Missouri Family Laws

One party must have been a Missouri resident for at least 90 days immediately before filing. Military members stationed in Missouri satisfy the requirement.

Filing fees vary by county. Typically $100-$225 for uncontested divorces.

Missouri's sole ground for divorce is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Fault-based grounds are not recognized. One party must have been a Missouri resident for 90 days before filing. A 30-day waiting period applies before the decree can be entered.

Missouri divides marital property equitably (not necessarily 50/50). Courts consider economic circumstances, contributions to acquisition of property (including homemaking), value of separate property, conduct of parties, and custodial arrangements. Non-marital property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is generally excluded.

Missouri now presumes that equal (or approximately equal) parenting time is in the child's best interests. This is a rebuttable presumption. Courts consider: wishes of parents, child's relationship with each parent, adjustment to home/school/community, mental and physical health, history of abuse, and the willingness of each parent to facilitate contact with the other.

Three types: temporary (during proceedings), rehabilitative (short-term), and permanent (for those unable to become self-supporting). No statutory duration limits — courts determine what is "just." Factors include financial resources, time for education/training, comparative earning capacity, standard of living, duration of marriage, and age/health. Modifiable upon material change unless specified as non-modifiable.

Missouri uses an income shares model with a standardized Form 14 worksheet. Based on combined gross income, childcare costs, healthcare, and extraordinary expenses. Up to 50% credit for joint physical custody. Presumptively correct — rebuttal requires showing Form 14 amount is unjust or inappropriate.