Missouri Dissolution of Marriage Costs and Filing Fees (2026)

Missouri's filing fees are among the more affordable of any state — $100–$163 depending on the county. Combined with the state's efficient self-help court system at courts.mo.gov, Missouri is cost-accessible for self-represented filers.

Core Filing Costs

Fee	Amount
Circuit Court dissolution filing fee	$100–$163
Certified copies of Decree	$5–$15 per copy
Service fees (sheriff or process server)	$25–$75

County Variations

County	Approx. Fee
St. Louis City	$163
Jackson (Kansas City)	$163
St. Louis County	$163
Greene (Springfield)	$163
Boone (Columbia)	$163
Most rural counties	$100–$120

Confirm the current fee with your county's Circuit Court clerk before filing.

Ancillary Costs

Item	Estimated Cost
QDRO — employer retirement plan	$400–$1,500 per plan
Real estate deed preparation	$150–$500
Recorder of Deeds recording fee	$24–$50 per document
Property appraisal	$350–$700
Business valuation	$2,000–$10,000
Mediator (if county requires)	$150–$350/hour/party
Limited-scope attorney (document review)	$300–$900

Fee Waiver

Missouri provides for waiver of court costs for qualifying low-income filers.

How to apply:

Complete an Application for Waiver of Court Costs (available at courts.mo.gov)
File with the Petition
Court clerk or judge reviews
If approved: filing fees and service fees are waived

Eligibility: Income at or below federal poverty guidelines, or receipt of public benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF).

Total Cost Estimates

Scenario	Estimated Total
Agreed, no children, no real estate or retirement	$100–$200
Agreed, with children (all agreed)	$150–$300
With real estate (deed + recording)	$400–$800
With employer retirement account (QDRO)	$600–$1,800
Contested, negotiated settlement	$2,000–$10,000
Contested through trial	$15,000–$60,000+

Last reviewed: March 2026 | $100–$163 filing fee | courts.mo.gov for free forms and Form 14

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