how to file for a divorce without a lawyer in missouri

Six steps to an Missouri divorce.

• Initiate the divorce process.
• Notify your spouse.
• Decide whether to pursue an uncontested divorce or a contested divorce.
• Decide whether to hire an attorney or not.
• Resolve the three big issues.
• Finalize all paperwork.

Full Answer

Do I need an attorney to file for an uncontested divorce in Missouri?

Feb 24, 2022 · Third, you must file divorce documents and have copies sent to your spouse. (For more information on filing a subpoena, preparing a motion, and serving the case, see the Getting Started Trial page in our Court Preparation – By Yourself section.) Here are a few things you need to know when you start filing for divorce in Missouri.

What happens if I file my divorce without an attorney?

Feb 24, 2022 · Step 1: Starting your missouri divorce. Preparing the Documents. To start the divorce process in Missouri, you must complete the appropriate forms, which can be obtained from the Missouri judicial website, local county court clerk or a third party online service. Documents Needed. The forms that need to be completed for filing for divorce in Missouri are:

How do I start the divorce process in Missouri?

May 25, 2020 · If you are filing for divorce in Missouri without a lawyer, and you have not lived separately, it is possible to apply for the procedure using an uncontested breakup approach. This will allow you to solve all the difficult issues jointly and reach a …

What are the terms for filing for divorce in Missouri?

How to handle your own uncontested divorce in Missouri. You don’t have to hire an attorney to file for an uncontested divorce in Missouri. If you file your divorce without an attorney, you are considered pro se (pronounced pro say). The State of Missouri set up very specific forms that you need to use if you intend to file an uncontested divorce on your own.

How do I file for divorce in Missouri without a lawyer?

You can file for divorce with or without an attorney. Missouri requires all spouses representing themselves in a divorce to complete a "litigant awareness program," which can be done by either watching an on-line video or reading the written litigant awareness materials.

Do I have to go to court for uncontested divorce Missouri?

Agreement of both spouses about all the issues means the case is “uncontested.” The case usually will be completed faster and less expensively. Spouses in agreement still must go to court to show that they meet the legal requirements for a dissolution and to obtain the court's approval.

What is the fastest way to get a divorce in Missouri?

You may file in the Circuit Court in the county where either party resides. The simplest procedure is an uncontested divorce using a joint Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, where you and your spouse file together after reaching an agreement on all issues.Oct 27, 2021

What's the cheapest way to get a divorce in Missouri?

For those seeking an inexpensive divorce in the state of Missouri, online divorce is an easy, affordable, and fast solution to prepare legal forms. Online divorce may be appropriate for couples who have an uncontested case.

Can you get divorced without going to court?

It is possible to get divorced without going to court, as long as your partner agrees to the divorce and the reasons why. However, it is still possible that you will need to go to court to decide what happens to money, property and children.Apr 26, 2018

Can you file divorce online?

If your divorce is uncontested, filing online may be the way to go. Getting divorced online is a common way for couples to end their marriage. Many companies provide divorce forms online. These websites prepare forms for you based on the information you provide.

How can I divorce my husband without him knowing?

If you cannot find your spouse, you can request permission from the court to publish a notice of the divorce in the newspaper or post a notice in the courthouse.This is called a Motion to Serve by Publication or Posting.

How long do you have to be separated before divorce in Mo?

you and your spouse have lived separate and apart for at least 12 straight months before filing for divorce, and there was a “mutual agreement” to do so – in other words, you both agreed to the arrangement; or.

How do I start a divorce in Missouri?

5 Steps to filing for divorce in MissouriDetermine whether or not you will need a Missouri divorce lawyer. ... Figure out the court in which you plan to file for divorce. ... File a “Petition for Dissolution” document. ... Fill out the appropriate Family and Parenting documentation (if necessary) ... Inform the Court of Your Divorce.

What's the first step in filing for divorce?

You have to file a divorce petition with the court and show the reasons why you want the marriage to end. The petition is the document which starts the divorce process. The person who issues the divorce petition is called the petitioner, the other partner is called the respondent.Dec 9, 2019

How do you get a quick divorce?

