If you are planning to file for divorce or have recently been served divorce papers, you are likely wondering, “How much does a divorce cost in Missouri?” The answer will vary considerably from case to case, but common factors contribute to the cost of a divorce in any case.
Cost Factors for a Divorce
One of the main cost factors determining how much you spend on your divorce is the time you spend in court. The complexity of your divorce can greatly influence how long it takes to resolve important matters like child custody, child support, and the division of the marital estate.
Contested divorces often take considerably longer to resolve than uncontested divorces. A contested divorce is any divorce case where both parties do not agree on the terms of the dissolution of marriage. The disagreement may focus on one or several areas.
A judge will not finalize a divorce until all important matters have been agreed upon by both parties. When the two parties cannot come to an agreement, the case may have to go to trial, where a judge makes those decisions based on what serves the interests of the spouses and their children.
Lengthy divorces require additional time and resources on the part of the attorneys representing both parties. Family law attorneys generally bill by the hour for their services. Other factors that can contribute to a divorce include the fees required to hire court-appointed professionals, such as child custody evaluators, forensic accountants, or appraisers.
These court-appointed professionals are often necessary to assess complex financial matters, property divisions, or the children’s best interests. Prolonged negotiations, disputes over assets, and contested child custody arrangements can further drive up the costs.
Tips for Cutting Down on Divorce Costs
There are no guarantees in a divorce case and no reliable way to predict how the other spouse will act or behave. Ultimately, you can only control your own actions and behaviors. One tip for cutting down on the cost of divorce is to keep an open mind during discussions and negotiations about difficult matters like child custody and asset division.
Neither party may walk away with everything they want out of a divorce, and setting priorities and being pragmatic, when possible, can ultimately help you resolve your case sooner rather than later.
Early in your divorce, work with your attorney to develop a plan that allows for compromise in certain areas. You may have certain topics that you do not want to compromise on. In that case, communicate your goals to your lawyer so they are fully informed about your goals when they negotiate with opposing counsel.
Certain aspects of any divorce can be time-consuming. Any effort you can put into collecting financial records can speed the process of dividing the marital estate. You may have to prove whether something is personal property or not. By taking the initiative to gather evidence and financial documents on your own, you can save your attorney time, which will ultimately save you money.
How a Family Law Attorney Can Help
One job of a family court attorney is to find creative ways to work through areas of disagreement. Divorces can be challenging for both parties, and emotions often run high. An experienced family law attorney can be a valuable asset when it comes to finding novel solutions to difficult problems.
Lawyers are highly trained negotiators who can work with your spouse’s attorney to find common ground on challenging problems. Finding the right family law attorney for your case may be the single most important factor when it comes to ensuring that your divorce does not drag on or become bogged down.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does It Cost to File for Divorce in the State of Missouri?
A: According to Missouri’s Judicial Branch of Government, filing fees vary depending on the type of filing you are making and in which county. The Judicial Branch of Government recommends that anyone seeking information about specific court fees visit the court page in the county that has jurisdiction over the case.
Q: How Long Is the Waiting Period for a Divorce?
A: There is a 30-day waiting period for divorce in Missouri. Once one party files for divorce, a judge will not sign an order dissolving the marriage until 30 days have passed. One way you can reduce the time it takes for your divorce to be finalized is to use the 30-day waiting period to resolve any outstanding issues with your spouse, such as child custody and the separation of the marital estate.
Q: How Long Does the Average Divorce Take in Missouri?
A: The average divorce takes around a few months to several months to finalize, depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of both parties to work together. Contested divorces involve cases where both parties are unable or unwilling to come to an agreement on important decisions about the divorce. Contested divorces generally take considerably longer to resolve.
Q: Can You Get a Divorce in Missouri Without a Lawyer?
A: You can get a divorce in Missouri without a lawyer, but doing so could mean losing property or parental rights that you are entitled to. One of the main roles of a family law attorney is to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the divorce process. Without legal representation, you could become vulnerable to pressure from opposing counsel to make decisions that are not in your interests.
Schedule Your Missouri Divorce Consultation Today
Divorces often have a reputation for being contentious and costly, but they do not have to be. With strong legal representation, your attorney can take steps to ensure that your case is not unduly delayed and that steps are taken to resolve lingering issues in a timely manner.
At Stange Law Firm, PC, we understand that divorce can be stressful and financially burdensome. That’s why we always focus on taking a pragmatic and strategic approach to cases that protect the rights and interests of our clients. You will never have to worry about our law firm overbilling or delaying your case. To schedule your divorce consultation, contact our office today.
