Is Your Divorce Really Uncontested?
An uncontested divorce means you and your spouse agree on ALL of the following: division of property and debt, spousal support (or that neither will pay it), and if you have children — custody, visitation, and child support. If you disagree on any of these, your divorce is contested and this guide may not be sufficient.
Missouri calls divorce a Dissolution of Marriage. It is governed by RSMo Chapter 452. Missouri is a no-fault state — you do not need to prove wrongdoing. The only grounds required are that the marriage is "irretrievably broken."
For an uncontested divorce with no children and no significant assets, most people can handle this themselves. The paperwork is straightforward once you understand what each form is asking.
At least one spouse must have been a Missouri resident for 90 days before filing. You file in the Circuit Court of the county where either spouse currently lives.
Contested divorce, complex assets (business ownership, pensions, real estate in multiple states), disagreements about children, domestic violence situations, or when one spouse has hired an attorney. For a simple uncontested divorce with agreed terms — you can do this yourself.
Step-by-Step: Filing Your Missouri Divorce
Prepare Your Settlement Agreement
Before you file anything, write down everything you and your spouse have agreed to. Property — who gets what. Debts — who pays what. If you have children: legal custody, physical custody, visitation schedule, and child support amount. This becomes your Separation Agreement and gets filed with the court.
Both spouses must sign the Separation Agreement in front of a notary. Check your bank, credit union, or UPS Store — many offer free notary service.
Complete the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
This is your main filing document. You'll state the grounds (irretrievably broken), confirm Missouri residency, list your marriage date, separation date, and the basic terms of your agreement. If you have children, a separate parenting plan must be attached.
File at the Circuit Court
File in the Circuit Court of the county where you or your spouse lives. Bring: your completed petition, your signed and notarized Separation Agreement, parenting plan (if children), and your filing fee (~$163 in most Missouri counties). The clerk will stamp your documents and give you a case number.
Serve Your Spouse
Even in an uncontested divorce, your spouse must be formally served with the petition — OR sign a notarized Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service, which tells the court they know about the case and agree to the terms. This is the fastest route if your spouse is cooperative. If they won't sign, you must serve them through a process server or Sheriff.
✓ Cooperative Spouse? Use a Waiver.Have your spouse sign the Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service in front of a notary. File it with the court. No process server needed, no delays, no drama. Your kit includes this form.
Wait the 30-Day Mandatory Period
Missouri law requires a minimum 30-day waiting period after the petition is filed before a divorce can be granted. RSMo § 452.305. You cannot waive this. Use the time to gather financial documents and prepare for the final hearing.
Attend the Final Hearing
For an uncontested divorce, the final hearing is typically brief — 5 to 10 minutes. The judge confirms both parties agree to all terms, that the marriage is irretrievably broken, and that the agreement is fair. Both spouses typically need to be present unless your spouse filed a waiver.
Get Your Decree of Dissolution
The judge signs the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. Your divorce is final. Get certified copies from the clerk — you'll need them for name change, vehicle titles, bank accounts, and beneficiary updates. Certified copies typically cost $2–$5 each. Get at least 5.
Everything You Need to Have Agreed On
Print this checklist. Go through it with your spouse before you file. Every blank line is a potential fight — resolve them now.
- Who keeps the marital home (or agree to sell and split proceeds)
- How to divide any other real estate
- Who keeps each vehicle — and who takes the loan
- How to divide bank accounts and investment accounts
- How to divide retirement accounts (requires a separate QDRO for pensions)
- Who pays each marital debt (credit cards, loans, medical bills)
- Spousal maintenance — will either party pay, and how much/how long
- If children: legal custody (decision-making) arrangement
- If children: physical custody and where children primarily live
- If children: detailed visitation schedule including holidays
- If children: child support amount (Missouri uses an income shares formula)
- If children: how to handle health insurance and uninsured expenses
- Name restoration — is either spouse returning to a former name
The Forms You Need
Links go directly to official Missouri court sources. Forms vary by county — see the county table below for local variations. Your $29.95 kit includes county-specific form links for all Missouri counties.
