Frequently asked questions
- What is involved in getting a divorce?
- The divorce process starts by filing a Petition in the appropriate county. Your spouse needs to be “served” with the Petition. This “service” can take place by a Sheriff’s deputy, or by your spouse signing a Waiver of Service form. After the Petition is filed, there is a thirty- day waiting period. At the end of the thirty days, you can get a Judgment for divorce. This service is most successful for spouses who agree on the terms of the divorce. When spouses agree, we can provide a Settlement Agreement for the parties to sign and submit to the Court to govern the terms of the Judgment. When children are involved, we help you create a Parenting Plan to control custody and visitation issues, as well as child support.
- How does this process work?
- You provide all of the information in our online form. We then contact you for payment and to clarify any information. Our legal staff then prepares the documents you need for filing with the Court. Within a few business days, your documents are ready. You sign the documents, have them notarized, and submit them to the Court. We provide the step-by-step instructions you need to complete the process.
- Will I have to make a personal appearance before a Judge?
- Some divorces can be completed without a personal appearance, while others cannot. After we review your situation, we will be able to tell you whether a personal appearance is required. If you are interested in avoiding a personal appearance, please check the appropriate box on the online form and we can discuss your options.
- How do I know if this uncontested system is right for me?
- This system is designed for couples who have come to an agreement about all issues in their divorce. It can also be used when you believe your spouse will not participate in the divorce action. In these situations, the divorce process is all about information and documents. You provide the information, and we provide the documents. This saves substantial money over the traditional, hourly billing system of attorneys. If, after using the online system, you feel you need personal representation, just contact our office. We will provide a credit on our fees if you hire our firm to represent you on the divorce after you have used this online system. If, after reviewing your information, we feel this system is not right for you, we will let you know. What if I have legal questions about the divorce? We are available to answer questions about the divorce process. However, questions about strategy and questions that require legal opinions are outside the scope of our representation. If you have legal questions, you may consider hiring our law firm under our traditional pricing plan.
- What if I have legal questions about the divorce?
- If you have legal questions, this online system is not for you. Through the DIY divorce process, our involvement is limited to preparation of documents, and not legal advice. If you have legal questions, you may consider hiring our law firm under our traditional pricing plan.
- What are counties in Missouri for which I can use this process?
- This system can be used in most counties throughout Missouri. If there is a problem with the county requested, we will let you know.
- How do I know which county to file the divorce in?
- A divorce can be filed in the county where the Husband or Wife lives. If the couple has minor children, the divorce should be filed in the county where the children have lived for the last ninety days.
- What if my spouse will not sign to accept service?
- We will provide the proper form for service by the Sheriff in the County where your spouse lives. Our fees do not cover the cost of service by the Sheriff.
- How much will it cost?
- For divorces without children, the cost is $250.00. Minor children add $99.00 to the total cost, while real estate adds $39.00. Each county has a specific filing fee. Greene County charges $132.00. The filing fee is not included in our fees. .
- Why is this service so inexpensive? Is it reliable?
- We are a law firm. Our documents are prepared under the supervision of attorneys who practice in Missouri. By simply preparing legal documents, we are providing limited scope representation, which is allowed by Missouri Ethical Rules. Because our job is limited to preparing documents, and not providing extensive legal representation, we are able to offer a substantial savings to you.
- Do you offer a guarantee?
- We guarantee the Court to which you submit our documents will accept them. If they do accept them because of some defect in the form, we will fix the documents for free. If you start the divorce using our online system, and then decide this uncontested option is not for you, we will provide a credit against our normal fees if you hire us.
- What information is required?
- All of the information we need is covered in the online form. Simply fill in the blanks, and we do the rest. We are relying on you to provide accurate information. We cannot be held responsible for mistakes caused by inaccurate information.
- How will I get my documents?
- Documents can be sent by mail in just a few days. You can also pick them up at our office when they are ready.
- How does this system work with the Pro Se Divorce Rule?
- Effective July 1, 2008, Missouri courts will now require individuals who represent themselves in a divorce case to take a special online class. As part of the paperwork we prepare for you, we do inform the Court we have provided Limited Scope Representation to you. However, some Courts may still require you to complete the online class. The link for the class can be found at: http://www.courts.mo.gov/page.asp?id=4092
