Missouri Dissolution of Marriage Timeline — How Long Does It Take? (2026)

Missouri has one of the shortest statutory waiting periods of any state — only 30 days. The total timeline depends primarily on court scheduling in your county and the complexity of your case.

Overview: Total Timeline

Missouri is one of the fastest states for agreed dissolutions — the 30-day minimum is genuinely short.

Stage-by-Stage: Agreed Dissolution

Stage 1 — Pre-Filing Preparation

Duration: 1–4 weeks

Gather financials. Negotiate Marital Settlement Agreement terms. Complete Form 14 if children. Draft the Parenting Plan if children.

Stage 2 — Filing

Duration: 1 day

File the complete legal file at Circuit Court. Pay $100–$163. Note the filing date — 30-day clock starts.

Stage 3 — The 30-Day Waiting Period

Duration: 30 days (mandatory)

Cannot be waived. Missouri's waiting period is among the shortest in the country. During this time:

• Execute and finalize the Marital Settlement Agreement if not yet done
• Secure the Entry of Appearance or Waiver of Service from the Respondent
• Schedule the finalization hearing (for any date on or after Day 31)

Stage 4 — Finalization Hearing

Duration: 30–90 minutes

Attend the hearing. Present the Marital Settlement Agreement and Form 14 (if applicable). Provide brief testimony. Judge enters the Decree of Dissolution.

Note: Some Missouri counties allow agreed dissolutions to be processed on written submissions (without an in-person hearing) in straightforward cases. Confirm with your county's Circuit Court.

Stage 5 — Post-Dissolution Steps

Duration: 2–8 weeks depending on complexity

Deed recording, QDRO, vehicle title, name change, beneficiary updates.

Stage-by-Stage: Contested Dissolution

Stage 1 — Filing and Service: 1–3 weeks

Stage 2 — Respondent's Response / Counter-Petition: 3–4 weeks after service

Stage 3 — Temporary Orders (if needed): 2–6 weeks after filing

Stage 4 — Discovery Exchange: 2–6 months

Stage 5 — Mediation (required in many Missouri counties before trial): 1–3 months

Stage 6 — Trial Date Assignment: 3–12 months after mediation

Stage 7 — Trial: 1–5 days

Stage 8 — Decree of Dissolution: entered at conclusion

What Causes Delays

Missouri's Mediation Requirement

Many Missouri counties require mediation before a dissolution case can proceed to trial — especially in cases involving child custody disputes. Budget 1–3 months for mediation scheduling in contested cases.

Missouri mediators are typically:

• Private mediators (charged by the hour — $150–$350/hour/party)
• Court-connected mediation programs (reduced fee or free for qualifying incomes)

Confirm your county's mediation requirements with the Circuit Court.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | 30-day waiting period is one of the shortest in the U.S. | Form 14 mandatory for child support | courts.mo.gov

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