Rules about divorce are different in every jurisdiction. That means that people often have a difficult time knowing what to expect. In some states, people can divorce relatively quickly. In others, the process might take half a year or longer at a minimum.
Those contemplating divorce or responding to a spouse’s recent filing may have expectations about the process ahead, including the likely timeline. What is the approximate timeline for divorce proceedings in Missouri?
Divorces last at least 60 days
The divorce process does not begin when someone makes the decision to divorce but rather when they file a petition with the family courts. After they file that petition, they have to provide legal service to their spouse.
Their spouse then has an opportunity to respond by either accepting the proposed terms or countering them. If the spouses reach a mutual agreement and they can move forward with an uncontested divorce, it is sometimes possible to complete the divorce in as little as 60 days or two months.
However, many couples may find that the process takes them longer than that. If they have minor children in the home, that frequently increases the timeline for divorce. So do disagreements about the terms for property division, shared custody and financial support.
Some spouses end up in limbo for months as they work through their disagreements before they can finally proceed with an uncontested divorce. Other times, they may find themselves unable to compromise and settle. In those situations, they may face a much longer divorce process.
Litigated divorces can take months or possibly even longer than a year to resolve. Spouses may wait some time for a hearing in court. They then have to wait for a judge to review the situation and enter their rulings on outstanding disagreements. Those hoping for a faster divorce process often need to cooperate with their spouses.
Discussing current household circumstances and goals for an upcoming divorce with a skilled legal team can help people create a more realistic estimate of the timeline for divorce in their specific situation. For many people, focusing on the best possible outcome rather than the fastest resolution is often the most effective approach to the divorce process.