Going through a divorce can be a tough time, and many people wonder, “How long does it take?” At BruegelPC, we understand the stress this brings. With years of experience in Missouri divorce law, we can offer you a clear timeline of what to expect. Let us guide you through this process efficiently and with care.
As demonstrated by Missouri courts, a divorce takes at least 30 days after filing. The process can take longer if there are disputes or busy court schedules. Always check with your local court for specific timelines.
Overview of Divorce Process in Missouri
In Missouri, the divorce process kicks off with one spouse filing and serving a petition, a step that intriguingly sets the stage for mandatory financial disclosures from both parties.
You know, the spouse who didn’t file for divorce gets a chance to respond. Both people must share their financial details, like what they own and what they owe. If they have kids, they need to make a parenting plan. If they can agree on everything, the court will review and approve their agreement. If they can’t agree, the court will have hearings to settle the disputes.
In Missouri, marital assets and debts are divided fairly, but not always equally. Spousal support might be given depending on how long the marriage lasted and each person’s financial situation. To put it briefly, for couples with children, the court will decide on custody, visitation, and child support based on what is best for the child.
When everything is settled, the court issues a final divorce judgment. Both parties can appeal the decision if they choose. The divorce process in Missouri includes filing for divorce, sharing information, negotiating or having court hearings, dividing assets and debts, deciding on spousal support, making decisions about children, and receiving the final divorce judgment.
Typical Duration of a Divorce in Missouri
In Missouri, the duration of a divorce can range widely based on factors like whether it’s contested or uncontested, the complexity of the case, and how smoothly the legal process runs.
In other words, if both sides agree on everything in a divorce, it can be wrapped up in a few months. But if they disagree on things like who gets the kids, support payments, or dividing property, it can take over a year.
By and large, how fast the divorce goes also depends on how busy the courts are and how quickly lawyers can work on the case. People getting divorced in Missouri should talk to a good lawyer to help them through the process and finish it as quickly as possible.
Factors Affecting Divorce Time in Missouri
Continuing from before, in Missouri, the duration to finalize a divorce can be influenced by various factors like mandatory waiting periods, court backlog, and the complexity of asset division.
Essentially speaking, one main factor is whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. In contested divorces, where couples can’t agree on things like child custody, splitting assets, or alimony, the process takes longer and often involves lengthy court battles. Uncontested divorces, on the other hand, are quicker since both parties agree on these points.
Another factor is the backlog of cases in the family court. If the courts are overloaded, it can take longer for your case to be heard. In other words, also, the complexity of the divorce issues, like the number of assets to be divided or if there are minor children involved, can make the process longer.
Other things that might affect the divorce timeline in Missouri include how well the couple can communicate and cooperate, the skill and experience of their lawyers, and any delays from administrative or procedural problems.
Steps to Speed Up a Missouri Divorce
As previously stated, taking steps like streamlining paperwork and reaching agreements on key issues can significantly speed up a Missouri divorce.
Let me explain, first, both parties should talk openly and honestly to agree on important things like dividing property, child custody, and spousal support. This can help avoid long court cases.
Second, hiring a skilled divorce lawyer can make the legal process smoother. The lawyer can help gather all the needed documents and ensure everything is filed on time.
Another way to speed up a Missouri divorce is to go to mediation sessions to work out disagreements outside of court. If you think about it, mediation can help make compromises and reach settlements faster than a trial.
Also, being organized and ready for meetings and court dates can prevent delays. Answering requests for information quickly and keeping track of deadlines can help move the divorce along more quickly.
Finally, being flexible and ready to negotiate can simplify the process. Compromising on some issues can help avoid long disputes and settle things faster.
By following these steps, a Missouri divorce can be completed more quickly.
Legal and Waiting Periods in Missouri Divorce
Thinking about past comments, in Missouri, every divorce case must observe a mandatory 30-day waiting period before finalization.
It seems that, during this waiting period, the couple has to attend a meeting to talk about getting back together, as well as parenting and money matters.
After the waiting period, if the couple agrees on everything, they can send a signed agreement to the court for approval. If they can’t agree, the court will schedule a trial to decide the terms of the divorce.
Honestly, in Missouri, the divorce process can be finished in as little as 30 days if both parties agree on everything from the beginning. But if there are disagreements or other complications, it can take much longer.
Every divorce case is different, and the length of the process can vary based on how complex the issues are. Getting advice from a good lawyer can help you understand the divorce process and make sure your rights are protected.
In the End
As I mentioned previously in Missouri, the length of time it takes to finalize a divorce can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule.
What BruegelPC is wanting you to know is, on average, an uncontested divorce can be completed in as little as 30 days, while a contested divorce may take several months or even years. It is important for couples to be prepared for possible delays and to work closely with their attorneys to work through the legal process efficiently.