Missouri Dissolution of Marriage Forms — Complete Guide (2026)
Missouri's self-help court website (courts.mo.gov) has a well-organized self-help section with all dissolution forms organized by situation (with children, without children, agreed, contested).
Where to Get Missouri Dissolution Forms
Primary source: courts.mo.gov → Self-Help
The Missouri Courts website provides:
- Standardized Petition forms
- Marital Settlement Agreement templates
- Form 14 and instructions
- Parenting Plan templates
- Instructions for self-represented filers
Core Forms (All Dissolution Cases)
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Petition for Dissolution of Marriage | Initiating document — filed by Petitioner; states residency, marriage date, ground, and requested relief |
| Summons | Notifies Respondent of the filing |
| Entry of Appearance | Filed by Respondent when appearing (can also serve as acceptance of service) |
| Vital Statistics Form | Required for state vital records |
| Decree of Dissolution of Marriage | Final court order — entered by judge |
Settlement Agreement
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) | Core agreement on all property, debts, maintenance, and (if applicable) children |
The MSA must be signed by both parties. Missouri courts provide a template; parties may also draft their own.
MSA must cover:
- Identification and division of all marital property (real estate, accounts, retirement, vehicles)
- Identification of non-marital property (pre-marital, gifts, inheritances) — confirm stays with original owner
- All debt allocation and indemnification
- Maintenance (8 statutory factors) — or written waiver
- If children: legal custody, physical custody, Parenting Plan, child support per Form 14
Form 14 — Mandatory for Child Support
Form 14 (Child Support Amount Calculation Worksheet) is required in every Missouri dissolution case with minor children. The court cannot enter a child support order without it.
Form 14 requires:
- Petitioner's monthly gross income
- Respondent's monthly gross income
- Number of children
- Health insurance premium for children (paid by either parent)
- Work-related childcare costs (paid by either parent)
- Parenting time — overnights per year with each parent
Where to find: courts.mo.gov → Self-Help → Family Law → Form 14
Instructions: Detailed instructions accompany Form 14 on the courts.mo.gov website.
Deviation from Form 14: If the parties agree to a different amount, they must provide written findings in the MSA explaining why the Form 14 amount is unjust or inappropriate. Vague statements like "we agreed to less" are not sufficient.
Parenting Plan
A Parenting Plan is required in every Missouri dissolution case with children. It must address:
- Legal custody (joint or sole)
- Physical custody and primary residence designation
- School-year schedule (specific days, times, pick-up/drop-off)
- Summer schedule
- Holiday schedule (named holidays listed for each parent)
- Vacation notice requirements
- Relocation notice (Missouri requires advance notice before relocating with children)
Missouri courts provide a Parenting Plan template at courts.mo.gov.
Post-Dissolution: Deed Recording
Missouri counties use the Recorder of Deeds for real estate recording (not "Register of Deeds" or "Registry of Deeds" as in some other states).
After dissolution and refinancing:
- Prepare a Quitclaim Deed or General Warranty Deed (Quitclaim is most common in divorce transfers)
- Leaving spouse signs and notarizes
- Record at the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the property is located
- Pay recording fee ($24–$50 per document)
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Form 14 mandatory — no child support order without it | courts.mo.gov
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.