How to Get a Quick Divorce in Missouri
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Let’s make it clear from the beginning. Getting a divorce is not simple, and no matter how quickly you want to have it, there are still some issues that may cause a delay. Some of these issues include child custody and property division. The divorce process is complicated for everyone involved. Not only in terms of the time and money invested but also the roller coaster of emotional distress that comes with the package. Unfortunately, it sometimes cannot be helped. If a marriage is not working and the couple can’t find a solution to their differences, divorce is often the only option.
There are two major types of divorce, contested and uncontested. The easiest and fastest one is usually an uncontested divorce. In this case, the couple can agree on the important things without having to go to court. This type of divorce can be done as quickly as the state’s law where you are filing for divorce allows.
When a divorce is contested, it means that the couple could not agree on major issues. If there are disagreements in the divorce proceedings, the process will take longer than usual.
For couples looking to get a divorce in Missouri, it is critical to understand how the process works in the state. In this post, we will look at how to get a quick divorce in Missouri and all you need to know about the process.
Is it Possible to Get a Quick Divorce in Missouri?
This is the first question that needs an answer. When it comes to filing for divorce in Missouri, the first thing that you have to establish is whether you are going through a contested or uncontested divorce. The proceeding must be uncontested to get a quick divorce. However, if the couple does not agree on child custody, child support, property division, and alimony, among others, the process will require engaging a lawyer and, often, a legal battle. This can extend the duration of the divorce process by several months before the final dissolution of the marriage decree is made.
How to Get a Quick Divorce in Missouri
Knowing what to do and how to do it will help fast-track the process. To get a quick divorce in Missouri, it must be uncontested. Both spouses must consent to the terms, including mutual agreement to get a divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division, where these are applicable.
For an uncontested divorce, there are two ways to go about it in Missouri. Let’s look at them in detail.
Joint Petition
When both parties agree to the terms, they can file the petition together. While filing for divorce, they will attach a copy of the written agreement, indicating a joint divorce petition. This is the quickest way to get divorced in Missouri because the couple will bypass the standard process and move directly to the final hearing. Since both spouses agree to the terms, a judge will quickly approve the agreement without any hassle. For this type of divorce, you can complete divorce online without using the service of an attorney. If you want to get a quick divorce in Missouri, you should try to agree with your spouse on all the terms.
Default Proceeding
In this type of proceeding, the petitioner (the spouse asking for the divorce) must file the divorce and serve the papers to the respondent (the other spouse). The respondent is allowed a stipulated time to respond to the petition by filing a responsive pleading. If the respondent does not file the papers, the respondent will be placed in the default state, making your divorce uncontested. It doesn’t matter that your spouse shows up or not during the final hearing. You will still obtain the divorce decree from the default proceeding.
While filing the papers, you should know that you have to pay the filing fees. The specific cost of divorce will depend on the county that you are filing for the divorce.
Considerations for Filing in Missouri
Before you apply for divorce in Missouri, there are some factors that you have to consider. Without establishing the facts, filing for divorce in Missouri may be a waste of time and money. The first thing you must determine is if it is the right step. Missouri is a no-fault state, which means you don’t have to provide grounds for divorce before you can get divorced in the state.
Secondly, do you or your spouse reside in Missouri? This is one of the crucial requirements that you must fulfill to get divorced in the State of Missouri. You or your spouse must have been a legal resident in Missouri for at least 90 days to file for divorce in the state.
You also have to decide if you need to get an attorney or not. It is possible to do it yourself without an attorney. However, it is still recommended that you get the service of a professional. You can explore some divorce companies and see the services they offer. A DIY divorce is easier if your divorce is uncontested because you can have an online divorce without any visit to court. If your divorce is contested, you will most likely need a lawyer’s service, and it will require a court’s ruling.
Steps to Filing for Divorce in Missouri State
As stated, the State of Missouri is a no-fault state. This means that you can make an application for divorce online by citing that you and your spouse have irreconcilable differences and your marriage is irretrievably broken. So, neither party is blaming the other for the failed marriage. Here are the steps to file for Divorce and get a quick divorce in Missouri.
Complete the Papers
To start the divorce process, you have to file the documents. Missouri has detailed instructions and laws that guide the divorce process, and you must know and follow them to the letter. You, as the petitioner, have to fill out the forms, which you can access online. You can get a professional consultant’s help or use an online divorce company that provides paperwork preparation services. This will ensure the documents are completed correctly and without any error. If you have errors in the divorce paperwork, it may slow down the process and prolong the waiting time.
File and Serve the Papers
If it is not a joint petition, the petitioner will need to file the divorce paper and serve the respondent. You have to take the forms to the courthouse to file them. You should ask for the appropriate place to file the papers because if it is filed in the wrong place, it will be discarded, and you may have to start the process again. To prevent this, you can get a divorce over the internet and engage the service of a professional to help with guiding you through the whole process.
When you file the papers, you will receive a case number, and you will have to pay the filing fees to the court. After completing this process, you will receive a date for the final hearing date if it is an uncontested divorce in the case of a joint petition. For a non-joint petition, you have to serve the petitioner a copy of the documents. You can get a professional process server, a law enforcement officer, or use a mailing system to serve the divorce papers. It is essential to obtain proof of service to confirm that the respondent has admitted to the service. Next, the petitioner will file the proof of service with the court.
Wait for the Final Divorce Decree
When the respondent has been served, they have about 20 to 30 days to respond to the petition. If the spouse responds and agrees to every term, there is a 30-day waiting period in Missouri before the court will grant the divorce.
Usually, an uncontested divorce is faster and less stressful. You can complete the whole process without an attorney, and it is also more affordable. You can also complete divorce online if it is uncontested.
Conclusion
How fast you get a divorce in Missouri depends mainly on the circumstances surrounding the divorce process. If both parties agree on every issue, the process will be quick, and you can also have an internet divorce. However, it may not be possible if the divorce is contested by one of the spouses.
If your goal is to have a quick divorce in Missouri, you should try to agree with your spouse before filing for it. This will also make the divorce process inexpensive.