Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Missouri

Uncontested / Simple Divorce in Missouri: A Plain-English Guide

If you and your spouse agree that your marriage is over and you want to keep things as simple and affordable as possible, an uncontested divorce in Missouri may be the path forward. Missouri calls divorce a dissolution of marriage, and most DIY friendly cases succeed when you use the same terminology the Missouri Circuit Courts use and file the correct set of forms.

This guide explains how a simple divorce in Missouri works: who qualifies, what the steps look like, how long it can take, and common costs. It’s written for self-represented spouses who are trying to handle a Missouri uncontested divorce without hiring a lawyer for every step.

We’ll cover the Missouri specific terms that matter for real life filing success: the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, the financial disclosure forms like Statement of Property and Debt (CAFC040) and Income and Expenses (CAFC050), the child support worksheet called Form 14, the Parenting Plan form, and the final court order called the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.

Important disclaimer: PlainDivorce is not a law firm. This article is general legal information about Missouri divorce, not legal advice for your specific situation. Court rules, forms, and fees change. Always confirm details with Missouri Courts resources, your local Circuit Clerk, or a Missouri family law attorney before you file.

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Table of Contents

• 1. What Is an Uncontested or Simple Divorce in Missouri?
• 2. Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in Missouri?
• 3. Step-by-Step: Missouri Uncontested Divorce in Circuit Court
• 4. If You Have Children: Parenting Plan (CAFC501) + Form 14 Child Support
• 5. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Missouri?
• 6. What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Missouri?
• 7. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You
• 8. Where a Self-Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Process
• 9. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

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1. What Is an Uncontested or Simple Divorce in Missouri?

In Missouri, the formal name for divorce is a dissolution of marriage. In a dissolution case, the judge must find that the marriage is irretrievably broken, meaning there is no reasonable chance the relationship can be preserved.

A contested divorce is one where spouses disagree about major issues such as child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, or division of property. Contested cases often involve multiple hearings and sometimes a trial.

An uncontested divorce in Missouri (often called a “simple divorce”) is different. In an uncontested case, you either:

• Agree on the terms and submit them to the court for approval, or
• The non-filing spouse does not respond and the case moves forward by default (but the judge still reviews what is requested).

Even when everything is amicable, you still must file in the correct court, use the correct forms, and follow the required timeline. In Missouri, divorces are handled in Circuit Court (not District Court), and the final order is a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.

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2. Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in Missouri?

To qualify for a simple, uncontested divorce in Missouri, you need to meet the legal requirements to file and the practical requirements to keep the case uncontested.

2.1 Residency and where to file (Circuit Court)

In many cases, at least one spouse must have been a Missouri resident for at least 90 days before filing. You file your case in the Missouri Circuit Court for the appropriate county (often where one spouse lives). The spouse who files is the Petitioner, and the other spouse is the Respondent.

2.2 Grounds for divorce: “irretrievably broken”

Missouri is a no-fault state. The key legal standard is whether the marriage is irretrievably broken. In a truly uncontested case, both spouses usually agree with that statement.

2.3 When your case is a good fit for uncontested divorce

• You both agree the marriage is irretrievably broken.
• You can cooperate on deadlines, signatures, and filing logistics.
• You can disclose finances honestly and complete required forms like CAFC040 and the required income and expense form for your county.
• You agree on dividing property and debts.
• If you have children, you can agree on a parenting plan and complete the child support calculation using Form 14.

If there is domestic violence, hidden assets, serious conflict about children, or a major imbalance in power or knowledge, get legal help before signing anything.

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3. Step-by-Step: Missouri Uncontested Divorce in Circuit Court

Local procedures vary by county, but most Missouri uncontested dissolutions follow the same overall structure. The goal is to submit a complete packet that the clerk can accept and the judge can approve without multiple “fix it and refile” delays.

Step 1 – Confirm eligibility and pick the uncontested approach

• Confirm you meet the 90-day residency requirement.
• Confirm you’re filing in the correct Circuit Court county.
• Confirm the marriage is irretrievably broken.
• Confirm you can agree on children (if any), support, and property, or you understand the risks of a default case.

