Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce Trusted & Dedicated Legal Advocacy

Springfield Uncontested & Contested Divorce Lawyer

Understanding the Missouri Divorce Process for Clients

Do you know the difference between a contested vs. an uncontested divorce? This page explains how these two types of divorce differ and how an attorney can assist you through both processes. You'll discover the lawyer's role in a contested divorce or an uncontested divorce and why you need strong legal representation no matter what.

At Shuler Law Firm, LLC, we've seen it all regarding divorce representation in Missouri. Our clients know it, and they trust us to be there for them during their divorces. We're passionate about providing premier legal advocacy and counsel for clients facing marriage dissolution in Springfield.

Are you facing an uncontested or contested divorce in Missouri? Our Springfield divorce attorney is ready to represent you. Call Shuler Law Firm, LLC today at (417) 288-4433 or contact us online to get started!

Is Missouri a No-Fault Divorce State?

Understanding whether you can file an at-fault or no-fault divorce in Missouri is an important step in the process.

Yes, Missouri is indeed a no-fault divorce state. This designation means that couples seeking a divorce in Missouri are not required to prove fault or misconduct of the other spouse to get their divorce granted. Instead, they only have to demonstrate that their marriage is irretrievably broken and cannot be salvaged. This major aspect of Missouri divorce laws allows for a smoother facilitation of the divorce process, as there is no need for blame games or accusations, thus making the whole process less contentious and emotionally draining.

This leaves separating spouses to determine if they will be filing for divorce in Missouri as either contested or uncontested.

Comparing Uncontested and Contested Divorce in Missouri

There are two types of divorce in Missouri:

Understanding the Missouri Uncontested Divorce Process

The parties reach an agreement regarding the terms of their divorce out of court, including child support, child custody, and property division.

Exploring the Missouri Contested Divorce Process

The parties cannot agree regarding the terms of divorce out of court and require divorce litigation.

It is imperative to retain an experienced and skilled divorce lawyer for a contested divorce. You need someone to stand up for you and represent your interests.

Your lawyer can help you negotiate:

Child custody and support
Division of property
Alimony and spousal support
Visitation

With so much on the line, you owe it to yourself and your children to take all necessary precautions. Hiring an attorney could be a wise step.

Steps in the Missouri Uncontested Divorce Process

What is the Waiting Period for an Uncontested Divorce?

When you and your spouse agree to all divorce terms, it becomes uncontested. These terms include issues such as child custody, debt allocation, child support, and alimony. There are two ways that you can file for an uncontested divorce in Missouri:

Default Proceeding Explained

Upon serving your spouse the divorce papers, they have approximately 20 to 30 days to respond.

If they do not reply within that window, it becomes “default,” The case will be set for an uncontested final hearing. This hearing will take place with or without both spouses present.

Filing a Joint Petition for Divorce

If each spouse agrees to the terms amicably, they may file a joint petition together and attach a copy of their written agreement.

This allows them to skip the rest of the processes and go straight to a final hearing.

Requirements for Filing for Divorce in Missouri

The state of Missouri also requires that you meet certain requirements before filing:

Either you or your spouse must have been a state resident for at least 90 days before filing the divorce papers.

Although Missouri is a no-fault state, you must be able to prove that your marriage is irretrievably broken.

Benefits of Choosing an Uncontested Divorce

Often, several benefits come with an uncontested divorce that you won’t get with a contested divorce.

Faster resolution – If the divorce matters are uncontested, it won’t take nearly as long to form an agreement and officially settle the divorce.
Lower costs – The attorney fees will often be lower since an uncontested divorce is often resolved much more quickly than a litigated divorce.
Privacy – When a divorce is uncontested, then it’s not necessary to litigate the divorce in court, which provides much more privacy for the parties involved
Better emotional experience – If the spouses are not disputing the terms of the divorce, then there will be less conflict in general, which will avoid many of the hardships that a contested divorce naturally brings

Contact Shuler Law Firm, LLC today to schedule a free initial phone consultation to learn more about the Missouri divorce process! Give us a call!

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Advocating for Clients' Rights for Over 20 Years

At Shuler Law Firm, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

"Worth every dime!"
Amazing!!! Worth every dime!! Tammie is amazing to work with.. she was super helpful and super patient with our fairly difficult case. She did everything possible to get our case done as quick and cheap as possible. I would give them a million stars if I could!!!

- Savannah L.
"Absolutely awesome to work with!"
Absolutely awesome to work with! Tammie went above and beyond! She promised our case would be done in six months and it was. She answered all of my calls and questions and I couldn't think of better people to work with!!! Thank you Shuler Law Firm for helping us in our step parent adoption, the kids could not be happier!!!!

- Tiffany E.
"Thank you again Tamee and David for everything!"
Shuler Law Firm took care of all my needs for my case and I appreciate how attentive Tamee was. She made sure I was aware of every step and everything turned out great. They were prompt and forthcoming.

- Vic K.
"It was a pleasant dealing with the Mr. Shuler."
I felt my best interest as well as my daughter's best interest was a high priority with him and I wouldn’t hesitate to deal with him again if I ever need legal help again.

- Anonymous
"I highly recommend the Shuler Law Firm."
From the very first call, through the whole process, the legal staff at Shuler Law Firm were professional and knowledgeable. I always felt like I had an advocate in my corner. On top of that, they were very efficient and explained legal procedures in a way that I could understand.

- Lee P.
"I would recommend them anytime."
Tamee is absolutley the kindest and sweetest person. They really try their best for you and the price is the best for anyone on a budget. I was looking for one and they was the cheapest. Every time I had a question or was worried they was there with answers and was there for me 100 percent.

- Missie J.
"Shuler Law Firm is hands down the best law firm for divorce."
I called three different lawyers about my case and Tamee was very helpful and took my difficult case. They were with me every step of the way and did their best to conserve money.

- Katie D.
"I have only the kindest regards for the Shuler team!"
Tamee was most accommodating, and helpful throughout a very difficult crisis in my life. She truly went above, and beyond what I could have hoped for and has helped my mother and myself throughout this very difficult time. Thank you so much for taking the extra effort to help us get matters resolved!!! I would highly recommend the Shuler team to anyone in need of a truly professional, and caring law firm.

- George B.

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