7 Ways that Divorce in Missouri Has Changed~ 4 min read

Getting divorced in Missouri now offers more options than it did years ago. Mediation is often required, Collaborative Divorce is more widely available, and remote meetings are common. These changes make it easier for families to resolve divorce issues more peacefully and with more control over the outcome.

Change # 1 – Going to Court is No Longer the Only Option

Years ago, most divorces in Missouri were resolved through traditional litigation. That often meant long, expensive court battles. Today, more families are turning to Mediation or Collaborative Divorce to reach agreements. These methods focus on working together instead of fighting it out in court. The result is a better outcome for families and reduces the emotional toll of the divorce process.

Change # 2 – Mediation Is Now Often Required

Many counties in Missouri now require Mediation, especially in cases involving custody. In the St. Louis area, it is now common to see several hours of mandatory Mediation before a case can move forward. While it may not resolve every issue, Mediation often leads to agreements on at least some points.  It can help reduce the cost of litigation through agreements regarding discovery and necessary documents to be shared. It can help narrow the issues of what you need to be focusing on and may also help you and your spouse to communicate better, which can lead to fewer court appearances.

Change #3 – Collaborative Divorce Has Grown

In earlier years, Collaborative Divorce was not a widely known or available option in Missouri. Now, thanks to continued outreach, more professionals in the St. Louis area are offering collaborative as a divorce process option. Attorneys, financial professionals, and mental health coaches have joined the effort to offer families going through a divorce better support. When the St. Louis Collaborative group first started, there were very few professionals available. In some cases, there was only one financial expert involved and limited support from mental health professionals. That has changed significantly.

The legal and mental health community have largely driven the growth of Collaborative Divorce. Professionals have hosted meetings and provided education to help others understand how the process works and how it can benefit families. Each time a case is resolved collaboratively, it adds to the growing support for the process. Judges and attorneys are also seeing better outcomes, and the approach has continued to improve over time.

Change #4 – Remote Meetings Are More Common

You no longer need to travel to a lawyer’s office or the courthouse for every meeting. Many attorneys offer phone or Zoom consultations, even for Mediation or Collaborative Divorce sessions. This flexibility saves time and reduces the stress of missing work or arranging childcare.

Change # 5 – A New Legal Presumption About Custody

Another major shift is Missouri’s move toward a presumption of 50-50 custody. While this may sound fair on the surface, it does not always reflect what is best for your family. Courts often use a standard schedule that may not consider your child’s specific needs. In contrast, Collaborative Divorce allows for more thoughtful planning that takes your entire family’s situation into account.

Change # 6 – More Privacy Concerns with Public Records

Court records in Missouri are now much easier for the public to access. Information that used to require a trip to the courthouse is now available online. Even if certain details are redacted, much can still be pieced together that could follow your children for the rest of their lives. This is another reason more people are choosing Mediation or Collaborative Divorce. These private processes keep personal information out of the public eye.

Change # 7 – You Have More Control Over the Process

As divorce has changed in Missouri, so have your options. You can choose the divorce process that fits your family’s needs. Whether you want to avoid court entirely or need extra support from professionals, there are paths that give you more control and less stress.

Contact Family Ally

At Family Ally, we understand how much divorce in Missouri has changed and how that affects your choices. If you want a process that keeps your family’s needs in focus, contact Jennifer Piper at 314-449-9800 to schedule a consultation.

Family Ally is located at 130 S. Bemiston Ave., Suite 608, St. Louis, MO 63105.