Divorce proceedings are often emotional legal processes that present various issues, especially for couples ending long-term marriages. A marriage dissolution may involve reaching agreements about dividing property, sharing custody of children, and determining child or spousal support.
A Town and Country divorce lawyer at Jones Family Law Group could help ease the difficult process and protect your best interests. Contact our skilled attorneys for experienced, confidential and dedicated legal counsel about your situation.
The Different Types of Divorce Proceeding Options
You have several options for divorce proceedings. These include the following:
- Uncontested divorces involve a couple that reaches an amicable agreement about the division of their property, child or spousal support, and child custody.
- Contested divorces require legal proceedings and litigation to settle and agree in family court.
- Mediation involves a neutral party, typically a trained attorney, helping the couple agree on child custody, support, and divorce settlements instead of a family court judge deciding and issuing orders.
Collaborative divorces involve negotiations between the parties, their attorneys, and a collaborative team to reach agreements without going through the court. A Town and Country divorce attorney at our firm could answer specific questions and help determine the best option after reviewing your case.
Missouri Dissolution of Marriage Proceedings
Dissolution of marriage is the legal proceeding after one spouse files a petition to request termination of the marriage. Divorces will typically involve the division of your assets and property, spousal support or alimony, support for children, and child custody agreements.
Equitable Distribution of Marital Property
Equitable distribution means a family court judge is to fairly divide the divorcing couple’s marital property and debt after considering the unique circumstances of each case. They are required to reach the fairest settlement in each proceeding, which does not always mean the settlement is equal. According to the Missouri Revised Statute § 452.330, marital property is any asset or property either spouse acquired during the course of the marriage, except for the following:
- Inheritance or gifts received which names one of the divorcing spouses as the sole beneficiary
- Real property one of the spouses purchased using a gift or inheritance they received as the sole beneficiary
- Property and assets owned by a spouse prior to the marriage
- Property and assets gained by one spouse after the court granted a legal separation
- Property excluded as marital property by a valid and enforceable prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement signed by both spouses
Our experienced lawyers in Town and Country could help you navigate the divorce agreement and settlement processes to reach a fair outcome.
Consult a Seasoned Divorce Attorney in Town and Country
Ending a marriage is never simple, even if you seek an uncontested divorce. The proceedings are often taxing and complex, with many challenges to overcome. A Town and Country divorce lawyer could be a crucial ally in protecting your rights and reaching a favorable outcome.
At Jones Family Law Group, we treat every case as a top priority. We believe that everyone deserves the same exceptional quality of legal service. Call us today to schedule a consultation about your case.