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Yes, it matters who files first in a divorce. The petitioner gets more time at trial and gets to open and close and that is an important advantage. The rest of your questions are really too complicated for that website here please go in for a consultation.

If you try to avoid service, your spouse may file a motion with the court asking to allow service by some other means, such as by publication in a newspaper, by mail, by email, or even by text message or instant messenger.

A divorce or legal separation case begins when the plaintiff the party who starts the court case files a formal complaint at the courthouse. The defendant, the other party, may answer within 28 days. If an answer is filed, the case is contested. If the defendant does not file an answer, the case is uncontested.

Missouri is a “no-fault” divorce state, which basically means you can file for divorce for any reason without a waiting or separation period and without having to prove your spouse committed some kind of misconduct. You or your spouse must, however, be a resident of Missouri in order to file for divorce here.

Is it Better to File First for Divorce in Missouri? It actually does not matter which spouse files the divorce case in Missouri.

If the respondent does not answer within 30 days, the petitioner has the legal right to request a “default and inquiry” and to schedule a hearing. Before the trial, a copy of the default and inquiry hearing must be sent to the respondent, advising them of the hearing's date, time, and venue.

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: 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.

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.