A Comprehensive Guide to Divorce Cost In Missouri
It’s no secret that ending a marriage can be pricey, but what exactly is the cost of divorce in Missouri? Find out here with Masterson Law.
What Is the Cost of Divorce in Missouri?
Although no one plans to dissolve their marriage when they fall in love, if there are irreconcilable differences, they are likely to wonder: “What is the cost of Missouri divorce?”
This can be a tough time in your life. If you’re facing divorce, the divorce cost in Missouri shouldn’t be your biggest concern. Although divorce can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be.
This guide will help you understand all the costs involved in a Missouri divorce so that you’re prepared and can focus on the most important thing: your family.
Divorce Costs in the State of MO
Regardless of your divorce type, the filing and service fees will be a factor. Depending on the county, the filing fee in Missouri is about $200 plus the $25 service fee for serving the divorce papers.
Of course, if you don’t know your spouse’s location or they are evasive, this price may be higher.
In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the issues that affect the cost of the divorce process, how to keep these costs to a minimum, and more. You’ll read about the following:
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Average Cost for Dissolution of Marriage in Missouri
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Breakdown of Divorce Expenses in Missouri
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How Drama Can Affect the Cost of Missouri Divorce
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How to Reduce the Costs of Divorce
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How the Divorce Costs in Missouri Stacks Up to the Other States
And remember, if you’re facing a divorce in Missouri and have questions about the cost, contact an experienced Missouri divorce attorney to talk now.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Missouri?
Each year, there are 3.3 divorces for every 1,000 people in Missouri. Divorce costs in Missouri affect many of the state’s citizens. However, divorce, also known as dissolution of marriage or the termination of marital rights and responsibilities, can take many forms.
The cost of divorce varies by type of divorce and depending on the specific situation.
Despite the public figures, there’s no easy way to estimate the cost of your divorce in Missouri. Each case is different. The typical factors that affect the cost of divorce are the following:
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Type of divorce (contested vs. uncontested)
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Attorney fees, if you are using an attorney
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State filing fees
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Sheriff’s fees for serving spouse
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If your county requires a court appearance to finalize the divorce
When you factor in appraisals and property assessment fees, many more aspects might affect the Missouri cost of divorce.
How Much Does It Cost to File for Divorce in Missouri?
It depends on the type of divorce that the marital dissolution requires. Couples may opt to choose one of the following types of divorce in Missouri:
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Contested divorce – When a couple utilizes a court to make a formal judgment because they cannot agree on issues like child support or division of assets
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Uncontested divorce – When a couple agrees on all matters, the court does not have to do anything except process the paperwork and finalize the divorce
If you are getting divorced, you will likely also hear terms like “no-fault divorce” or “DIY divorce.” These are not official types of divorce, but they characterize provisions of the state law or describe ways you can handle the process.
Divorce in Missouri Cost
The cost for dissolution of marriage in Missouri is typically made up of at least two items: filing and attorney’s fees. To file for divorce in Missouri, you can expect to pay about $163.
If you are using an attorney for your divorce in Missouri, their work may cost anywhere from $200 to $ 500 per hour. Some attorneys also require a retainer fee which you pay upfront; this provides funding to get the lawyer, and their staff started on your case and averages about $200.
The average cost of a divorce in Missouri will depend on if the divorce is contested or uncontested, with contested being more expensive. This is because a contested divorce typically requires more time to resolve all the issues the couple does not agree on. In contrast, in an uncontested divorce, everyone agrees, and time for negotiating is not required.
To get more specific about cost, the contested divorce cost in Missouri ranges from $4,000-$29,000, with the average cost at $13,500. This will vary based on if there are assets like a family business or home to divide or problems with custody of children.
What Makes Up the Average Cost of a Divorce in Missouri?
The average cost of MO divorce is based on a variety of factors. For example, is it a contested or uncontested divorce? Are there children or substantial properties involved? Is alimony an issue?
Also, remember that the parties don’t have to prove fault to obtain a divorce in Missouri, but the court has to determine that your marriage is irretrievably broken to grant you a divorce.
Although several other factors contribute to the total expense of a divorce, most of the fees go toward lawyer fees. This is why it is best to separate as peacefully as possible.
The costs of attorneys’ fees and the overall divorce vary based on the specifics of the dispute and how long representation is required. Since divorce attorneys usually charge per hour, the longer a contentious element holds up the divorce settlement, the more expensive the overall costs will be.
An Average No-Fault Divorce
A “no-fault divorce,” for example, is a provision in state family law that says couples do not need to have a specific reason for pursuing a divorce (like adultery or abuse). They can get one whatever the reason they want one. A “DIY divorce” is when the couple getting divorced handles the paperwork themselves, usually via an online service.
