What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?
Jolie Ikard Law is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
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Experienced AdvocacyWe provide trusted representation backed by 30 years of experience.
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We Offer Affordable ServicesWith our firm, you get quality legal help that you can afford.
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Payment Plans ProvidedAsk about our payment plan options and pay the way you'd like.
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Free Consultations AvailableTalk through all of your legal options during a free consultation.
Can I Get a Divorce if My Spouse Refuses to Sign?
Yes. State law doesn’t require your spouse’s signature or agreement to grant a divorce. After you file, your spouse is formally served and generally has 30 days to respond. If they ignore the case, the court may proceed without them and enter a default judgment. If they respond and object, the case moves forward as a contested divorce.
In our experience, refusing to sign is usually a delay tactic or a reaction to feeling blindsided, not a lasting position. Some spouses also stop paying shared bills or restrict account access to gain leverage. When we see this pattern, we typically recommend requesting temporary orders early. These orders can address support, use of the family home, and parenting time while the case is pending.
By building a strong procedural record, we work to present a clear case to the judge and prevent an uncooperative spouse from indefinitely pausing your life.
Does Fault Matter in a Divorce?
Missouri is a no-fault state, meaning the only required ground for divorce is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” (RSMo § 452.320). You do not need to prove adultery, abandonment, or cruelty to legally dissolve the marriage.
However, fault can still play a role in some cases. If one spouse denies that the marriage is irretrievably broken, the court will look at certain statutory factors to make a determination. Marital misconduct like adultery or financial abuse can also impact property division (RSMo § 452.330) and spousal maintenance (RSMo § 452.335).
If you’re unsure whether marital misconduct is relevant in your case, don’t hesitate to contact our office for a complimentary consultation. We can gather supporting records and respond to fault-based claims without letting blame drive the process.
How Is Property Divided in a Missouri Divorce?
Missouri follows the rule of equitable distribution when dividing marital assets and debts. It’s important to understand that “equitable” means fair, not equal. The court will first separate non-marital property (assets acquired before the marriage or via inheritance) from marital property, and then divide the marital estate based on fairness.
Courts may consider several statutory factors to determine an equitable division, including:
- Custodial arrangements for minor children.
- The economic circumstances of each spouse.
- The conduct of the parties during the marriage.
- The value of the non-marital property set apart to each spouse.
- The contribution of each spouse to the acquisition of the marital property, including contributions made as a homemaker.
Our attorney assists in tracing hidden assets, properly valuing complex estates, and advocating for a division that protects your financial independence moving forward.
How Can Social Media & Digital Evidence Impact a Divorce?
Posts, photos, texts, emails, and payment app activity can all become evidence in a divorce. A vacation photo can undercut a claim of financial hardship, and a late-night post can surface in a parenting time dispute.
One issue we frequently see involves shared accounts no one thought to disconnect. Family location-sharing apps, joint cloud storage, and synced devices can give a spouse ongoing access to your messages, photos, and whereabouts.
Once you decide to file, we recommend securing your own accounts, reviewing sharing settings, and posting as little as possible. Avoid deleting existing content, and don’t access your spouse’s accounts without permission. We can also help you preserve relevant evidence your spouse has shared publicly.
Compassionate Guidance Through Life’s Toughest Transitions
The financial strain of a divorce can be just as daunting as the legal process itself. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality legal representation due to temporary financial hardship. Our firm offers flexible payment plans and free consultations to make high-quality representation more accessible and affordable during an already stressful time.
Whether your case is a straightforward uncontested divorce or a high-conflict custody battle, you receive direct attention from a lawyer who deeply understands the nuances of family law. We approach every case with the goal of obtaining an efficient resolution while fiercely defending your future.
Take control of your future with a family law firm that prioritizes your stability, well-being, and goals. Contact us online to request your free case evaluation.
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You do not need to have every legal question figured out before reaching out. A consultation provides an opportunity to explain what is happening, understand the issues that may need to be addressed, and determine the next step.
