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In 2026, a divorce in Missouri typically costs between $1,500 and $15,000 – unless it turns into a contested divorce, in which case the bill can easily blow past $30,000. What you pay mostly comes down to one simple question: can you and your spouse agree on big-ticket issues like child custody and dividing property?
Compared to 2025, average divorce costs are up about 5%-7%, thanks largely to higher attorney rates, now hovering around $300 per hour instead of last year’s $280. Filing fees haven’t changed much, but legal services have quietly gotten more expensive overall – so even “easy” uncontested divorces now cost more… because of course they do.
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The Average Cost Breakdown by Missouri Divorce Type
The cost of your divorce mostly comes down to how much legal work it takes to finish it. An uncontested divorce is cheap because you are paying for paperwork, not arguments. A contested divorce is expensive thanks to discovery, court hearings, and trial prep. Mediation sits in the middle – you pay a neutral third party to help you agree, usually saving thousands compared to full-blown litigation. In short, the more you fight, the more your bank account suffers.
Uncontested Divorce Cost in Missouri
An uncontested divorce means you and your spouse agree on everything – property, custody, and support – so there is no drama to bill by the hour. With an attorney, the cost usually runs $1,500- $5,000, including filing fees. Many Missouri lawyers offer flat fees for these cases, so your budget does not get any nasty surprises. Attorney help also makes sure the paperwork is done right and your rights are protected. And if you both cooperate, it can be done in about 30 days – because even the law assumes adults can behave, occasionally.
Contested Divorce Cost in Missouri
A contested divorce happens when you cannot agree on major issues, so a judge gets to decide for you. It is the most expensive option, usually costing $13,500 to $30,000+ thanks to endless motions, hearings, and trial prep. These cases move at a slow crawl and often take 6 to 18 months to finish. Sometimes it is necessary to protect assets or child safety. Otherwise, enjoy paying a premium for disagreement.
DIY Divorce Cost
A DIY divorce is the cheapest option – you handle all the paperwork yourself and skip the lawyer. Your main expense is the court filing fee, usually $150- $250, plus minor costs for notarizing documents or required classes. This works only for very simple cases with no assets or kids, since fixing legal mistakes later can cost far more than doing it right the first time. You may also qualify for a fee waiver if you meet indigency requirements. Just remember, saving money upfront is great until you accidentally file the wrong form.
Mediated Divorce Cost
In a mediated divorce, you and your spouse hire a neutral third party to help settle disagreements without dragging everything into court. It usually costs $3,000 to $10,000, split between both of you, covering the mediator’s time and the final agreement. Mediation is much cheaper than trial because it avoids endless discovery and courtroom theatrics. It works best for couples with moderate conflict who still want control over the outcome. Basically, you pay to talk it out instead of paying lawyers to argue for you.
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Key Factors Influencing Missouri Divorce Costs
In 2026, the court sets a baseline, but the final bill depends on a few unpredictable factors:
- Attorney Experience and Location: Lawyers in St. Louis or Kansas City charge $300–$500/hour, while rural rates are $200–$300. Because apparently, location matters more than sanity.
- Conflict and Cooperation: The biggest cost driver is how much you fight. Uncontested cases stay cheap; every disagreement adds attorney calls and hearings that quickly skyrocket costs. Because nothing says “fun” like arguing over who gets the toaster.
- Children and Custody Disputes: Divorces with kids typically cost about 50% more. You’ll pay for parenting classes ($40–$75) and possibly a Guardian ad Litem ($1,000–$3,000+). Turns out, raising humans is expensive even when splitting them.
- Financial Complexity: Dividing a business or retirement accounts adds fees. Forensic accountants bill $300–$500/hour, and QDROs for retirement accounts run $500–$1,000 per account. Because apparently, your 401(k) needs its own legal entourage.
- Discovery and Evidence: If assets are hidden, discovery gets pricey. Bank subpoenas and depositions often cost $1,000+ per session. Nothing like paying to dig through someone else’s financial skeletons.
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How to Reduce Costs of Divorce in Missouri
To keep your Missouri divorce costs as low as possible in 2026, try these strategies:
- Do your own discovery prep. Collect tax returns, bank statements, debts, and assets yourself. Lawyers charge $250–$500/hour for this, so saving the hours saves big bucks. Turns out, being organized actually pays off.
- Go uncontested whenever you can. If you and your spouse agree on custody, property, and debts, you skip pricey hourly fees. Attorney-assisted uncontested divorces run $1,500–$5,000, DIY around $200, and can wrap up in about 30 days. Because nothing says “fun” like agreeing on everything and saving a fortune.
- Use limited-scope legal services. Hire a lawyer only for specific tasks like reviewing paperwork, giving an hour of advice, or drafting complex documents like Parenting Plans or QDROs.
- Ask for a filing fee waiver if eligible. Missouri may waive the $150–$250 fee if your income is low (about $1,882/month for a single person). You’ll need to file a Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis with an income affidavit. Because apparently, poverty can come with paperwork perks.
- Use free Missouri divorce resources. Access free mediation through M.A.R.C.H., the mandatory Litigant Awareness Program, and court-approved forms at selfrepresent.mo.gov. Free stuff – because lawyers don’t give out candy.
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Cost Breakdown
- Missouri Filing Fee: Approximately $130 – $200 (varies by county, e.g., St. Louis vs. Jackson County).
- Service of Process Fee: $25 – $50 (Sheriff or private server).
- Average Total (Uncontested): $500 – $2,500.
- Average Total (Contested): $5,000 – $25,000+.
Document Checklist
- Last 3 years of Tax Returns (State & Federal).
- Recent Pay Stubs (at least 3 months).
- Mortgage and Debt Statements.
- Appraisals for Significant Assets (Vehicles, Real Estate).
- List of Non-Marital Property (items owned before marriage).
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