How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Missouri?

Facing a contested divorce in Missouri can feel like navigating uncharted waters. One of the most pressing questions on your mind is undoubtedly: “How long will this take?” Unfortunately, there is no simple, one-size-fits-all answer. The timeline for a contested divorce in Missouri is influenced by a multitude of factors, making it crucial to understand the potential stages and variables involved.

Unlike an uncontested divorce where both parties are in agreement on all key issues, a contested divorce involves disagreements on matters such as property division, child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance (alimony). These disagreements necessitate court intervention, which inherently adds time to the process.

At Columbia Family Law Group, LLC, our experienced Missouri divorce attorneys are ready to assist with your contested divorce and any other family law matters you have. Schedule a consultation to learn more.

Understanding the Typical Stages of a Contested Divorce

To better grasp the potential timeline, here are some of the typical stages of a contested divorce in Missouri:

1. Filing the Petition: The process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court. 
2. Service of Process: Once the petition is filed, the other spouse must be formally served with a copy of the petition and a summons. 
3. Respondent’s Response: After being served, the Respondent has a specific timeframe to file an Answer with the court. 
4. Discovery: This is often the most time-consuming stage in a contested divorce. Discovery involves both parties gathering information relevant to the case. 
5. Negotiation and Mediation: Throughout the process, and often mandated by the court, the parties may attempt to negotiate a settlement agreement. 
6. Trial: If all attempts at settlement fail, the case will proceed to trial. At trial, both parties present evidence and testimony to the judge, who will then make the final decisions on all contested issues. Scheduling a trial can take significant time depending on the court’s docket. 
7. Judgment and Potential Appeals: Once the judge issues a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, the divorce is finalized. However, either party has the right to appeal the judge’s decision within a specific timeframe if they believe there was a legal error. 

Factors Influencing the Length of a Contested Divorce

Several key factors can significantly impact how long a contested divorce takes in Missouri:

• Complexity of Assets: Cases involving substantial and complex assets (e.g., businesses, multiple properties, retirement accounts) often require more extensive discovery and valuation, leading to a longer timeline.
• Child Custody Disputes: Disagreements regarding child custody and visitation schedules can be emotionally charged and legally intricate.
• Spousal Maintenance Disputes: Determining whether spousal maintenance is appropriate and the amount and duration can extend the time it takes to complete a divorce.
• Level of Cooperation: The willingness of both parties to cooperate, provide information, and engage in good-faith negotiations can significantly expedite the process. 
• Court Docket and Schedule: The workload of the specific court handling the case can influence how quickly hearings and trials can be scheduled. 
• Legal Representation: Experienced attorneys can help navigate the legal process efficiently and advocate for their clients’ interests, potentially streamlining certain aspects. 

How Long Will My Case Take?

While it is impossible to provide an exact timeframe, a contested divorce in Missouri can realistically take anywhere from several months to over a year or even longer, depending on the factors mentioned above. 

Simpler contested cases with minimal disputes and cooperative parties might resolve within six to twelve months. More complex cases with significant disagreements and uncooperative parties can easily extend beyond a year.

Get Help with a Contested Divorce in Missouri

Given the complexities and variability involved, it is crucial to seek legal advice from an experienced Missouri divorce attorney as early as possible. An attorney can assess the specific circumstances of your case, provide a more realistic estimate of the potential timeline, and guide you through each stage of the process, protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests. 

The Missouri divorce attorneys at Columbia Family Law Group, LLC can help with your contested divorce. Contact us today for a consultation of your case.