DIVORCE IN MISSOURI WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE FILING/ENTERING

Divorce, referred to as dissolution of marriage, in the State of Missouri is a court decision about terminating a marriage. Missouri requires all spouses representing themselves in a divorce to complete a Litigant Awareness Program, for protecting the rights of both parties during the divorce process. After completion of the program, the self-represented spouse is required to fill in a certificate of completion form and file it with the circuit court.

File a Petition for the Divorce

The Petition for the Dissolution of Marriage form opens the separation process. If there are any kids from the relationship, their personal information will be covered so the judge may make orders regarding child support and child custody. Missouri Courts issues a booklet of fill-in divorce forms. It’s suggested to go through with all of the forms first, pick the required information and then type in the forms online.

At the time of forms filing, the petitioner spouse is required to either pay a filing fee to the court or request a fee waiver from the court.

Response of Petition

The respondent party must be served with copies of the petition for dissolution either by getting a copy of the petition from the county sheriff where the respondent spouse resides or works, or receiving a copy of the petition by a process server. Remember that you cannot just hand your spouse a copy of the divorce petition unless your ex-spouse has already admitted to accepting copies from you.

Once you've performed service, your spouse should and complete a reply. As part of the reply, the respondent spouse is confirming receipt of the divorce petition and that the court has power over the matter.

In the reply, your spouse can ask for specific relief like child support and declare any disputes with statements included in your petition.

Disclosures of Income

During the divorce process, both partners must complete a Statement of Income and Expenses form. This copy is used by the judge at a hearing or trial if either partner demands spousal maintenance or child support.

You and your ex-spouse are required to exchange information about property, assets, incomes, expenses, and debts, such as mortgage, credit card, and vehicle loans, so on. You may have to present some of this information to the court as well. If parents can't agree on a custody plan, they'll have to ask a court to determine.

Each spouse can file a separate proposed parenting plan, which the judge will review before making its custody judgment.

Parenting Plans

A parenting plan is a separate document that describes the kid’s schedule with each parent and incorporates all other custody issues regarding how the kids will be cared for after the divorce. If you and your ex-spouse have minor kids, you may be asked to file a parenting plan with the court.

During the dissolution of marriage, parents can reach an agreement on custody and other divorce issues. If parents can't agree on custody, they'll have to ask a court to finalize custody plan for their children.

How I can help?

Custody arrangements can be hard, especially if there is an acrimonious divorce happening between the spouses, but it’s essential to set these provisions up early and clearly, for the best interests’ of the children. Working with the Law Office of Roy King Jr. can help find reasonable accommodation for all parties, so everyone can contribute to the upbringing of the children in question.

Divorce can be a long and difficult process. You want to make sure all forms are filled out properly to avoid mishaps with the court. If you have a specific question regarding your situation please call 816-333-0220.