Thinking About Divorce? Know What Other Options You Have in Missouri

Thinking About Divorce? Know What Other Options You Have in Missouri If you are thinking about filing a divorce in Missouri, you need to consider your options very carefully. It is because a divorce entirely ends the marriage relationship forever.

For some couples going through difficult times, a divorce might not be the best option.

Missouri Family Law allows couples to enter into a marital separation agreement to help them get some space in the relationship without ending the relationship altogether.

While some couples need to stay married for financial reasons, others might want to give legal separation a try before the divorce. Thus, if you are thinking about divorce, get in touch with a separation attorney with experience in Missouri’s family court system. Attorney Jacob Esther, with rich expertise and knowledge in matters of divorces, child custody, child support, and other family issues, can help you understand what legal separation and divorce can mean for you, and what could be the best option.

What does a Legal Separation mean in Missouri?

Under Missouri Family Law, a legal separation does not mean just living apart. It allows a couple to divide up all of their belongings, plan schedules for child custody and visitation. However, the couple is not separated in legal terms. A legal separation requires a judgment from a family court. Just like judgment dissolving a marriage, a judgment for legal separation is required to include provisions for child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and property division if applicable.

How does legal separation differ from a divorce?

Missouri family law courts grant a divorce only if they find that a marriage is irretrievably broken and there is no reasonable likelihood of the marriage preservation.

Once a court grants a divorce, the marriage ends forever.

State Family Law instructs courts to grant a legal separation when there are chances that the marriage can be preserved. In this case, the couple still remains married but the court has approved the separation of their property and lives. The court also ensures that the terms of the agreement are fair to both parties and should cover every issue that a divorce agreement would cover.

Apart from this, the statute also suggests that a court can deny a divorce to someone who wants one and grant them a legal separation instead. However, it happens only occasionally.

When spouses are fighting one another in court, a court considers it as a sign that their marriage cannot be preserved.

Continue Reading…