In Missouri, divorce cases start with a summons delivered to the defendant. The defendant has up to sixty days to respond. Their choices are to either accept the divorce agreement or contest the divorce. A Divorce Attorney in Jefferson County MO explains divorce laws and requirements to petitioners who are ready to end their marriages.
No-Fault Divorce Grounds
The state prevents anyone from using fault-based divorce grounds. No petitioners can use any grounds other than an irretrievable breakdown or assign blame in a divorce case. The state simplifies the process and helps petitioners get a divorce without any proof of wrongdoing.
Separating Property Amicably
All property is separated according to community property laws and requires the couple to split all property purchased together. All inherited property remains with the rightful owner and isn’t divided in a divorce. Any property purchased after the couple was legally married is classified as community property.
Discussing Child Custody and Support
Child custody and support arrangements require the couple to agree completely, or they must negotiate. If a couple cannot come to an agreement, a custody hearing is scheduled. The court makes all determinations about child custody, parenting time, and child support payments. The child support is calculated according to the total number of children produced during the marriage and the current rate per child. A failure to pay child support leads to potential jail time.
Who Can Get Alimony?
Alimony is paid to help a spouse transition through the divorce, pay for an educational program, or maintain a standard of living. Permanent alimony is paid to a spouse after the couple has been married at least ten years. It is paid until one spouse dies or the spouse receiving the payments remarries.
In Missouri, divorce cases present couples with an opportunity to end their marriages amicably. The right agreement gives the couple a fair settlement and shared custody. The state requires couples to follow community property laws for splitting marital assets. Alimony is provided under specific circumstances. Petitioners who want to learn more about the process can contact a Divorce Attorney in Jefferson County MO through Wegmann Law Firm right now.
