No-Fault Divorce in Missouri
State-specific overview · Family Law
Missouri grants no-fault divorce based on irretrievable breakdown of marriage with no mandatory waiting period if both spouses consent.
How Missouri treats No-Fault Divorce
Missouri allows either spouse to file for divorce citing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage without proving fault. If both spouses agree to the divorce and sign a separation agreement, the process can proceed without a waiting period. If one spouse contests the divorce, the court must find the marriage is irretrievably broken before granting the divorce. Missouri's no-fault option is straightforward and efficient when both parties cooperate.
The general definition of No-Fault Divorce
A divorce granted without requiring either spouse to prove wrongdoing by the other.
A no-fault divorce is a divorce where neither spouse has to prove that the other did something wrong, like infidelity or abuse. Instead, one or both spouses simply state that the marriage is irretrievably broken or that they have irreconcilable differences. This is the most common type of divorce in the United States today. No-fault divorces are generally faster and less contentious than fault-based divorces because they don't require gathering evidence of misconduct.
Read the full No-Fault 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.