Real numbers for Missouri — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
Divorce procedure varies by state in the details, but the overall arc in Missouri looks like this:
Treat this as a general framework rather than Missouri-specific legal guidance — a licensed attorney or your local courthouse self-help center can confirm exact requirements for your case.
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Calculate My Missouri Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Missouri ranges from roughly $2,520 for a simple uncontested case to $28,000 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Missouri has a 30-day waiting period. It recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $163 | $793 | $4,200 |
| Uncontested with children | $2,520 | $4,200 | $6,300 |
| Contested, no trial | $9,625 | $17,500 | $28,000 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $28,000 | $33,250 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $13,300 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Missouri is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $163 statewide average
| Jackson County (Kansas City) | $163 |
| St. Louis City | $163 |
| St. Louis County | $163 |
| Greene (Springfield) | $160 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Missouri average $220 per hour.
A Kansas City couple with no children and agreed property division would spend $163 in filing fees and $1,200–$3,000 in attorney costs — roughly $1,400–$3,300 for an uncontested divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Missouri?
An uncontested divorce in Missouri typically costs $4,200–$6,300 including the $163 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $17,500–$28,000 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
What is Missouri's waiting period for divorce?
Missouri has a 30-day waiting period from the date of filing before a dissolution can be finalized.
Is Missouri a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Missouri is a no-fault state. The ground for dissolution is that the marriage is 'irretrievably broken.'
How is property divided in Missouri?
Missouri follows equitable distribution. Marital property is divided fairly based on contributions, length of marriage, and economic circumstances.
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Open Missouri Calculator →Filing fees based on Missouri court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.