Divorce in Missouri
State-specific overview · Family Law
Missouri recognizes no-fault divorce based on irretrievable breakdown with a 30-day waiting period after filing.
How Missouri treats Divorce
Either spouse can file for divorce stating the marriage is irretrievably broken, and the court cannot grant the divorce until 30 days after the petition is filed. Missouri also permits fault-based divorce on grounds including adultery, cruelty, and abandonment. The court divides marital property equitably and may award spousal support based on factors such as earning capacity and length of marriage. Child custody and support determinations follow Missouri's best-interest standard and support guidelines.
The general definition of Divorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the spouses' rights and responsibilities to each other.
Divorce is the legal process by which a married couple ends their marriage. It involves a court officially terminating the marriage and typically requires decisions about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The process can be contested, where the spouses disagree on terms, or uncontested, where they agree on the major issues. Once a divorce is finalized, both parties are free to remarry and are no longer legally responsible for each other.
Read the full Divorce entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.