Legal Options for Uncontested Divorce in Missouri

If you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage amicably, an uncontested divorce in Missouri might be the right path for you.

This process can be quicker, less expensive, and less stressful than a traditional contested divorce. At The Betz Law Firm, we’re here to guide you through your options and help you quickly navigate this challenging time.

Don’t navigate your uncontested divorce alone. Contact The Betz Law Firm today for a consultation.

Call (314) 801-8488

Contact Us Online

Excellent

Based on 47 reviews

David was very helpful and respectful all around. He took the time to hear my Son’s concerns and made him feel comfortable sharing these concerns. He was always on time and ready to handle our case, always prepared. I appreciate that, to me it shows that he really does care about the families he’s helping. I highly recommend him if you are considering a GAL for your case.

John E.

I appreciate Mr. Betz taking the time and effort to get to know everyone, especially including by being a part of depositions, and helping to facilitate an opportunity for us to move forward amicably in a co-parenting dynamic. I would recommend him.

Robert B.

I have known David for many years, working on cases and outside of work. He is a fantastic advocate, has high standards, is well respected and sticks to his principles. He gets the struggles parents can face raising kids these days. I really admire his courage and how he fights to make a positive difference in people's lives, especially for his clients.

Chris C.

The Betz law firm did an amazing and efficient job executing on my non-contested divorce. My ex drug his feet and the law firm kept on him and even was prepared to go forward with a non-response judgement. My ex responded the day before we went for a non-responsive judgement and agreed, finally. The judge signed off within the week and I was notified via email that my divorce was final a few days prior to receiving the email. I never had to go to their office or to court to face my ex. From start to finish, this took 6 months almost to the day. Again, my ex drug his feet, this could have probably gone faster. Thank you Debbye Laskey for keeping the paperwork straight and to Mr. Betz for the legal components.

AB M.

Mr. Betz is an exceptional attorney who has been an advisor for me and represented many of my clients. He is well respected within the legal community and trusted by all.

Nick P.

David and his team are excellent to work with. The care, expertise, along with the ease and frequency of communications always kept me well informed and aware of the status of my situation. I cannot recommend The Betz Law Firm enough and I won’t hesitate to call them again in the future if I ever require their services again.

Amanda A.

David was amazing in my case. He was very helpful and very informative and also very understanding. Easy to communicate with.

Ian B.

Mr Betz worked with both of us for us with our mediation, no matter how frustrating she was becoming. He handled the situation very calmly and professionally. Thank you for helping it come to a resolution.

mark H.

I have worked with Mr. Betz a number of times and have always found him to be a wonderful GAL and mediator. He does the work, gets things done, and cares about the tasks and people involved. I highly recommend him as both a GAL and mediator.

Ray W.

I hired the services of David Betz for purposes of getting a name change and him and his paralegal Debbye were professional, answered emails promptly, and were able to handle a complication in my case with no problems. Would highly recommend Mr. Betz.

Laura R.

Mr. Betz is a knowledgeable and helpful straight shooter who truly cares about kids! Highly recommend.

Janice M.

The Betz Law Firm assisted my son with legally changing his name. They were extremely easy to work and very helpful!!!

Oliver W.

David Betz and Debbye Lasky were both wonderful to work with and accomplished what I needed done.

Russell M.

David was very professional and helpful for our child during a recent litigation. I would highly recommend his firm for GAL service or attorney service!

Christian E.

Fair Guardian Ad Litem who has walked a tightrope of a custody case

Isaac

I was very impressed with Mr. Betz’s service. He was the GAL for my children. He was very professional, fair-but-caring and advocated tireless for the children’s best interests. He took his time to talk to them about their wishes, giving us sound advice and guided us through an otherwise contentious process. I appreciated his professionalism, ethics and would highly recommend him.

Ann F.

My son and I have worked with David Betz for several years in custody matters concerning my grandson. I have found him to be genuinely concerned with our situation and responsive to our needs. He listens carefully and handles matters promptly. He is realistic in evaluating situations and helps us to arrive at the best possible alternatives. I highly recommend him for family law matters.

Bu J.