When looking at a breakdown of the cost of a divorce in Missouri, the two main things you will pay are lawyer’s costs and filing fees. Of course, there may also be other costs, depending on your situation.
When you pay your lawyer, you’re paying for their staff to do research, accurately fill out and file paperwork, make copies of documents for records, and turn everything into the court on time, as well as for the attorney to advise you and appear in court.
The attorney fees you incur depend on the complexity and type of divorce and if you’ve agreed to pay an hourly rate or a flat fee.
Considering Lawyers’ Fees in the Divorce
Typically, lawyers’ fees in a divorce do not include bills for emails or phone calls for scheduling appointments, short informational emails, clerical work, or making copies. Longer emails and more extended conversations that require a lawyer or their support staff to do considerable work to answer questions will be billed to a client.
Keep in mind that filing and your lawyer’s fees are different. The filing fees help defray the costs of that court’s operations. They are meant to cover the time the court spends reviewing and processing your documents.
In addition to paying for an attorney and paying the court, other costs involved in a divorce may include the following:
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Property or Asset Appraisal – $300-$400
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Petition Delivery (Sheriff Fee) – $25 (or more if you don’t know the whereabouts of your spouse)
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Family/Child Counseling – Cost Varies
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Notary Fee – $2-$10 (though your bank/credit union may offer it as a free service)
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Divorce Documents – Free-$50
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Moving Costs – Varies
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Financial Lawyer/Accountant for Property and Asset Division – Varies
No two divorce cases are alike. While the court makes decisions for the disagreeing parties in a contested divorce, it can be more expensive and more emotionally challenging for the divorcing parties than uncontested divorce cases.
It can also mean the difference between an affordable and costly divorce since an uncontested divorce may cost around $500 and contested up to $29,000 in court fees, attorney fees, and other costs. Whether you and your spouse agree on issues and the complexity of the case will affect the final cost (e.g., custody of children, division of joint assets and home, etc.).
Additional Divorce Fees in MO
Regardless of the type of divorce sought, you must pay a filing fee of up to $225 in some Missouri counties. If you are facing divorce but cannot afford the filing fee, you may fill out an economic hardship application called In Forma Pauperis.
If a judge determines you qualify and approves your application after reviewing your detailed financial information, this will waive your court filing fee. To find filing fee information or waiver applications for your county, visit your local court’s website.
Other fees incurred during divorce proceedings may be:
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Document Copy Charges: Copies of documents like your tax returns, financial statements, mortgage deeds, etc., may be required.
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Forensic Accountant: Forensic accountants, whose costs can range into the hundreds per hour, may be required to track down all the information if you suspect your spouse is trying to hide assets.
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Appraisers: You may need to retain the services of an expert appraiser, who might cost a few thousand dollars, to assess the value of your property if you own real estate, a business, antiques, or other high-end items.
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Child-Related Fees: There are many ways children can potentially add to divorce costs, including Guardian Ad Litem fees, parenting classes (required in some jurisdictions), or additional attorney’s fees since there are severe issues like custody and child support payments to resolve.
If you have concerns about the cost of your Missouri divorce, reach out to a trusted divorce lawyer who can help you understand the breakdown of costs in your unique situation.
Cost of Uncontested Divorce In Missouri
The cost of an uncontested divorce in Missouri is nearly always more expensive than contested divorces. This is because preparing and finalizing the divorce won’t take as many hours for the law firm you choose to use or as many trips to the local courthouse.
In an uncontested divorce in Missouri, there are no long, drawn-out child custody or child support battles, lengthy disputes over property, or arguments about alimony. When all parties agree, there are no disputes.
Although some law firms offer a flat-rate divorce service, uncontested Missouri divorces generally range from around $1,000 to $2,000.
Additional Factors for an Uncontested Divorce in Missouri
In an uncontested divorce, which will cost significantly less, some Missouri divorce lawyers will charge a flat fee rather than a retainer and hourly rate. The flat fee could be as low as $500, but it will increase if there are any complicating factors. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, you will have to pay the court filing fee, which averages $163 in Missouri.
Some more populated counties with busier courts charge higher fees; for example, St. Louis County charges $225 to file for divorce. Even in an uncontested divorce in Missouri, you may have to pay $25-$50 for a sheriff to serve the divorce papers to your spouse.
Finally, you can expect the average cost of an uncontested divorce to increase if you live in a county where a divorce attorney must be present at the finalization since you’ll have to pay for their time.
Forty-five counties in Missouri allow couples to divorce by written affidavit with no attorney present. If you’re looking for a divorce attorney in Springfield, MO, take a closer look at this and then contact us.