Here's how to get an uncontested, quick divorce; Communicate with your spouse throughout the process. Find your marriage certificate before starting divorce proceedings. Find valid grounds for divorce and agree with your spouse. Ask your spouse to promptly complete and return paperwork.

Can you get a divorce online in Missouri?

The state of Missouri allows you to use online resources to file for divorce, but this will only work if you are seeking an uncontested divorce.

What is a petition for divorce?

It specifies the basis for seeking a divorce, which is simply that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” and that there is no “reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved.”. It also includes specific family data.

How long does it take to get a divorce answer?

The answer is due within 30 days from the date the petition is served, and it admits or denies each paragraph of the petition. If an Answer is not filed, the case will be considered a “default” divorce. In a default divorce, the procedure is very similar, but only the Petitioner is involved. Where to File: in general, you need to file ...

How much does it cost to file a divorce in Boone County?

You need to pay the filing fee. The filing fee in Boone County for a divorce is currently $132.00 if your spouse signs the waiver of service and $162.00 if you need to pay for the sheriff to service your spouse with the Petition.

Get Your Divorce Forms Completed Online

Online Divorce in Missouri is a document preparation service that makes your divorce affordable and effortless. Just follow our step-by-step instructions and get your completed divorce forms within a couple of days.

Online Divorce Without a Lawyer in Missouri

Just complete our online questionnaire to provide us with all the necessary information. It does not take much time. Within a couple of days, you will receive an email with the completed divorce forms.

What is the name of the person who files for divorce in Missouri?

In Missouri, courts refer to a divorce as the "dissolution of marriage." The spouse who files for (requests) divorce is called the "petitioner" and the other spouse is the "respondent."

How long do you have to be a resident of Missouri to file for divorce?

Before you can file for divorce in the state, at least one spouse must have been a Missouri resident for at least 90 days prior to filing for divorce. If neither you nor your spouse has lived in Missouri for the required time period, you'll need to wait to file your divorce. You can file for divorce with or without an attorney.

What to do if you decide to end your marriage in Missouri?

If you've decided to end your marriage, you'll need to begin the divorce process. This article provides an overview of how to file for divorce in Missouri. If you have additional questions after reading this article, contact a local family law attorney for assistance.

How many circuit courts are there in Missouri?

Missouri has 46 regional circuit courts with each court covering several counties and a court for the city of St. Louis.

What is a petition for divorce?

The "Petition for the Dissolution of Marriage" form (legal paperwork requesting the divorce) initiates the divorce process. If there are any children from the marriage (meaning children who are under 18 years of age and still in high school, or children who are unemancipated and under 21 years old), their names must be included so the court may make orders regarding child support and child custody. See Mo. Rev. Stat. § 452.025 (2019).

What information do you need to file a divorce?

Generally, you and your spouse will need to exchange information about incomes, expenses, assets, and debts, such as mortgage, credit card, and car loans. Depending on your court's local rules, you may have to provide some of this information to the court as well.

What is a parenting plan?

A parenting plan is a separate document that outlines the children's schedule with each parent and covers all other custody matters regarding how the children will be cared for after the divorce. Divorcing parents can reach an agreement on custody and other divorce matters.

Who issues marriage licenses in Missouri?

A marriage license is issued by the Recorder of Deeds in each Missouri county and is valid only in Missouri. Marriage license applicants are not required to be Missouri residents.

Who can solemnize marriage in Missouri?

According to Section 451.100.1 of the Missouri Revised Statutes …. Marriages may be solemnized by any clergyman, either active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state. Marriages may also be solemnized, without compensation, by any judge, including a municipal judge. Marriages may also be solemnized by ...

Who approves family law forms?

Every party not represented by counsel who participates in a family law case shall use the forms approved by the Supreme Court. You are advised to check with your local court to determine if additional specific forms are necessary for representing yourself.

How old do you have to be to get a marriage license?

Applicants for a marriage license must be at least 18 years old. Applicants who are younger than 18 must have consent from a custodial parent or guardian. Applicants wishing to apply who are younger than 15 must obtain a circuit court order.