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
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.