What is an Uncontested Divorce?
An “Uncontested” divorce means that ALL issues are agreed upon in a complete agreement. A complete agreement is where you and your spouse agree on things right down to who gets the toaster and who picks up the youngest child on Tuesday from gymnastics.
How does this work?
Option 1: On your own.
Go to the Missouri Court website. There are templates of forms and schedules that you can use with your spouse to see if you have an agreement.
Option 2: Hire a lawyer.
You may be tempted to brave the legal system yourself to save money, but much like putting a new roof on your home, it’s inadvisable to handle your divorce on your own. The smallest hiccup can end up creating a costly mess. Take the more affordable divorce route and save time by seeking legal counsel from the start.
View tips on finding the right lawyer.
What Is Covered In An Uncontested Divorce?
Covered
✔ Drafting all court documents.
✔ Drafting deeds, gift affidavits, retirement account orders.
✔ Notarizing any documents we draft (if done at our office).
✔ The Court’s filing fee.
✔ Lawyer reviews all documents.
✔ Lawyer goes with you if the judge has questions.
✔ Two revisions.
✔ Advice to change illegal terms to legal ones.
Not Covered
✘ Legal advice, unless to change an illegal term to a legal one.
✘ Filing deeds with Recorder’s Office.
✘ Filing your vehicle transfer documents.
✘ Tax advice.
✘ Defending the judgment if your spouse decides to undo the agreement.
✘ Withdrawing the judgment if you want to back out of the agreement.
✘Consultation with a lawyer.
Fees
Uncontested with
NO Children
If you and your spouse’s total assets are under $250,000, regardless of the value of your debt (including mortgage), the fee is $1,500.
OR If you and your spouse’s total assets are over $250,000, or one of your income’s is over $100,000, the fee will scale with asset value.
Uncontested
WITH Children*
If you and your spouse’s total assets are under $250,000, regardless of the value of your debt (including mortgage), the fee is $2,000.
OR If you and your spouse’s total assets are over $250,000, or one of your income’s is over $100,000, the fee will scale with asset value.
*all children of the spouses must have been born not later than 6 months of the date of the marriage
Finding the
Right Lawyer