Even when both partners agree on the terms of their divorce, many couples are overwhelmed and intimidated by the divorce process. This anxiety may lead them to drag their feet and continue with a relationship that both parties know is not working. With help from an experienced family law attorney, there are ways to move forward with divorce smoothly and with as little time and stress as possible.
At Grant, Miller & Smith, LLC, our skilled divorce attorneys can help prepare you for divorce in Missouri.
What to Know About Missouri Divorce
Missouri has two paths forward when a couple seeks a divorce. Partners can file a contested or uncontested divorce. A contested divorce means the parties cannot agree on the terms of their dissolution of marriage. They may disagree on child custody arrangements, spousal support, or division of marital assets. When couples don’t agree on the terms of their divorce, the court must step in. A judge can evaluate the situation and decide how to resolve specific issues. If the unresolved issues are complicated, such as the division of a family business or high-net-worth assets, a contested divorce can take more than a year to resolve.
An uncontested divorce means both partners are on the same page about vital issues and agree on how assets and debts will be divided, the allocation of support, and child custody arrangements. An uncontested divorce can be accomplished relatively quickly and is less expensive than a contested divorce.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Missouri if Both Parties Agree?
Getting an uncontested divorce means both parties must agree to the divorce terms and complete a 30-day waiting period. Technically, a couple could resolve their issues and achieve an uncontested divorce in about one month. However, most couples should expect to resolve their differences and complete an uncontested divorce in three to six months.
Although an uncontested divorce tends to be quicker and more straightforward than a contested divorce, it is still in your best interests to involve a lawyer who can advocate for you, meet legal deadlines, and draft and file the necessary paperwork to move the process along. Hiring an attorney doesn’t mean you don’t trust your partner. It means you are protecting yourself and ensuring the process doesn’t hit unexpected snags so you and your spouse can move forward with your lives.
A Missouri Divorce Attorney Can Help
At Grant, Miller & Smith, LLC, our compassionate legal team can help you end your marriage in the least stressful manner possible. Contact us online or call our office today at (314) 721-6677 to request a confidential legal consultation with a divorce attorney who can walk you through your options and advocate for you as you begin your new life.