How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Missouri Without a Lawyer (2026)

Missouri calls divorce "Dissolution of Marriage." Three features stand out before you start:

One of the shortest waiting periods of any state: Missouri requires only a 30-day waiting period from the date the Petition is filed before the dissolution can be finalized. This is one of the shortest in the country.

Form 14 is mandatory for child support: If minor children are involved, a properly completed Form 14 (Child Support Amount Calculation Worksheet) is required in every Missouri dissolution. The court will not accept a child support order without a completed Form 14. There are no exceptions.

90-day residency requirement: Only 90 days in Missouri — shorter than most states' 6-month or 1-year requirements.

Disclaimer: General legal information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Missouri attorney for your specific situation.

Missouri Dissolution at a Glance

Step-by-Step: Missouri Dissolution of Marriage (Agreed)

Step 1 — Confirm Residency

At least one spouse must have been a resident of Missouri for 90 days before filing. No county residency period is specified — state residency of 90 days is sufficient.

Step 2 — Prepare the Marital Settlement Agreement

The Marital Settlement Agreement (also called Separation Agreement in some Missouri courts) addresses all terms. This is filed with the Petition. Include:

• Division of marital property (real estate, accounts, vehicles, retirement)
• Marital debt allocation (indemnification)
• Non-marital property identification and allocation
• Maintenance (spousal support) — or written waiver — considering Missouri's 8 statutory factors
• If children: legal custody, physical custody, parenting plan, child support per Form 14

Step 3 — Complete Form 14 (If Children)

If minor children are involved, complete Form 14 (Child Support Amount Calculation Worksheet) before filing. The court will not accept a child support order without it. Download from courts.mo.gov.

Step 4 — Complete Required Forms

Download forms from courts.mo.gov (Self-Help section). Core forms:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
• Summons (if serving the other party)
• Marital Settlement Agreement
• Entry of Appearance / Waiver of Service (if Respondent is cooperative)
• Form 14 (if children)
• Parenting Plan (if children)
• Vital Records Form

Step 5 — File the "Legal File" at Circuit Court

Missouri uses the term "legal file" for the complete set of documents filed together. File at the Circuit Court in the county where either spouse lives. Pay the filing fee ($100–$163).

Step 6 — Wait 30 Days

The dissolution cannot be granted until 30 days after the Petition is filed. This waiting period cannot be waived.

Step 7 — Finalization Hearing

After 30 days, attend the hearing at Circuit Court. In many Missouri counties, an agreed dissolution may proceed by:

• Brief hearing before the judge (petitioner presents testimony)
• In some counties, an agreed dissolution may be handled on written submissions

The judge approves the Marital Settlement Agreement and enters the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.

Step 8 — After the Dissolution

• Real estate: Prepare Quitclaim Deed → record at county Recorder of Deeds
• Vehicles: Missouri Department of Revenue title transfer
• Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer for IRAs
• Beneficiary designations: Update all immediately
• Name restoration: Social Security → Missouri DOR driver's license → bank accounts

Missouri Grounds for Dissolution

No-Fault (99% of cases)

Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage — RSMo § 452.305. One spouse asserts it under oath. If both spouses agree, the breakdown is established. If one denies it, the court may order counseling, but ultimately the asserting spouse can establish irretrievable breakdown if the parties have lived separate and apart for 24 months.

Fault (rare, filed in 1B-style proceeding)

Missouri courts can consider fault (adultery, abandonment, mistreatment) in awarding maintenance and dividing marital property — but fault-based grounds are uncommon.

Free Missouri Dissolution Resources

• Missouri self-help forms: courts.mo.gov (Self-Help section)
• Missouri Legal Aid: molegalhelpline.org
• Missouri Bar Association: mobar.org
• Form 14: courts.mo.gov/form14

Last reviewed: March 2026 | 30-day waiting period | Form 14 mandatory for child support | 90-day residency

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.