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Divorce FAQ

Common Divorce Questions Answered

If you are getting a divorce, you likely have many important questions that need to be answered as quickly as possible. At Hogan Law Group, we believe that with the right representation, our clients will be afforded the best protection throughout the divorce process.

Whether you are concerned about your property rights, or the custody of your children, we strive to provide you with nothing short of the best legal advocacy. We want to give you peace of mind and make the divorce process as painless and stress-free as possible.

We encourage you to read our frequently asked questions about divorce below. If you have other questions or would like legal assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us directly to set up a free case evaluation.

What are the grounds for divorce in Missouri?

Missouri is a "no-fault" divorce state, which means that if one of the parties testifies that the marriage is irretrievably broken, the spouses will get a divorce and the marriage will be legally over.

Is there a residency requirement?

Yes there is, you or your spouse must have been a resident of Missouri for at least 90 days before filing the petition for dissolution.

Where do I file the petition?

You can file the petition in the county where you live or the county where your spouse lives.

What happens once I file the petition?

If your spouse fails to file an answer within 30 days of being served the petition, he or she is considered to be in default. This means that the court can enter a default judgment granting you the divorce, however, the court will likely set aside the default if your spouse requests it.

Will we split property 50/50?

Missouri is not a community property state where marital property is split down the middle. Instead, Missouri is an equitable distribution state, which means the court will distribute marital property between the spouses in a manner it believes is equitable (fair), but this does not necessarily mean equally.

Is spousal support automatically awarded?

In the past, husbands were routinely ordered to pay spousal support, (now called "maintenance" in Missouri), which is not that easy to get. In order to receive maintenance, you must meet a threshold test, and if you pass that test, the court will consider a variety of factors when deciding on the amount of maintenance to be awarded.

Will I get custody of the children?

Missouri favors joint custody, which is where the parents share major decisions and each have a significant amount of time with the children. In cases where the parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, and mediation is unsuccessful, the courts will make a decision based on the best interests of the children.

Helping the Residents of St. Louis for Over 25 Years

If you have more questions, we would love to answer them in a free case evaluation. The decision to hire a St. Louis divorce attorney is important, and your choice of lawyer can have a direct impact on the future of your family.

It is our goal to help your case get resolved successfully and amicably, no matter how complex your case is. We want to protect your best interests and with more than 25 years of experience, we are more than confident in our ability to help you obtain the favorable results you need.

Contact Hogan Law Group to schedule your free consultation.

Success Stories From Our Clients

  • “I understand I am not his only client, but he made me feel like I was his priority. I have never had an attorney that would reach out to me on a weekend, till I met Mr. Hogan.”

    Linda

  • “It was a small task, but Bill treated me as though I was his first client. Thank you, Bill, for your great service!”

    Kathy K.

  • “Bill truly listens and understands your issue and applies his very extensive knowledge to help.”

    Chris S.

What to Expect When Working With Hogan Law Group

  • An initial consultation that is risk free and confidential
  • Personal treatment that is tailored to your unique needs
  • Legal representation backed by 25+ years of experience
  • Focused advice geared toward helping you get out of a difficult situation
  • Service that makes preserving your rights, interests, and finances the highest priority
  • A dedicated partnership from your first contact with us to the final outcome