{"id":374473,"date":"2016-09-27T14:18:00","date_gmt":"2016-09-27T19:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-divorce-process.html"},"modified":"2024-03-04T11:47:23","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T16:47:23","slug":"missouri-divorce-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-divorce-process.html","title":{"rendered":"Missouri Divorce Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Missouri Divorce Process<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

When most couples marry, they never imagine they\u2019ll divorce one day. The sad truth is that since the divorce rate in this country is 40-50%, there\u2019s a chance that your marriage may also end in divorce.<\/p>\r\n

In the State of Missouri, you don\u2019t need to cite specific grounds for divorce. All you have to do is assert that your marriage is irretrievably broken. If you and your spouse agree to divorce, it should be a smooth process. Be aware that it doesn\u2019t always work this way.<\/p>\r\n

Regardless of how amicable your divorce may be, you need to have a general understanding of the divorce process<\/a> in Missouri. Read on as we discuss this process and explain the basics of a Missouri divorce.<\/p>\r\n

Missouri Divorce Process: The Basics<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

A person who files for divorce in Missouri is the petitioner. Most petitioners hire a divorce attorney to handle their case. Your divorce lawyer is familiar with how the divorce process works and how the local family judges operate.<\/p>\r\n

Before discussing the basic terms of a divorce in Missouri, it\u2019s worth pointing out that Missouri has a 30-day waiting period. You and your spouse must live apart for at least 30 days before you file your divorce petition.<\/p>\r\n

You also have to meet the state\u2019s residency requirement. Missouri\u2019s residency requirement is less strict than other states. You only have to live in Missouri for 90 days before filing for divorce.<\/p>\r\n

Below are a few terms to know if you plan on filing for divorce:<\/p>\r\n

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