Missouri Divorce Cost Estimator
Estimate your total cost of divorce in Missouri using verified state data. Filing fees, attorney rates, child support, and alimony, all in one place.
Missouri divorces typically cost 52% less than the national average of $12,900.
Divorce in Missouri
- Property system
- Equitable distribution
- Filing fee
- $163 - $201
- Waiting period
- 30 days
- Residency requirement
- 90 days
- Uncontested cost range
- $1,200 - $3,500
- Attorney hourly rate
- $175/hr - $350/hr
Divorce Cost Estimator in Missouri: What You Should Know
Missouri is a moderate-cost state with a short 30-day waiting period. Filing fees run $163 to $201, attorney rates are $175 to $350 per hour, and uncontested cases cost $1,200 to $3,500. Contested cases fall in the $9,000 to $28,000 range. Missouri courts start from a presumption favoring joint custody, which can reduce the time spent litigating parenting time. Property is divided equitably, and most of the contested-case cost comes from disputes over property, support, and custody rather than the filing process.
Key point: Missouri's 30-day waiting period is one of the shorter ones, and its joint-custody presumption often narrows the issues parents fight about.
Where will you file, and what type of divorce are you expecting?
Locked to Missouri on this page.
Divorce Cost in Missouri - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does divorce cost in Missouri?
An uncontested divorce in Missouri typically runs $1,200 - $3,500, while a contested divorce ranges from $9,000 - $28,000. Your actual cost depends on whether you and your spouse agree on the major terms, how complex your assets are, and whether children are involved. The calculator on this page gives you a personalized estimate based on your situation.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Missouri?
The court filing fee for divorce in Missouri is $163 - $201. Add about $50 for serving papers on your spouse, plus a typical county clerk surcharge of around $15. Filing fees vary by county, so check with your local court for the exact amount. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay.
How long does divorce take in Missouri?
An uncontested divorce in Missouri usually takes about 3 months from filing to final judgment, while contested cases average around 10 months. Missouri requires a mandatory waiting period of 30 days after filing before a divorce can be finalized. You also need to meet a residency requirement of 90 days before filing.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Missouri?
No, Missouri allows you to file for divorce without a lawyer (called pro se filing). For uncontested divorces with no children and few shared assets, many people file successfully on their own. If your case involves children, retirement accounts, real estate, a business, or any disagreement, hiring an attorney is strongly worth considering. Missouri attorneys typically charge $175/hr - $350/hr.
How is property divided in a Missouri divorce?
Missouri follows equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly based on the circumstances, not always equally. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property (assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance) usually stays with the original owner. Retirement accounts, real estate, business interests, and pensions often need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide, which typically costs $400 to $1,200 in Missouri.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.