Please note: local and state laws change constantly. This information is for educational purposes only. We do our best to keep this up-to-date, but please contact us to discuss your unique situation.
Getting Divorced in Missouri
The court must decide whether or not the marriage is irretrievably broken. In order for the court to find that the marriage is irretrievably broken, the petitioner must satisfy the court of one or more of the following facts:
- That the respondent has committed adultery and the petitioner finds it intolerable to live with the respondent.
- That the respondent has behaved in such a way that the petitioner cannot reasonably be expected to live with the respondent.
- That the respondent has abandoned the petitioner for a continuous period of at least 6 months preceding the presentation of the petition.
- That the parties to the marriage have lived separate and apart by mutual consent for a continuous period of 12 months immediately preceding the filing of the petition.
- That the parties to the marriage have lived separate and apart (not by mutual consent) for a continuous period of at least 24 months preceding the filing of the petition.
Residency Requirements
One of the parties must have been a resident of Missouri, or is a member of the armed services who has been stationed in Missouri, for 90 days immediately preceding the commencement of the proceeding.
Waiting Period
The court will enter a judgement of divorce when 30 days have elapsed since the filing of the petition.
Missouri Divorce Laws and Marriage Laws
You can find a complete listing of the Missouri divorce laws by searching under “domestic relations” here.
