It can feel overwhelming if you are in the beginning stages of a divorce. We understand how taxing it can all be on your emotional health.
Our Brydon, Swearengen & England P.C. team is here to help answer your questions so you can get the clarity you need to move forward.
How Long Do You Have to be Separated Before Divorce?
While there are no official separation requirements for divorcing couples in Missouri, you must undergo a 30-day wait period after filing for divorce. During this time, you must live apart from each other.
The court sets the minimum requirements on what “living apart” will look like. Sometimes separation can be temporary and short-term, while other times, it takes years. It could be an informal separation, with the spouses making individual agreements.
Does It Matter If I File First?
Yes, it does! Though you could be hesitant to make this move forward, there are some advantages to filing for divorce before your spouse does. These advantages include having more time to find a reliable lawyer and more time to gather all your documents.
If you file for divorce first, you can request temporary orders from the court. Such orders could seek to limit what your spouse can do with marital funds and property, protect one spouse from the other, give temporary child custody, or grant short-term child or spousal support.
Divorce Attorneys in Jefferson City, MO
Our family law and divorce lawyers at Brydon, Swearengen & England P.C. regularly practice in high-conflict litigation and have a reputation for quality representation.
At Brydon, Swearengen & England P.C. in Jefferson City, our attorneys have the experience you need to vigorously represent you in contested divorce trials involving complex property issues or fighting for child custody.
Our attorneys and lawyers have diverse experience and complementary talents to provide you with attentive, efficient service.
Contact us today to learn more about where to start if you are considering filing for divorce or your spouse already has. You are not alone.