I am a transfeminine nonbinary person that used The Betz Firm to get my name changed. They were extremely affirming, and excited to work with me through this as it was an immensely huge deal for me. Thank you Betz Firm, for making this a reality for me!

Mason J.

Joel and David are extremely helpful and helped with everything I needed. They are kind and worked with me with all of my needs regarding my case! I would recommend to everyone!

The Wanted Emcees Mitch F.

David was phenomenal in helping me secure protection and safety for myself and my daughter during the divorce and custody case. We ultimately prevailed at the end with 100% custody and a judgement in favor of the petitioner for support, with heavy stipulations in place for visitation. David by your side in the courtroom is a sure fire win. Place your bets on Betz!

Briannica B.

David was super helpful in getting all of my questions answered. He was kind and patient while I explained the situation I was dealing with, and outlined numerous options and avenues that I had as choices. He didn't sugar coat things and was honest where he thought struggles would appear in the case, and talked through best and worst case scenarios. He also was nice enough to offer additional phone calls if more questions came up while choosing how to move forward with the case. I would highly recommend talking to David about your case if you need a family lawyer, as it's obvious that he is kind, and extremely knowledgeable about family law and the complications it can involve.

Khia H.

The Betz Firm has handled all of our family law needs. They are an impressive team to work with and they have the ability to find the best solution for their clients.

Jonathan P.

I have all the world to say about this man. He helped me piece my life back together.

Jay W.

David Betz took the time to answer all of my questions and was very kind, thoughtful, considerate, and most importantly of all knowledgeable. I very much appreciated his time and help!

Stacey Van L.

The staff is very professional and friendly and comforting to their clients (the children). They definitely put us all at ease during an uncomfortable time.
David himself is very easy to talk to, and both of my kids really liked him. I am very impressed with their involvement in our case. He has been easy to work with and good at getting back to us in a timely manner with issues regarding our case.
I would highly recommend his office to anyone in need of legal help for their children.

10 months later...

I wanted to add, we have been in this case for 22 months and it’s about to wrap up. David has been amazing. My 16 year old daughter had kind of lost her faith in the system and in adults - David really worked with her and helped hold her accountable, but also gave her a voice, great advice, and really won her over. She really trusts him. When she was struggling, she would ask to call David. When I was struggling with her, I would threaten to call David and she would become more agreeable. She really trusts and respects him. Which for me, takes a unique skill set. Not everyone can get an unhappy teen to comply and also still keep their trust and respect. My son loved David too. Both kids looked forward to our apts with David. Which when you are fighting a child support/ custody case and your drained, it’s so nice to have parts of the process be so easy and helpful. And that’s what we got from David and his staff.

David has offered to be available if he can help after the case with questions or getting a teenager in line. They were understanding and more than fair with my payment options. Joel, his assistant- is a joy to talk to and prompt to respond and he chatted with the kids and put them at ease in a very uncomfortable situation. I can’t say enough good things about them.

We drive past their office every day on the way to school and my daughter said she wanted to stop by and take David a Christmas present. That’s pretty impressive for a 16 year old.

They really made a very unbearable situation so much better; David even made us smile and laugh during a very nerve wracking time.

I would highly recommend them to anyone. Definitely 5 plus stars!

Mark E.

David helped me successfully navigate through a challenging legal scenario, where timely direction and counsel were paramount to a positive outcome. He quickly understood the issues at hand, provided very practical advice, all the while demonstrating his firm understanding of the law. Just as importantly, his advice was grounded in how the practical application of that knowledge would lead to a positive outcome. He was easy to talk with, a focused listener, honest, and it was obvious that he was not out for his own gain. It was nothing short of a positive experience from start to finish!

T M.

I retained David Betz for my divorce and very happy with how things turned out. David and his team went straight to work and kept me updated every step of the way. If you looking for someone to get the job done, then look no further. Thank You David and Joel for all you have done for me!!

Maureen F.

I felt comfortable with David and was always treated with respect and listened to.

Brian Montgomery J.

Such a great experience working with David. He truly was looking after my child's best interest and that's what it's all about. But he also was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and explained everything so that even my 7 year old could understand. Well done.

Robert S.