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Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Main filing document. No children version and with-children version — make sure you use the right one.
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Separation Agreement
Your written, signed, notarized agreement covering all property, debt, and support terms. Must be attached to the petition.
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Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service
Signed by the non-filing spouse to waive formal service of process. Fastest route for cooperative divorces.
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Parenting Plan (if children)
Required for all divorces involving minor children. Covers custody, visitation, holidays, and decision-making.
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Child Support Calculation (Form 14)
Missouri uses a specific formula. Form 14 calculates the presumed amount based on both parents' income. Required in all cases with minor children.
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Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
The final court order. In most counties the judge prepares this — but some counties require you to submit a proposed decree. Check your county's local rules.
Service of Process: What It Is and Why It Matters
Every person being divorced has a legal right to be officially notified that a case has been filed against them. This is called service of process — and it's one of the most misunderstood parts of the divorce process.
It means physically delivering the legal paperwork — your petition and summons — to your spouse in a way the court recognizes as official. It's not texting them. It's not emailing them. It's not leaving it on the counter. It must be done according to Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure — or the court won't count it.
Option 1 — Waiver of Service (Fastest): Your spouse signs a notarized Entry of Appearance and Waiver. Takes one trip to a notary. File it with the court. Done.
Option 2 — Private Process Server (Best if spouse won't sign): A licensed process server personally delivers the summons and petition. Same-day service available. Body cam documentation. Same-day affidavit filed with the court.
Option 3 — Sheriff (Slowest): Drop off the papers at the Sheriff's office and wait. Could be 2–6 weeks. No tracking. Paper return only.
Your Spouse Has to Be Served.
We Make It Happen Today.
Civil Process Service (CPS) handles divorce service of process across St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and surrounding Missouri counties. If your spouse is avoiding service or you simply want it done right — call us.
- Same-day service available — no waiting weeks for the Sheriff
- Body camera on every serve — court-ready documentation
- Same-day affidavit of service filed immediately
- Skip tracing if spouse's location is unknown
- Discreet, professional service — we handle difficult situations daily
Missouri Divorce Filing by County
Filing fees, local form requirements, and clerk contact information vary by county. The table below shows key St. Louis area counties. Your $29.95 kit includes complete county-specific details for all 114 Missouri counties plus St. Louis City.
| County | Filing Fee | Local Forms? | Full Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis City | ~$163 | City-specific petition required | Get Kit |
| St. Louis County | ~$163 | State forms accepted | Get Kit |
| St. Charles County | ~$155 | State forms accepted | Get Kit |
| Jefferson County | ~$148 | Local cover sheet required | Get Kit |
| Franklin County | ~$143 | State forms accepted | Get Kit |
| Jackson County | ~$165 | Local forms required | Get Kit |
| Greene County | ~$150 | State forms accepted | Get Kit |
| + 107 More Counties | Varies | Varies by county | Get Kit |
* Fees approximate. Verify with clerk's office before filing. Kit includes current clerk contact info, hours, and payment methods for every county.
Everything Organized. One Download. $29.95.
- ✓ Step-by-step filing checklist with checkboxes
- ✓ County-specific forms and fees for all 114 MO counties
- ✓ Separation Agreement template (notarization instructions)
- ✓ Waiver of Service form with instructions
- ✓ Form 14 child support calculation guide
- ✓ Court hearing preparation checklist
- ✓ What to do after the decree — DMV, Social Security, bank accounts
- ✓ Glossary of divorce and family law terms
All 114 Missouri counties included
Free Legal Help in Missouri
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Free civil legal aid for low-income St. Louis area residents including family law.
Missouri Courts Self-Help Center
Official divorce forms, parenting plan templates, and Form 14 at courts.mo.gov.
Missouri Bar Lawyer Referral
Find a family law attorney for a paid consultation if your situation gets complicated.