Missouri

Divorce Residency Requirements To Get Divorce In Missouri

Before you decide to file for divorce in Missouri, it is essential to understand the residency requirements. At least one of the two spouses, or both, must be a resident of the state for at least 90 days prior to the divorce filing. This is true, whether you decide to file a divorce without an attorney or if you were to file a traditional divorce, using a lawyer and taking it to court.

Reasons For Divorce In Missouri

The only acceptable basis for divorce in the state of Missouri is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage relationship. This reason will cover nearly any purpose one would have to dissolve a marriage.

Custody Of The Children In Missouri

When you file for a divorce in Missouri, the court will award either joint or sole child custody, based on what is in the best interests of the child. Although joint physical custody may be agreed-upon by the parties, joint legal custody is what gives both parents equal decision-making power. Joint physical custody is what grants both parents time spent with the child.

Missouri Child Support Guidelines

Missouri standard child support guidelines will apply in virtually every case, unless there is a special circumstance present. The state child support calculations take into consideration the needs of the child and the parents' ability to make payments. Child support payments will usually continue until the child reaches age 18, and the payments may extend through the child’s secondary education.

Divorce Venues In Missouri

The divorce may be filed in the county where either of the spouses lives. With this flexibility, you'll find the divorce process is quite easy, compared to some other states.

Divorce Mediation

When filing a DIY divorce, either of the parties may file a motion requesting mediation. The two parties may choose to submit all of their issues or just some of them during the divorce proceedings. Obtaining arbitration can help the divorce to become an uncontested divorce.

Filing Fees

The fees charged to file for a divorce in the local court are in addition to the cost of using Divorce.com. These filing fees will vary from county to county. If you’d like more information about these fees, we provide an easy way to look up the filing fees for your area. This ensures that you have a clear picture of all expenses specific to your situation before moving forward.