Step 2 – Reach agreement on property, debt, and support

Before filling out forms, it helps to agree on the big categories:

• Who keeps the home (if any) and who pays the mortgage and taxes
• Vehicles and auto loans
• Bank accounts and personal property
• Retirement accounts and how they’ll be handled
• Credit cards and other debts
• Whether spousal maintenance will be paid (or waived)

Missouri courts aim for a division that looks fair under the circumstances, not necessarily exactly 50/50.

Step 3 – Prepare the Missouri forms (include the “hard stop” cover sheets)

The core initiating document is the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. In most uncontested cases, you will also deal with required financial disclosures such as:

• Statement of Property and Debt (CAFC040)
• Income and Expenses (CAFC050) (statewide form in many counties)

Local variation note (important): Some large counties (including major metro circuits) publish and require their own local “Income and Expense” style form instead of, or in addition to, the statewide CAFC050. Always check your local circuit rules and self-help instructions before you file.

Hard Stop #1 (confidential info): Many Missouri courts require the Confidential Case Filing Information Sheet (Form FI-10) so Social Security numbers and other identifiers stay off the public petition. If FI-10 is missing, the clerk may treat the filing as incomplete. (Confirm your county’s exact requirement with the Circuit Clerk.)

Hard Stop #2 (self-represented awareness program, county specific): In many counties, self-represented filers must complete a Litigant Awareness Program (online materials or video) and file a Certificate of Completion with the initial paperwork. Because this is often controlled by local rules, always check your county’s Circuit Court self-help instructions before you file.

Vital records reporting (separate from the Judgment): Missouri dissolution packets commonly include the Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage (CAFC065). This is a distinct administrative form used to report the divorce to the state, and it is not the same thing as your Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.

If you have minor children, you will also need child-related forms and calculations (including Form 14 and a Parenting Plan). Always check your county Circuit Court’s instructions for any required cover sheets or local add-ons.

Step 4 – File with the Circuit Court Clerk

File your Petition and supporting documents with the Circuit Court Clerk in the correct county and pay the filing fee (or request a fee waiver if eligible). The clerk assigns your case number and opens your court file.

Step 5 – Serve your spouse (or have them waive or accept service where allowed)

If only one spouse files, Missouri procedure usually requires that the Respondent receive legal notice (service of process). Depending on the situation, this may be done by sheriff or process server, or by signed acceptance or waiver paperwork if permitted by your court.

Incorrect service is a common reason cases get delayed, so follow the clerk’s instructions carefully.

Step 6 – The 30-day statutory waiting period

Missouri has a 30-day statutory waiting period before the court can grant a dissolution. Even if everything is agreed, you generally cannot finalize immediately after filing.

Step 7 – Finalize with a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage (hearing vs. affidavit option)

Many uncontested cases end with a brief hearing (sometimes called a prove up) where the judge confirms residency, agreement, and that the marriage is irretrievably broken. If everything is in order, the judge signs the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.

Possible hearing waiver (county specific): Some Missouri circuits allow certain uncontested cases to be finalized without a court appearance if you file an Affidavit for Judgment (or similar submission by affidavit documents). This is not available everywhere and often requires strict compliance with local rules, so ask your Circuit Clerk whether your county allows submission by affidavit for your type of case.

After entry of judgment, request certified copies if you need proof for name change, benefits, or remarriage.

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4. If You Have Children: Parenting Plan (CAFC501) + Form 14 Child Support

When minor children are involved, Missouri Circuit Courts will review custody, parenting time, and child support closely, even in uncontested cases.

Parenting Plan (CAFC501) form number (helps you find the right PDF fast)

In Missouri, the Parenting Plan is commonly identified as Form CAFC501. Some courts and packets split it into parts (for example, custody content and support content), so you may see “Part A” and “Part B” versions. Use CAFC501 as your anchor form number when searching the official forms library.

