Do You Have to Go to Court to Get a Divorce in Missouri?
Finder Law Serves Clients Across Jefferson City, Columbia, and Central Missouri
If you’re thinking about divorce in Missouri, one of the first questions you may have is:
“Do I have to go to court?”
The answer is
yes—but how much time you spend in court depends on your situation.
Divorce Is a Court Process in Missouri
In Missouri, divorce (called “dissolution of marriage”) is always handled through the court system. A judge is the only person who can legally end your marriage. That means at least some court involvement is required.
However, the amount of court time varies depending on whether your divorce is uncontested or contested.
Uncontested Divorce: Minimal Court Involvement
If you and your spouse agree on all major issues—like division of property, custody arrangements, child support, and spousal support—your divorce is considered uncontested.
In an uncontested divorce:
- You and your attorney can prepare a settlement agreement in writing.
- This agreement is filed with the court.
- Often, only one short court hearing is required, where the judge reviews your paperwork and makes sure everything complies with Missouri law.
In many uncontested divorces, the court appearance may only take a few minutes.
Contested Divorce: More Court Hearings
If you and your spouse cannot agree on key issues, your divorce becomes contested. In this case, the court will hold hearings (and possibly a trial) to decide matters like property division, custody, and support.
Contested divorces typically involve:
- Multiple court hearings
- Mediation or settlement conferences
- Possibly a trial before a judge
This process takes longer, costs more, and requires significantly more court time than an uncontested divorce.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Options
Even if you start out with disagreements, you may be able to avoid lengthy court battles by using tools like:

- Mediation – A neutral professional helps you and your spouse reach an agreement.
- Collaborative divorce – Both spouses work with attorneys outside of court to settle issues.
If you’re able to reach an agreement through these methods, you may only need one brief court appearance for the judge to finalize your divorce.
Bottom Line
In Missouri, you do have to go to court to get divorced, because only a judge can legally dissolve your marriage. But whether your time in court is short and simple—or long and complicated—depends on how much you and your spouse can agree on outside of court.
If you’re considering divorce, talking with an experienced Missouri family law attorney can help you understand your options, reduce stress, and determine the best path forward for your situation. Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC has a proven track record of success in working with clients on both uncontested and contested divorces. He can help you navigate this stressful and often confusing process, and fight for you to receive a fair outcome.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our office directly.
