Divorces are stressful. Not only are you ending your relationship, but you're also dealing with things like child custody, spousal support, and division of assets. Navigating the uncertainties of your divorce can be overwhelming without the help of legal counsel. If you need an experienced divorce attorney in Independence, Missouri, you can depend on James Piedimonte, P.C. He also serves clients in Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Liberty, and Kansas City.
Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, meaning it is not necessary to prove that one party is at fault for the decline of the marriage. The court must only find there was a disintegration in the key objects and goals of the marriage and that there is no prospect of marriage reconciliation.
If both parties agree to the dissolution of the marriage, no further evidence is generally required. However, if one party alleges the marriage is not irretrievably broken, the court will have to consider all relevant factors, including the circumstances that lead to the filing of the petition and the likelihood of reconciliation.
In order to file for divorce in Missouri, at least one of the parties must have been a resident of the state of Missouri for a minimum of 90 days. A divorce filing in Missouri begins with the Petition of Dissolution of Marriage. It must be filed in the Circuit Court of the county in which the person filing, the petitioner, resides.
The standard divorce petition does not require the petitioner to enter a specific reason for filing; it only asks two questions regarding the future of the marriage:
If both parties state that the marriage is irretrievably broken or neither spouse denies it, the court can determine the marriage is irretrievably broken and enter an order of dissolution of marriage. However, if one spouse claims the marriage isn't broken, the process can be prolonged.
In the event that the court must determine whether a marriage is broken, and the divorce should be granted include, but are not limited to:
The petition for divorce must be on file for at least 30 days before the court can dissolve the marriage. The court may delay its decision for up to six months, after which it must readdress the matter at hand. During this period, the court may recommend the parties seek counseling.
The choice of a divorce attorney is a critical one. If you want to file for divorce in Missouri, you’ll need an experienced attorney to make sure your rights are protected. The right attorney will be able to answer any of your questions, walk you through your options, and give you their professional input.
At James Piedimonte, P.C. understands that each divorce is unique. Attorney Piedimonte will listen closely and customize his representation to your best interests. Make your split as painless as possible, and contact divorce attorney James Piedimonte now.
When you work with James Piedimonte, P.C., you'll receive representation based on years of experience. With nearly 40 years of practicing as a divorce and family law attorney, he can address all of your questions and concerns. He'll keep your information confidential and work toward decisions that benefit you. Do you need a divorce attorney in Independence, Missouri? Contact James Piedimonte, P.C. today.
