Missouri DIY Divorce Options and Resources

Missouri calls divorce “dissolution of marriage” and recognizes only one no-fault ground: the marriage is “irretrievably broken” (RSMo §452.320). If both spouses agree on property, custody, and support, you can file without a lawyer using free forms from the Missouri Courts website. This guide covers the pro se form packet, the Litigant Awareness Program, mediation options, and the dissolution-by-affidavit shortcut available in some circuits.

Free Pro Se Forms and Self-Help Resources

The Office of State Courts Administrator (OSCA) provides a complete packet of fillable PDF forms at no cost through the Dissolution of Marriage Forms page. Key forms include:

• CAFC001 – Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The primary filing document that initiates your case, including residency, marriage details, and requested relief.
• CAFC050 – Statement of Income and Expenses: A mandatory financial disclosure filed by both spouses.
• CAFC040 – Statement of Property and Debt: Lists all marital assets and liabilities with proposed division terms.
• CAFC070 – Judgment and Decree of Dissolution: The final order submitted to the judge for signature once terms are agreed upon.

Before filing, Missouri requires every self-represented litigant to complete the Litigant Awareness Program (Rule 88.09) on the Missouri Legal Services self-help portal. The free online course explains court procedures, deadlines, and the risks of representing yourself. You must print the completion certificate and include it with your filing.

Step-by-Step DIY Filing Checklist

1. Confirm residency: At least one spouse must have been a Missouri resident for 90 days before filing (RSMo §452.305).
2. Complete the Litigant Awareness Program on selfrepresent.mo.gov and print your certificate.
3. Download and complete the OSCA form packet from courts.mo.gov. If children are involved, also complete the Form 14 child-support calculation worksheet and a parenting plan.
4. File the petition (CAFC001) with your circuit court clerk. Filing fees are approximately $132.50, though they vary by county. Request a fee waiver with a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis if cost is a hardship.
5. Serve the other spouse: Use the sheriff, a private process server, or have your spouse sign an Entry of Appearance waiving formal service.
6. Wait 30 days: Missouri imposes a mandatory 30-day waiting period after filing before the court can enter a final judgment (RSMo §452.320).
7. Attend a hearing or submit by affidavit: In most uncontested cases, a brief hearing is required where you testify that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Some circuits allow dissolution by affidavit for fully agreed cases, eliminating the hearing entirely.

For a complete document list, see our Missouri divorce filing checklist. For expected timelines, visit our Missouri divorce timeline guide.

Mediation and Dissolution by Affidavit

Under Supreme Court Rule 17, Missouri circuit courts may order mediation when custody or visitation is disputed. Some circuits mandate mediation before scheduling a trial. If children are involved, both parents must also complete the FOCIS parenting education course (approximately $47 per parent in Jackson County; fees vary by circuit).

For couples who agree on all terms, several Missouri circuits offer dissolution by affidavit—a streamlined process where both spouses submit sworn written statements instead of appearing for an in-court hearing. This option is not available in every county, so check with your circuit clerk. When available, it can shorten an uncontested dissolution to as little as six weeks from filing.

Estimate Your Missouri Divorce Costs

Use our free calculator to estimate overall divorce expenses in Missouri, including filing fees, mediation costs, and potential attorney fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for divorce online in Missouri? Missouri does not currently offer e-filing for self-represented litigants. You can download the free OSCA form packet online, but the completed forms must be filed in person or by mail at your circuit court clerk’s office.

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Missouri? No. Missouri allows pro se filing, and the OSCA forms are designed for self-represented parties. The Litigant Awareness Program is required before filing. For complex cases involving significant assets, business ownership, or contested custody, consulting a family law attorney is strongly recommended.

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Missouri? An agreed dissolution typically takes six to twelve weeks from filing. The minimum is 30 days due to the statutory waiting period (RSMo §452.320), plus processing time that varies by county caseload.