Going through a divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure how long the process will take. In Missouri, the time it takes depends on whether both spouses agree on the terms or if there are disagreements that need to be settled.
Step-by-Step Look at the Timeline
- Meeting the Basic Requirements
Before you can file, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days. - Filing for Divorce
Once you meet the residency rule, you can file divorce papers in your local court. - Notifying Your Spouse
Your spouse must be officially informed about the divorce. This step can happen quickly if they agree to accept the papers. - 30-Day Waiting Period
Missouri law requires couples to wait at least 30 days after filing before the divorce can be finalized.
If Both Spouses Agree (Uncontested Divorce)
When both people agree on things like child custody, property, and finances, the process is faster. These types of divorces can sometimes be completed in 60 to 90 days, depending on how busy the court is and how quickly the paperwork is finished.
If There Are Disagreements (Contested Divorce)
If the couple can’t agree on certain issues, the case may take longer. This type of divorce might involve exchanging documents, attending mediation, or going to court. A contested divorce can take 6 months to over a year, depending on how complex the case is.
After the Judge Signs
Even after a judge approves the divorce, there’s a short waiting period (about 30 days) before everything becomes final. After that, both people must follow through on what the court decided, such as dividing property or making support payments.
What Can Affect the Timeline?
- How complicated the situation is
- Whether there are kids involved
- How busy the court is
- How quickly paperwork is completed
- Whether both people are willing to cooperate
- Talk to a Local Law Firm That Can Help
Every divorce is different. Whether it’s simple or more complicated, it’s helpful to talk to someone who knows the process and can make sure everything is done correctly.
If you’re thinking about divorce or already in the middle of it, our team at Kranitz, Sadoun & Carpenter, PC in St. Joseph, Missouri, is here to help. We have been serving families for over 100 years and can guide you through each step of the process. You don’t have to figure it out alone; reach out to our experienced team today.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪 𝘭𝘢𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺.