Filing for divorce in Missouri without an attorney costs $133-$200 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 90 days in Missouri. Missouri is a equitable distribution state with a 30 days waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 1-2 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Missouri-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $133-$200 (Jackson County (Kansas City): $163. St. Louis County: $155. Fees vary by county, typically $133-$200.) |
| Residency Requirement | 90 days in Missouri |
| Waiting Period | 30 days |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irretrievably broken (no-fault) |
| No-Fault Only? | Yes |
| Uncontested Timeline | 1-2 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Missouri, you must meet the following residency requirement: 90 days in Missouri.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Missouri for at least 90 days before filing for divorce.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Missouri's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Missouri without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Missouri for at least 90 days before filing for divorce.
Download the official Missouri divorce forms: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Summons, Statement of Property and Debt. All forms are available from the Missouri courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (Court form) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Missouri court and pay the filing fee of $133-$200. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Missouri rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Missouri law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Missouri has a 30-day waiting period from the date of filing. The court cannot enter a judgment until at least 30 days have passed.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Missouri, this typically takes 1-2 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Missouri. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates divorce
Notifies spouse
Property disclosure
Final judgment
The filing fee to start a divorce in Missouri is $133-$200. Jackson County (Kansas City): $163. St. Louis County: $155. Fees vary by county, typically $133-$200.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $133-$200 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $250-$1,000 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Missouri offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Missouri, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Missouri courts are strict about service requirements.
Missouri is a equitable distribution state.
Missouri divides marital property 'justly' (equitably). The court considers economic circumstances, contribution to acquisition, value of non-marital property, conduct during marriage, and custodial arrangements.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Missouri law applies to your specific property.
Missouri uses the Income shares model per Missouri Supreme Court Rule 88.01.
Missouri uses Form 14, an income shares worksheet. Combined gross incomes of both parents determine the presumed child support amount, with adjustments for custody time, health insurance, and childcare.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Missouri divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $133-$200 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
30 days - Missouri has a 30-day waiting period from the date of filing. The court cannot enter a judgment until at least 30 days have passed.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
No-fault only state
Short 30-day waiting period
Form 14 for child support calculations
Non-marital property clearly protected
Relatively quick process for uncontested
Common questions about filing for divorce in Missouri without an attorney.
Get 24/7 guidance specific to Missouri's forms, procedures, and requirements.
Missouri-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using Missouri's exact guidelines
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Evidence notebook
Organize and categorize case documents
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Missouri divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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