The “Form 14” hook (mandatory child support calculation)

In Missouri, child support is calculated using Form 14 (Child Support Amount Calculation Worksheet). DIY filers often struggle with it because it requires accurate financial inputs and credits (income, health insurance, childcare, and parenting time adjustments).

If Form 14 is missing, incomplete, or clearly inconsistent with your facts, the judge may delay your case or require corrections. If you agree to a support amount that differs from the guideline number, be prepared to explain why the agreement is still appropriate.

What else the court typically expects with children

• A clear parenting plan (weekdays and weekends, holidays, exchanges, communication) using the required local format
• Health insurance and uninsured medical expense sharing
• Child support terms supported by Form 14 (or a clearly explained deviation)

Some counties may require parenting classes or other local steps. Always verify your county’s Circuit Court requirements.

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5. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Missouri?

The court generally cannot grant a dissolution until at least 30 days after filing. In practice, many uncontested Missouri cases finish in roughly 2–3 months, but the timeline depends on your county’s docket, service timing, whether a hearing is required, and whether the clerk or judge asks for corrections or missing documents (like FI-10 or required certificates).

• Faster cases: complete paperwork, quick service or waiver, light court calendar
• Slower cases: missing cover sheets, service problems, Form 14 errors, busy dockets, or local rule requirements not met

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6. What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Missouri?

Common costs in a Missouri uncontested divorce include:

• Filing fee: fees vary widely by county. Some rural counties can be under $100, while other counties are higher (often $130+). Always confirm your county’s current fee schedule with the Circuit Clerk.
• Service of process: sheriff or process server costs (often another $25–$50+) if service is required
• Notary and copying costs
• Parenting class fees (if required locally)
• Certified copies of the Judgment

If you qualify financially, you may be able to request a fee waiver. Always confirm current fees with your county Circuit Court Clerk because fee schedules can change.

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7. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You

DIY can be cost effective, but it can also be risky in certain situations. Consider legal help if:

• There is domestic violence, threats, stalking, or coercion
• You suspect hidden assets or income
• You have complex assets (business, multiple properties, large retirement accounts)
• You cannot agree about children or there are safety concerns
• Immigration, bankruptcy, or major tax issues are involved

Even a one time consultation can help you avoid signing orders that create long term problems.

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8. Where a Self-Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Process

Missouri uncontested divorce is paperwork heavy. Many DIY filers get stuck on the financial disclosures (like CAFC040 and the required income and expense form for their county) and, when children are involved, the child support worksheet Form 14 and Parenting Plan requirements. Others get delayed by county hard stops like missing confidential cover sheets or not completing required self-represented program certificates.

A good self-help kit can help you:

• Understand the Missouri specific process and terms used in Circuit Court
• Stay organized with checklists and timelines (including the 30-day waiting period)
• Avoid common errors that cause the clerk or judge to reject your packet (like missing confidential cover sheets or local certificate requirements)
• Work through child support inputs needed for Form 14 more confidently

Download Our Missouri Uncontested Divorce Self-Help Kit

Using a kit is not legal advice, but it can reduce confusion and delays for couples in straightforward, cooperative cases.

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9. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

If your case is cooperative, Missouri’s system can allow you to complete a dissolution without a long court fight, but you must use the correct court terminology and forms and follow county requirements.

• Confirm the 90-day residency rule.
• File in Circuit Court (not District Court).
• Start with the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
• Complete financial disclosures like Statement of Property and Debt (CAFC040) and the required income and expense form for your county.
• Do not miss opening file hard stops like confidential cover sheets and any county required Litigant Awareness Program Certificate.
• If you have children, use the correct Parenting Plan form set (anchor ID CAFC501) and complete Form 14.
• Plan for the 30-day statutory waiting period before final judgment.
• File the Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage (CAFC065) required for state reporting.

Reminder: PlainDivorce is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice. Always verify current forms, fees, and county specific requirements with the Missouri Courts resources or your local Circuit Court Clerk before you file.