Trusting a Lawyer-Driven Divorce
There are many options when dissolving your marriage in Missouri, and a lawyer-driven divorce is one of them. Those divorcing in Missouri may file in a different state if they live, work, or own property there.
When considering this option, it is essential to know that other states have differing divorce filing fees, and processes may diverge from what is expected in Missouri.
For example, California has the highest filing fee in the country at $435, so it might not be beneficial to you to process your divorce there. North Dakota, on the other hand, has an average filing fee of only $80 and the lowest overall average divorce cost of $8,300.
As for differences in processing divorce, state laws may differ on what is required to divorce, and divorce processing time varies greatly. In Alaska, it can take just thirty days to get divorced, whereas, in New Jersey, the minimum time is nearly a year (360 days).
Don’t go through a divorce alone just because you’re scared of the costs of the divorce process in Missouri. Summer Masterson-Goethals is an experienced divorce attorney in Springfield, MO specialist who believes every client deserves quality representation at a reasonable price.
Dealing With a Contested Divorce in Missouri
When filing a petition for dissolution of marriage in Missouri when it is contested, divorce lawyers often require a retainer. Once the filing fee is paid, that is usually considered part of the retainer.
Generally, the lawyer’s retainer is around $3,500 but can be from $500 to $25,000, depending on the complexity of the divorce. After that, the average cost in MO for law advice, advocacy, and representation is about $200 an hour.
Uncontested divorces cost less than contested dissolutions with children or extensive property. If they go to trial, attorney fees can reach $17,000. This can be financially devastating.
Figuring everything out before a hearing can significantly reduce the overall costs. Complicated separations with children or financial assets are generally said to be as much as 50% more costly than those without.
Regular property disputes are typically about the same as the average Missouri divorce. Still, when the disagreement requires a re-evaluation of property values, this can seriously increase the litigation costs.
Choosing Divorce Mediation to Minimize Costs
Often with contested divorces, couples benefit from divorce mediation.
As mentioned above, a contested divorce, where the divorcing spouses do not agree on all issues, is almost always more costly than an uncontested divorce, where the parties agree to terms on their own. This, of course, is due to the additional time needed from lawyers, mediators, and other professionals in a contested divorce.
On top of that, if children are involved, it almost always makes a divorce more challenging for the family and expensive. Contested divorces with children in the picture are often the most costly type of divorce since issues like custody can turn into long, drawn-out legal battles that costs thousands of dollars and countless hours in court to resolve.
Choosing Mediation for the Good of the Children
Naturally, parents want the best for their children. But in the worst divorces — nasty, dramatic cases where the spouses cannot communicate effectively, let alone agree — children are sometimes treated as a bargaining chip and just one more thing to argue over.
Besides being harmful to the family’s emotional well-being, this drama becomes expensive since professionals are necessary to mediate the arguments.
Additionally, when children are involved, divorce will often require a Guardian Ad Litem (an objective, court-appointed guardian with the child’s best interests), counseling, parenting classes, and so on. These child-related fees can add up quickly.
In fact, having minor children can cause the price of getting a divorce to go up by nearly 50%. The average cost of divorce in Missouri is $13,500, but when children are involved, that cost increases to an average of $20,200. Some of the expenses that go into this increase are:
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The Guardian Ad Litem (who determines the child’s living arrangements, parental contact, etc.) fees of $150-$250 per hour
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A custody assessment by a mental health professional, which can cost between $1,000-$2,500
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Parenting classes where the couple is familiarized with the impact of divorce on children, which can often be done online for as little as $20
Issues relating to children are not the only source of drama that can add to divorce costs. Suppose one spouse wishes to receive alimony or spousal support, and the other disagrees. In that case, the cost of the divorce can increase due to the need for financial experts or vocational analysts.
Additional Issues That May Require Mediation
The average contested divorce with alimony questions costs $18,600 in Missouri (over $5,000 more than the average contested). Property division disputes can also add to the cost since expert appraisals are required and more time is needed: contested divorces with these issues average $18,900 in Missouri.
Couples who disagree over the division of multiple savings accounts, vehicles, retirement accounts, investments, and real estate will also incur higher costs. Choosing a lawyer is essential if facing a contested divorce with any of these complicated elements.
Make sure to retain an experienced divorce attorney to help you.
Handling a Collaborative Divorce in Missouri
Often, a collaborative divorce in Missouri is the best option. Although it is not always easy for a family to navigate, it is best for children and less expensive overall.
Collaborative divorce takes at least 90 days, but it’s usually closer to 120 days for the entire procedure. It typically works similarly to this:
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You provide a list of assets and debts
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The law firm takes about a week to ten business days to get the divorce papers prepared.
