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A: Both parties do not have to agree to a divorce under Missouri law. The spouse who is filing for divorce will not be forced to stay in the marriage against their wishes. Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, which means that a spouse doesn't need the permission or consent of the other to file and obtain a divorce.

State law in Missouri sets no time limits or other restrictions on when you can remarry after a divorce or how long you have to wait once you get a marriage license. You could get divorced from one person and married to another person on the same day, at least in theory.

While there are many things a judge may account for in any final judgment of divorce, the first to file is not one of those factors in Missouri.

In Missouri, the person who files for divorce is known as the “petitioner,” and the other spouse is known as the “respondent.” In general, there is no significant advantage or disadvantage to being the petitioner or respondent in a Missouri divorce.

The truth is that the law does not provide any special privileges to one spouse or the other, regardless of who files. In the end, it usually comes down to who has the stronger case and perhaps (some would argue) whose divorce lawyer does a better job presenting the case.

In Missouri, the minimum amount of time for a divorce to be granted is 30 days after all the paperwork has been submitted in court. This 30-day period is set by law to give the couple enough time to cool off and avoid making impulsive decisions.

A Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage cannot be set aside. After 90 days have passed from the date the Judgment of Legal Separation was signed by the judge, either party may file a motion with the court to convert the Judgment of Legal Separation into a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.

All matters involving the children are always modifiable based on a showing of changes in circumstances. This includes child support, custody, and visitation. Also, spousal maintenance is modifiable unless it has been specifically designated as non-modifiable maintenance.

The respondent files a written response to tell his or her side of the story. This is called the Answer. If this Answer is not received within 30 days, the respondent is in default. This means the petitioner can go to court and ask for the relief requested in the petition.