Filing for Divorce in Kansas City, MO?
Are You Considering Filing for Divorce in Missouri?
Whether your spouse has served you with divorce papers, if you have already filed your paperwork, or if you are considering filing, a Kansas City MO Divorce Lawyers can assist you. There are many different complications and factors involved in every divorce case which require a competent family law firm to guide you through the process.
If you want to learn more about dissolving your marriage, our legal team at Davis | Pingel is here to handle your case. We know that divorce is one of the most emotional and stressful experiences you can go through, which is why it is especially important to have a caring lawyer to work with.
Contact our Kansas City, MO divorce lawyers today to learn more.
No-Fault Divorce in Missouri
The grounds for a couple to file for divorce in Missouri are not based on marital fault. Instead, Missouri grants no-fault divorces, which means that the only reason needed for divorce is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. While some states, like California, only require a spouse to state this, Missouri requires a spouse to prove that the marriage is broken beyond repair. If the other spouse doesn’t agree or the judge determines that the marriage could be repaired, then a legal separation might be granted instead.
Missouri does allow marital faults to play a role in the court’s decision-making regarding other related matters such as support and property division.
Missouri Divorce Process
There are a few aspects to note regarding the divorce process in Missouri.
- Residency requirement – A couple must meet the residency requirement for divorce in order to file for divorce in Missouri. The state requires that at least one of the spouses is a resident in Missouri for 90 days or more before the couple can file for divorce.
- Waiting period – The waiting period for a divorce in Missouri is 30 days. This means that divorce can’t be finalized until at least 30 days after the initial petition is filed. Of course, divorce often takes much longer than this.
- Basic process – The basic steps in the divorce process are 1) the “Petition for the Dissolution of Marriage” and 2) the “Service of the Divorce Petition”. The filing spouse must file the initial petition and ensure that the other spouse is served with the divorce papers. Both spouses will need to submit a “Statement of Income and Expenses” in order to disclose their financial information.
For more questions regarding the divorce process in Missouri, don’t hesitate to contact our firm.
How Our Kansas City MO Divorce Lawyers Can Help You
With more than 40 years of combined experience practicing family law, the Kansas City, MO divorce lawyers at Davis | Pingel are committed to providing exceptional legal representation and guidance. We know that every divorce case is different and we are prepared to provide counsel as you pursue any type of divorce. One of our Kansas City MO Divorce Lawyers can help you put together a divorce agreement which is thorough and covers all of the important details.
Can you get legally separated in Missouri?
Yes, the state does allow for a legal separation, although it isn't a popular choice simply because the paperwork and processes are similar to that of divorce. Issues such as child custody, visitation, and support are still defined in a legal separation, which makes something like an uncontested divorce a more attractive and ideal option.
Is Missouri a fifty fifty state during a divorce?
No, Missouri is not a community state, meaning property is not divided 50/50. If the divorcing parties cannot come to a mutual agreement then the court will award property and assets by what they feel is fair and equitable. When making these decisions, the judge may look at these circumstances:
- The earning potential of each spouse
- The financial contributions of each spouse during the time of the marriage
- The value of each spouse's property
- Where the children will live (if they have any)
We handle a wide range of matters relating to family law and divorce, including:
Searching For Quality Kansas City MO Divorce Lawyers?
When you hire our firm, you can rest assured that we truly care about the outcome of your case. Our Kansas City, MO Divorce Lawyers and legal team are known for being experienced, dedicated, and especially caring. We work with clients who have their children and family's best interest in mind and work to support you throughout your divorce. If your divorce is contested, you can count on us to aggressively litigate for you. We handle cases and conflicts that other attorneys won't.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your case. Call us now at (816) 407-8702.