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Then, there is a 30-day period after the divorce forms are filed in court.
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After 30 days, the court will request approval of your divorce.
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After 31 days, the court will approve your divorce.
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In a collaborative divorce, you usually will not need to go to court to finish the process.
Although it may seem to simplify a collaborative divorce to share an attorney, unfortunately, that’s not usually a good idea. However, if both parties agree, a single attorney can prepare the paperwork. Then, the respondent can either decide to the draft or seek their divorce lawyer to review the paperwork.
Remember that the original law firm represents the filing party and will not provide advocacy to the other spouse. Because of this, it often benefits the respondent to retain their counsel.
How to Reduce the Cost of Divorce in Missouri
When you petition for dissolution of marriage, the cost of a divorce in Missouri may be lower depending on your situation or if you take certain steps to reduce costs.
If your divorce is uncontested and you and your spouse agree on most issues, you may be able to file for divorce using an online service for between $250-$500. You might also use a mediator, a professional you have to pay for, but who will reduce your need for hours with attorneys and hours in court (and thus reduce your costs). A mediator may reduce time and attorney’s fees by $5,000.
To keep divorce costs low and efficiently part from your spouse, try the following:
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Negotiate an agreement with your spouse first to avoid paying attorney fees altogether.
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Know what your attorney is doing and what you’re paying for.
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Give the lawyer all the necessary information: don’t hide anything, or they will have to spend more time gathering that information.
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Hire an experienced attorney versus a recent law school graduate. Experienced attorneys will draw on their experience to handle your case efficiently.
Even with these tips, divorce might seem out of reach financially. Don’t despair, though — you still have options. If your income falls below the federal poverty line or your spouse makes significantly more than you do, you might be able to receive free legal aid or have your spouse pay your legal fees. Also, some private practice attorneys may be willing to work with you on costs.
How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Missouri?
When your marriage is irretrievably broken, nationally, the average cost of a divorce is in line with Missouri’s average divorce cost, at about $13,500. However, regardless of your location, individual situations may differ since the cost of a divorce depends on the type of divorce, the time required, the children, and assets. The time it takes to get a divorce also varies based on those factors and location.
Attorney costs may vary whether in Missouri or anywhere else in the country. However, it is a general rule of thumb that attorney costs are lower in rural areas and higher in highly populated urban areas.
That corresponds with average divorce filing fees, typically lower in rural areas and higher in city centers (such as in rural Missouri, where the average is $163, but in St. Louis county, a filing fee is $225). Attorney costs will also often vary based on the lawyer’s experience, but it is worth hiring an experienced attorney, especially if you have a complicated case.
Keep Your Costs Down When Hiring an Attorney
You have options if you can’t afford to hire your lawyer. You could consider filling out the forms yourself in a simple, uncontested divorce without children or extensive assets or property. The forms found at self represent.mo.gov can help, but remember that if you have questions, you should still consult a local and reputable attorney.
Another option is for the MO attorney to draft the documents and then allow you to submit them and represent yourself in court.
The third option is to request that the other party pay most of your attorney fees and merely have your lawyer review the settlement documents. Depending on your circumstances, this may reduce your costs to between $150 and $250. The law firm will review the settlement documents, and your soon-to-be former spouse could pay their lawyer for the majority of the costs for the original draft.
Although hiring a lawyer is an important decision, don’t make your choice of a lawyer based solely on advertisements.
What to Look For When Hiring a Missouri Divorce Attorney
When selecting a Missouri attorney, you should consider the attorney’s experience in divorce and family law. Ask them how many cases they have handled, their success rate, and whether they know the local courts.
You should also ask about the attorney’s billing structure and whether they offer unbundled services. Unbundled services allow you to pay for only the services you need, such as document preparation or legal advice. You should also ask if the attorney is willing to work with you on payment plans.
At Masterson Law, we understand the financial concerns of divorce. We have experience helping clients navigate the complexities of family law and ensuring their divorce costs are as low as possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your Missouri divorce.
Hire a Divorce Lawyer From a Reputable Missouri Legal Office
Don’t go through your dissolution of marriage alone just because you’re scared of the cost of the divorce process in Missouri. Instead, hire an attorney to help with your divorce process in Missouri.
Summer Masterson-Goethals is an experienced divorce attorney who believes every client deserves quality representation and an excellent attorney-client relationship. At Masterson Law, we understand the stress associated with a divorce and strive to make your divorce as simple and straightforward as possible. We also understand the financial concerns of divorce and are willing to work with you on payment plans.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get through your divorce. We look forward to helping you reach a better-informed decision and, ultimately, a successful divorce outcome. Contact us today, and let us help you start the next phase of your life.
