Joplin Divorce Lawyer

The end of a marriage often requires important decisions about property, finances, and parenting responsibilities. A Joplin divorce lawyer can explain the legal process and handle issues that occur when dissolving a marriage. In some cases, the divorce process includes issues with child custody, child support, businesses, retirement, and other properties.

Hire a Divorce Lawyer

Divorce cases involving significant assets often require careful analysis of complex financial issues. Aaron Bundy is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers.

He has been recognized by Chambers High Net Worth, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, and the Spear’s 500 Family Lawyers Index for his work in family law.*

The Joplin family law attorneys at Bundy represent clients throughout Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas in divorce matters involving substantial assets, business interests, trusts, investments, and other complex financial issues.

Understanding the Grounds for Divorce in Missouri

Missouri is a no-fault divorce state. This means that a spouse does not have to prove any wrongful conduct by the other party in order to be granted a divorce. Instead, the court can grant a dissolution of marriage when it finds that the marriage is irretrievably broken and cannot be preserved under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 452.320.

A divorce case generally starts when one of the spouses files a petition with the court and serves the other spouse with the papers. The parties may have to deal with temporary issues related to finances, living arrangements, or parenting responsibilities while the case is pending. An overview of the legal standards for divorce can help you understand what to expect.

Key Issues Typically Resolved During a Divorce

In a divorce, there may be many issues present in addition to dissolving the marriage. The court may be asked to divide marital property and debts, award maintenance, and make orders regarding the couple’s children. Missouri’s property division statutes are found in Mo. Rev. Stat. § 452.330, which provides a list of factors that the court may consider in dividing the marital property.

Some divorces present clear financial issues, while others may require valuation of businesses, professional practices, retirement plans, trusts, or investment accounts. The issues that arise will vary based on the parties’ situation and the nature of their assets, liabilities, and family relationships.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

The direction that a divorce case will take is often dependent on whether the parties are in agreement on the issues that need to be resolved. An uncontested divorce generally occurs when spouses have reached agreements regarding property, support, and parenting issues before the court is required to resolve those matters.

A contested divorce will take place when disputes between the parties remain. Contested cases can involve negotiation, mediation, discovery, motion hearings, and, in some cases, a trial. Missouri favors resolution of disputes when appropriate, but judicial intervention may be required when substantial disagreements remain. The amount of conflict between the parties can have an impact on the length, expense, and complexity of a divorce case.

FAQs

What Is the Divorce Rate in Missouri?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Missouri recorded a divorce rate of 2.6 divorces per 1,000 residents in 2023. Even though every marriage and family situation is unique, this statistic reflects the number of individuals who may encounter legal issues involving marital dissolution, property division, parenting arrangements, and financial obligations each year.

What Do Divorce Statistics Show About Marriage in the United States?

Divorce is a reality that many families in this country face. As of 2025, a Pew Research Center analysis found that about one-third of adults who have ever married in the United States have experienced a divorce. A divorce can impact many areas of a person’s life, from finances and parenting arrangements to property ownership and other key matters.

How Long Must You Live in Missouri Before Filing for Divorce?

You must live in Missouri for about three months before filing for divorce. Generally, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 452.305 requires that at least one party has been a Missouri resident for at least 90 days before filing.

Jurisdiction can become an issue when the spouses have only recently moved to Missouri or when the spouses have ongoing ties to more than one state. The facts of each case can determine the application of jurisdictional requirements.

Does Missouri Require a Legal Separation Before Divorce?

Missouri does not require spouses to legally separate before filing for divorce. In most cases, one party will file directly for dissolution of marriage if they meet the legal requirements. In other cases, a party may file for legal separation for financial, religious, or personal reasons. A legal separation can also be useful to work out issues of property, support, and parenting without ending the marriage.

Can a Divorce Be Finalized Without Going to Trial?

A divorce can be finalized without going to trial. Many divorces are settled out of court, with couples successfully negotiating agreements on property, support, and any other points of disagreement. Spouses may use settlement negotiations, mediation, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution to resolve their disputes short of a judicial determination.

In those cases where substantial issues of disagreement remain, the case will go to trial in the Jasper County Circuit Court.

Contact a Joplin, MO Divorce Lawyer From Bundy Today

The dissolution of a marriage can create financial and legal uncertainty involving property, co-parenting, support obligations, and future planning. Every divorce case is different, and issues that arise can be as unique as the individuals involved. Factors such as the length of a marriage, property held by both spouses, and having children can have an influence on what will take place in a divorce proceeding.

Careful planning and education can be vital to the decision-making process. At Bundy, we prioritize client communication and transparency to help you make well-informed choices. Our law firm serves clients in Joplin and throughout Southwest Missouri in contested and uncontested divorce matters and addresses the legal and financial concerns commonly associated with marital dissolution. Schedule a consultation today to hire a divorce lawyer.

*Recognition and awards do not guarantee future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.