove Fault

In Missouri, divorces can be granted based on the grounds of “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage,” meaning that parties don’t have to prove fault for the dissolution of the marriage. However, if fault is a factor in the divorce proceedings, such as infidelity or abuse, it can lead to increased legal and investigative costs. It’s important to consider the potential impact of fault-based factors on the overall expenses of the divorce.

Service	Cost Range or Fixed Cost
Property or Asset Appraisal	$300 – $400
Petition Delivery (Sheriff Fee)	$25+ (varies if spouse’s whereabouts are unknown)
Notary Fee	$2 – $10 (may be free at banks/credit unions)
Financial Lawyer/Accountant for Asset Division	Cost varies

Uncontested Divorce in Missouri

An uncontested divorce in Missouri is a no-fault divorce where both spouses agree on all the major issues, such as child custody, division of assets, and alimony. It is the most straightforward and cost-effective way to dissolve a marriage.

Uncontested divorces in Missouri usually cost between $1,000 and $2,000.

In this type of divorce, there is no need for lengthy court battles or extensive negotiations, which can significantly reduce the overall cost.

The main advantage of an uncontested divorce is that it eliminates the need for a divorce lawyer, which can save you thousands of dollars in legal fees. Instead, you can prepare and file the necessary paperwork yourself, without the need for extensive legal assistance.

However, even in an uncontested divorce, you still may want to consult with a divorce lawyer to ensure that all legal requirements are met and the divorce settlement is fair and legally binding. They can provide guidance on the specific processes involved and ensure that all necessary documents are properly prepared and filed.

Contested Divorce in Missouri

A contested divorce in Missouri refers to a situation where there are unresolved issues between the divorcing spouses, such as disagreements over child custody, division of assets, and alimony.

These types of divorces can be more complex and time-consuming, which often results in higher costs. It is common for both parties to hire divorce lawyers to represent their interests and negotiate a fair resolution.

Child custody disputes are a significant factor that can contribute to the complexity and cost of a contested divorce. When parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, it may lead to lengthy court proceedings and additional legal fees.

Divorce settlements involving substantial assets or properties can also escalate costs as the parties may need experts, such as financial advisors or appraisers, to evaluate and divide the assets fairly.

The fees charged by divorce lawyers in contested divorces can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the experience of the attorney. These fees typically cover the lawyer’s time spent on the case, including consultations, document preparation, negotiations, and court representation.

Alimony disputes can also contribute to the overall costs of a contested divorce in Missouri. When one spouse seeks financial support from the other, it often involves additional legal proceedings and negotiations. These disputes can prolong the divorce process and result in higher attorney fees.

Divorce With Children in Missouri

Getting a divorce in Missouri can be tough, especially when kids are involved. When parents decide to split up, there are extra steps to make sure the kids are okay, and these steps can cost a lot of money.

The average cost of a divorce in Missouri with children is $20,200. This is almost $7,000 more than a divorce where there are no children involved.

First, there’s someone called a Guardian Ad Litem, or GAL for short. This is a special lawyer who makes sure the kids are doing alright. The GAL talks to the kids, the parents, and sometimes other people, too.

Then, they tell the judge what they think is best for the kids, like where they should live and how often they should see each parent. The GAL’s job is important, but it’s not cheap. They usually charge between $150 and $250 for every hour they work.

Next, there’s something called a custody assessment. This is when a person who knows a lot about feelings and behaviors (a mental health professional) spends time with the family.

They try to understand how everyone gets along and what’s best for the kids. After that, they give their advice to the judge. This can cost quite a bit, too, usually between $1,000 and $2,500.

Missouri also wants parents to learn about how their divorce might affect their kids. Parents might have to take special classes to learn about this. These classes can sometimes be done on the Internet and usually don’t cost too much, around $20.

Lastly, sometimes kids and families might need to talk to someone about their feelings during and after the divorce. This is called counseling. It can help everyone feel better and understand their emotions.

The cost of counseling can change a lot, depending on how many times they go and who they talk to. Sometimes, health insurance can help pay for this, but it can still be expensive.

Service	Cost Range
Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Fees	$150 – $250 per hour
Custody Assessment	$1,000 – $2,500 (total cost)
Parenting Classes	Around $20 (total cost)
Family/Child Counseling	Cost varies

Mediation and DIY Divorce in Missouri

Mediation and DIY (do-it-yourself) divorce are two options that individuals in Missouri may consider when looking for affordable ways to navigate the divorce process. These alternatives can be cost-saving solutions that allow couples to have more control over the outcome of their divorce and avoid excessive legal fees.

Mediation, which involves the assistance of a neutral third party, can help divorcing couples reach agreements on various issues, such as child custody, asset division, and alimony.

In Missouri, divorce mediators charge between $100 and $500 per hour.

By working together with the mediator, couples can explore options, find common ground, and create mutually acceptable solutions. Mediation can be a more affordable option compared to hiring separate divorce lawyers and going through a legal battle.

A DIY divorce, on the other hand, involves handling the divorce process without the assistance of lawyers or mediators. This option can save individuals money on legal fees, but it is crucial to understand the legal requirements and ensure that all necessary documents are filed correctly.

Mediation in Missouri	DIY Divorce in Missouri
Provides a neutral third-party mediator	No need to hire a divorce lawyer or mediator
Cost-saving option as it typically avoids lengthy legal battles and reduces legal fees	Potential cost savings on legal fees
Allows couples to have more control over the outcome of their divorce	Requires thorough research and understanding of legal requirements
Can be a collaborative and less adversarial process	Individuals handle the divorce process themselves

If you’re thinking about a divorce in Missouri and want to try mediation or do it yourself, remember that talking openly, being fair, and being willing to meet in the middle is really important.

It’s also a good idea to get help from experts and people who care about you because divorce can be tough both in your heart and with all the legal stuff. Knowing all the different choices and how much they cost can help you make the best choices for your situation.

The Bottom Line on Divorce Costs in Missouri

The cost of a divorce in Missouri can range from $13,500 to $20,200 but will vary depending on several factors. Whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, the complexity of the case, and additional costs such as lawyer fees, filing fees, and court costs will all contribute to the overall expense.

Consulting with a divorce lawyer is highly recommended as they can provide guidance on the specific costs and legal requirements involved in a Missouri divorce. By understanding the potential expenses and exploring options such as mediation or a DIY divorce, individuals can make informed decisions and potentially save on costs.

To get an idea of how the cost of a divorce in Missouri compares to other states, check out our articles about the cost of divorce in Kentucky and divorce costs in Minnesota.

Lastly, prioritize emotional well-being throughout the divorce process and seek support from professionals or support networks as needed. Divorce can be a challenging and stressful time, but with careful planning and the right resources, individuals can navigate the process and move toward a new chapter in their lives.