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St. Louis Divorce Attorneys

Quick Answer

Divorce in Missouri requires dividing marital property equitably, determining custody and support, and resolving spousal maintenance. Thompson & Walker guides you through every step — protecting your rights, your assets, and your relationship with your children.

Missouri Divorce Law: What You Need to Know

Missouri is a no-fault divorce state under RSMo § 452.320, meaning neither party needs to prove wrongdoing to obtain a dissolution of marriage. The petitioning spouse simply needs to establish that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." Missouri courts divide marital property equitably — not necessarily equally — based on factors including each spouse's contribution to the marriage, economic circumstances, and conduct of the parties.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Uncontested Divorce: Both spouses agree on all terms — property, custody, support, and maintenance. Less expensive, faster (typically 30–90 days), and less emotionally taxing. Thompson & Walker helps clients negotiate comprehensive settlement agreements that protect their interests.

Contested Divorce: When spouses cannot agree, the court resolves disputed issues after hearing evidence. These cases require thorough preparation, aggressive advocacy, and deep familiarity with local family court procedures — which Thompson & Walker provides.

High-Asset Divorce

When significant assets are involved — business interests, retirement accounts, investment portfolios, or real estate — divorce becomes exponentially more complex. Jason Walker's expertise in financial forensics and business valuation ensures that marital assets are properly identified, classified, and valued before any division takes place.

Property Division in Missouri

Missouri courts divide marital property equitably. Separate property (owned before marriage or received by inheritance/gift) is generally protected. Understanding the distinction between marital and separate property is critical — Thompson & Walker has challenged improper property classifications that would have cost clients hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Missouri Law: RSMo § 452.300 (dissolution), RSMo § 452.320 (grounds), RSMo § 452.330 (property division), RSMo § 452.335 (maintenance)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does divorce take in Missouri?
Uncontested divorces in St. Louis typically take 30–90 days. Contested divorces involving custody disputes or complex property can take 12–24 months. Missouri requires a 30-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized.
Does Missouri require separation before divorce?
No. Missouri does not require a formal separation period before filing for divorce. You may file immediately after deciding to dissolve the marriage.
How is property divided in Missouri?
Missouri follows equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly — but not necessarily 50/50 — based on each spouse's contributions, economic circumstances, and other statutory factors under RSMo § 452.330.
Can I get divorced without a lawyer in Missouri?
You can, but it carries significant risk. Agreements entered without legal counsel may fail to address critical issues like retirement account division (QDRO), tax implications, or future modification rights. Once a divorce decree is entered, undoing it is extremely difficult.
How is spousal maintenance determined in Missouri?
Courts consider the requesting spouse's needs, the paying spouse's ability to pay, the length of the marriage, standard of living during the marriage, and each party's earning capacity. RSMo § 452.335 governs spousal maintenance in Missouri.

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