Springfield Divorce Attorneys

When ending a marriage, it can be difficult to prepare for a future beyond the conflicts and emotional stressors of the legal process. At Cole & Martin Attorneys at Law, LLC, we strive to help our clients create a solid foundation to move on with their life post-divorce confidently. Our experienced Springfield divorce lawyers provide attentive legal support in all aspects of divorce. Whether you need aggressive courtroom advocacy or strategic negotiation, we deliver forward-looking representation customized to your objectives and focused on securing a satisfying outcome for you and your children.

Call us at (417) 213-5441 today to schedule a consultation. We can help you make the right call for you and your loved ones.

What are the Grounds for Divorce in Missouri?

Divorce is a difficult process, and it's important to understand the law in your state. In Missouri, divorce is considered a no-fault action, and this means that one spouse can file for divorce without having to prove any form of misconduct on the part of their partner or wait out a specific waiting period. Legal representation can be incredibly helpful when navigating through this complex process, so if you are looking for assistance with divorcing in Polk and Greene Counties, consulting with an experienced Springfield divorce lawyer could be beneficial.

In Missouri, most divorces are filed because the marriage is irretrievably broken. No other grounds, such as adultery or desertion, are required. If one party in a marriage files a divorce petition, the court will serve the other party. The waiting period after filing is about thirty days, which is the response period given to the non-filing party. If the petition isn’t answered within the response period, a default judgment divorce may be issued pursuant to Missouri state law.

If the served party does not agree to the divorce, they can respond as such in court filings, which will put the filing party in the position of being required to provide further reasons for their divorce petition, such as adultery, abandonment, or extreme marital difficulties. 

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Polk and Greene Counties

To make the divorce process as smooth and swift as possible, Cole & Martin Attorneys at Law, LLC offers clients skilled representation in either contested or uncontested divorce proceedings. 

• Uncontested Divorce: If you are filing for an uncontested divorce in Springfield, Missouri, there are some key points to consider. First, it is important to have legal representation. Legal representation can help ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the process. Uncontested divorces represent an agreed-upon action, so the filing is a joint petition along with a written agreement of all terms regarding child custody and support, spousal support, and property division. It is important to understand that even though the parties agree on all terms of the divorce, the court still must review and approve the agreement before granting a divorce order. While you and your spouse may agree to divorce, you still need individual Springfield divorce attorneys. Even though an uncontested divorce avoids much of the traditional trial process associated with contested divorces, this does not mean it is less complex or less time-consuming than other types of separation. An experienced Springfield lawyer will guide you through every step of the process, reducing stress during a difficult time.
• Contested Divorce: Filing for a contested divorce can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Legal representation is essential to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. When parties cannot agree on one or more divorce terms, such as division of property, child support, or custody, the court will step in and require a trial before a family court judge. An experienced divorce attorney will advise on how best to proceed with your case, ensuring that all relevant laws are applied correctly during the proceedings. In addition to filing for a contested divorce and handling all appropriate paperwork, your Springfield divorce attorney will ensure you are informed about your rights and responsibilities under state law. They will provide guidance surrounding the equitable distribution of assets, spousal support payments, childcare arrangements, and debt payment plans. Depending on the level of disagreement in your case, your case could be resolved through negotiation or litigation. Once all issues are resolved, one party will file a motion requesting that final orders be entered by the Court. Once these orders are entered into the record, they will serve as permanent judgments and bind both parties going forward unless subsequently modified by agreement or a court order. 

For Experienced Springfield Divorce Attorneys, Call Cole & Martin Attorneys at Law, LLC

If you need experienced legal representation in a divorce case in Polk and Greene Counties, contact Cole & Martin Attorneys at Law, LLC. Our attorneys understand the complexities of divorce law in Missouri and can provide sound advice on how to protect your rights during this difficult time. We are committed to providing personalized services with compassion and an unwavering commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Don't wait any longer – contact our office today so our legal team can guide you through the process of ending your marriage! To schedule a consultation, call us at {F:P:Sub:Phone }.