David is a great person and lawyer. He was on top of the situation instantly also very professional. I would recommend him to anyone that wants not only a lawyer but a friend he listened to my concerns and took action thats what I like about him. Thanks David ! My life is forever changed !

G L

David actually cared and unlike most attorneys, did not try to take as much as possible. I am satisfied and got everything I needed.

Tony Rulo J.

David Betz is professional and is very to the point! He knows the law and helps to get you a fair deal. He helped me get 50 percent custody of my kids and my home back from my ex. His staff are very knowledgeable and helpfully as well! I highly recommend him to anyone going though a custody battle!

Michael T.

I was in a very tough spot legally with a family situation. David was able to help me out and I got much more than I ever expected from the court. I give David the highest possible rating!!! He will do what is necessary to help you with your family law situation.

Chelsea S.

David Betz is very kind and will answer any questions you have regarding your case in a timely manner. I highly recommend him.

Brett M.

Really listened and provided solid advice and assistance. Always made himself available and never rushed our meetings. He really cared about our outcome, I felt like a friend rather than a client. A great attorney and true professional.

What is an Uncontested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all the significant aspects of their divorce, including:

Division of property and debts
Child custody and visitation
Child support
Alimony (also known as maintenance or spousal support)

Since there are no disputes to resolve, an uncontested divorce typically involves less time in court and lower legal fees. It’s an amicable way to dissolve a marriage, provided both parties can agree on these critical issues.

Legal Process for Uncontested Divorce in Missouri

Preparation of Divorce Papers
- The first step is to prepare the necessary legal documents. This includes the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, which outlines the divorce terms. The spouse who initiates the divorce (the petitioner) will file this document with the court.
- Other required forms may include the Marital Settlement Agreement, Parenting Plan (if children are involved), and a Financial Disclosure form.
Filing the Divorce Petition
- The petitioner must file the completed documents with the Circuit Court in the county where either spouse resides. The filing fee varies by county.
Serving the Divorce Papers
- After filing, the petitioner must legally serve the divorce papers to the other spouse (the respondent). However, in an uncontested divorce, the respondent can waive this service requirement by signing a Voluntary Entry of Appearance form.
Waiting Period
- Missouri law mandates a 30-day waiting period from the date the divorce petition is filed before the court can grant a divorce. This allows time for reflection and potential reconciliation, although this is usually just a formality in uncontested cases.
Final Hearing and Judgment
- In many uncontested divorces, a final hearing may not be necessary. If all paperwork is in order and both parties agree, the judge may issue a Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage based on the documents alone. If a hearing is required, it’s typically brief and straightforward, with the judge confirming that both parties understand and agree to the terms.

Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce

Choosing an uncontested divorce in Missouri offers several advantages:

Cost-Effective: Legal fees are significantly reduced without the need for prolonged court battles.
Swift Resolution: With both parties in agreement, the uncontested divorce process in Missouri can often be concluded within a few months, providing a faster route to closure.
Less Stressful: Avoiding contentious disputes can help both spouses maintain a more amicable relationship, which is especially beneficial if children are involved.
Privacy: An uncontested divorce generally requires fewer court appearances and less public disclosure of personal matters.

Potential Challenges

While an uncontested divorce has many benefits, it’s not without potential challenges:

Hidden Assets or Debts: If one spouse is not forthcoming about financial matters, it could lead to an unfair settlement.
Emotional Hurdles: Even when both parties agree on the terms, divorce is an emotionally taxing process. It’s essential to ensure that both parties agree without coercion or undue pressure and acknowledge the emotional toll it can take.
Complex Financial Situations: It may be challenging for couples with complicated financial portfolios to agree on fair distribution without professional assistance.

How The Betz Law Firm Can Help

While uncontested divorces can be straightforward, having experienced legal counsel can provide peace of mind and protect your rights and interests. Our team can:

Review your marital settlement agreement
Ensure all necessary documents are properly filed
Guide on complex legal issues
Represent you in court if needed

Don’t navigate your uncontested divorce alone. Contact The Betz Law Firm today for a consultation.

Call (314) 801-8488

Contact Us Online

The Betz Law Firm

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