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How to File for Divorce in St. Louis, MO

Step-by-step guide to filing for divorce in St. Louis, MO. Requirements, costs, and timelines. Missouri follows equitable distribution.

Property Type

Equitable

Filing Fee

$135–$225

Median Cost

$8,000–$33,000

Annual Divorces

22,000+

Understanding How to File for Divorce in St. Louis, MO

To file for divorce in St. Louis, MO, you must meet Missouri’s residency requirement of 90 days. The filing fee is $135–$225. There is a mandatory waiting period of 30 days before the divorce can be finalized.

Missouri only allows no-fault divorce. You file on the grounds of irreconcilable differences or irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

An uncontested divorce in Missouri typically costs $8,000 and takes 2–4 months. Contested cases average $33,000 and can take 12–18 months or longer. The governing statute is Mo. Rev. Stat. §452.305.

Common Questions

How long do you have to live in Missouri to file for divorce?
Missouri requires 90 days of residency before you can file for divorce. Mo. Rev. Stat. §452.305 governs the filing requirements.
Is Missouri a community property or equitable distribution state?
Missouri follows equitable distribution rules, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly but not necessarily equally.
How much does a divorce cost in Missouri?
Filing fees in Missouri range from $135–$225. The median total cost is approximately $8,000 for uncontested divorces and $33,000 for contested cases.
How long does a divorce take in Missouri?
Missouri has a mandatory waiting period of 30 days. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 2–4 months, while contested cases can take 12–18 months or longer.
How is child support calculated in Missouri?
Missouri uses the Income Shares model, based on both parents' combined income. The formula considers both parents' incomes, number of children, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses.

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Related Resources

This page provides general information about how to file for divorce in St. Louis, MO and is not legal advice. Verify current statutes with Mo. Rev. Stat. §452.305 or consult a licensed Missouri attorney. Last reviewed March 2026.