Arabic divorce lawyer in Missouri

Missouri is a purely no-fault divorce state — fault grounds were abolished. Neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing. However, "marital misconduct" (such as adultery or dissipation of assets) can be considered by the court when dividing property or awarding maintenance. The 30-day waiting period is one of the shortest in the nation. St. Louis City and St. Louis County have separate circuit courts, and Kansas City cases are heard in Jackson County Circuit Court.

Missouri uses equitable distribution (RSMo 452.330). Marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers the economic circumstances of each spouse, the contribution of each spouse to the acquisition of marital property (including homemaking), the value of non-marital property, the conduct of the parties during the marriage, and custodial arrangements.

Missouri uses "legal custody" (decision-making) and "physical custody" (residential time) terminology. Courts may award joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or sole custody. Missouri has a strong public policy favoring frequent and meaningful contact with both parents (RSMo 452.375). A "parenting plan" must be submitted by both parties. Relocation (moving 50+ miles) requires court approval or the other parent's written consent.

Missouri uses Form 14, an income shares model that calculates support based on both parents' gross incomes, the number of children, childcare costs, and health insurance costs. The court can deviate from the presumed amount if it is unjust or inappropriate.

Support continues until age 18, or age 21 if the child is still in school and making satisfactory progress. Missouri courts can also order parents to contribute to college expenses if the child enrolls in a program of instruction within a reasonable time after completing high school. Each parent's overnight custody time affects the support calculation.