The cost of engaging a lawyer can increase the financial stress of a divorce, which can be a stressful and complicated procedure. Thankfully, divorces in Missouri can be obtained without a lawyer. You may effectively navigate the legal system and get a divorce on your own if you have a basic understanding of the divorce procedure and put some effort into it.
Step 1: Complete the requirements for residency
At least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for at least 90 days prior to filing the divorce petition in order to be eligible to do so.
Step 2: Complete and submit your divorce petition Filling out and submitting a divorce petition to the court initiates the divorce procedure. The grounds for the divorce, such as irreconcilable differences, should be stated in the petition. The form is available on the Missouri Courts website.
Step 3: Serve the Other Spouse
The divorce petition and summons must be served to the other spouse. A process server or the mail can achieve this. Following that, the other spouse has 30 days to reply to the petition.
Step 4: Negotiate a Settlement Agreement
A settlement agreement can be created and submitted to the court if both spouses can concur on the conditions of the divorce. This contract should outline guidelines for alimony, child support, child custody, and property partition.
Attend a Final Hearing
The court will schedule a final hearing after the settlement agreement is filed. The judge will assess the settlement agreement during this hearing to make sure it is just and reasonable, and both spouses are required to appear.
The cost of a divorce in Missouri is normally divided equally between the divorcing couple. The other spouse may be able to ask the court to require the adulterous spouse to pay a bigger percentage of the divorce fees, but, if one spouse engaged in adultery. Is cheating prohibited in Missouri? Although it is not against the law to cheat in Missouri, it can have an effect on the divorce procedure. Because Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, neither spouse needs to establish blame in order to get a divorce. However, it can be taken into account while distributing assets or figuring out alimony if one spouse can show that the other spouse had an affair.
Is Missouri a 50/50 State in the Event of Divorce? Because Missouri is an equitable distribution state, the division of marital property is fair but not always equal. When dividing property, the court will take into account a number of variables, including each spouse’s income, earning potential, and contributions to the marriage.
Is a Quick Divorce Possible?
It is possible to get a divorce quickly in Missouri, but it depends on the specifics of the case. A divorce can be finalized in as little as 30 days if both parties can agree on the terms of the divorce and there are no contentious problems. The procedure can, however, take much longer if there are contentious problems or the divorce is exceptionally complicated.
In conclusion, it is feasible to obtain a divorce in Missouri without a lawyer, but it takes work and familiarity with the procedure. Before starting a divorce, it’s crucial to weigh your options and comprehend your rights. While going through a divorce can be difficult, it can also be an opportunity to start over and go on with your life.