RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
Before filing for divorce in Missouri, either spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least
ninety days.
GROUNDS
The only basis for divorce in Missouri is an irretrievable breakdown of marriage relationship.
CHILD CUSTODY
The court will award either joint or sole child custody in accordance with of the best interests of the
child. Although joint physical custody of children can also be agreed upon by the parties and gives the
parties equal decision-making power, this does not necessarily ensure that both parties will be granted
equal time with the child.
CHILD SUPPORT
Missouri’s child support guidelines apply in virtually every case, unless special circumstances are present.
The child support calculation takes into consideration the needs of the child, and the parents' ability to
pay. Child support payments typically continue through the child’s eighteenth birthday, and may extend
through his or her secondary education.
VENUE
Either spouse in the county where either spouse resides may initiate dissolution of marriage.
MEDIATION
If a divorce is pending, either party may file a motion requesting mediation of their disputed issues. The
parties may choose to submit any or all of their issues to mediation prior to the initiation of divorce
proceedings, in order that they may proceed on an uncontested basis.
FILING FEES
Court filing fees are in addition to the cost of using mydivorceapplication.com. This cost may vary by county.
Please check with your local courthouse to determine the exact amount.
mydivorceapplication.com charges for access to our divorce questionnaire organizer, instructions and last will and
testament. Divorce forms are provided as a courtesy.