Legal Separation Divorce Rights

Summary

In Missouri, youre entitled to a fair division of marital property, including business, home, and vehicles. You can choose legal separation or divorce, depending on your circumstances, and may be eligible for spousal support. Missouri Legal Services provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals. Bankruptcy laws include Chapter 7 for liquidation and Chapter 13 for debt reorganization. Spousal support is determined by financial resources, employment prospects, standard of living, and marriage duration. Legal separation involves filing a petition and agreeing on property division and custody. Theres no time limit on legal separation before divorce. Contested divorce costs range from $5,000 to $25,000. Pro bono attorneys are available but limited. Discounted attorneys can be found through the Missouri Bars Lawyer Referral Service. Free support groups for women are available. Attorneys will ask about assets like real estate, businesses, and bank accounts. Key questions for attorneys include their experience, costs, and the divorce process.

Full Conversation

I live in the state of MO. I need pro bono help on legal separation or divorce. I need to know what are my rights. My husband and I own a small business, a home, several vehicles
Hello ****, in Missouri:
- You're entitled to a fair division of marital property, including business, home, and vehicles.
- You can choose legal separation or divorce, depending on your circumstances.
- You could be eligible for spousal support.
For pro bono help, consider contacting Missouri Legal Services.
Is Missouri Legal Services free? What is the website or phone number?
Yes, Missouri Legal Services provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals.

Missouri Legal Services


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.lsmo.org
What is the law for bankruptcy in MO?
In Missouri, bankruptcy laws include:
- Chapter *, for total liquidation of assets.
- Chapter *, for reorganization of debts.
- Exemptions: Homeowners can exempt up to $*,* under the Homestead Exemption.

Please consult a bankruptcy attorney for personalized advice.
how does a judge decide spousal support in MO?
In Missouri, spousal support (also known as alimony) is determined by factors such as:
- Financial resources of the party seeking maintenance
- Time necessary for the party seeking maintenance to find appropriate employment
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Duration of the marriage
- Other relevant factors
How do they do separation in MO?
In Missouri, legal separation involves:
- Filing a petition for legal separation in the county where either spouse resides.
- Both spouses must agree on property division, child custody, and other issues.
- If the court approves the agreement, a legal separation decree is issued.
- If spouses can't agree, a trial will be held to decide unresolved issues.
How long can you stay legally separated in MO before you have to divorce?
In Missouri, there's no time limit on how long you can remain legally separated. It can continue indefinitely until either spouse files for a conversion to divorce. However, after 90 days, either spouse can request the separation be converted into a divorce.
how much does a contested divorce cost in MO?
The cost of a contested divorce in Missouri can vary greatly, typically ranging from $*,* to $*,* or more, depending on factors such as attorney fees, court costs, and the complexity of the case. It's advisable to consult with a divorce attorney for an accurate estimate.
Can you really get a pro bono attorney in MO for divorce?
Yes, it is possible to get a pro bono attorney for divorce in Missouri. Organizations like Legal Services of Missouri provide free legal aid to eligible individuals. However, it's important to note that resources are limited and not everyone may qualify. You should reach out to them directly for more information.
What is the number and website for Legal Services of MO?

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.lsem.org
are there discounted attorneys in MO for divorce?
Yes, there are discounted attorneys for divorce in Missouri. You might want to reach out to the Missouri Bar's Lawyer Referral Service. They can help you find a reduced-cost attorney. Website: www.mobar.org. Phone: (*) *-*.
What is *-*-free lawyer advice ?
*-*-free lawyer advice sounds like a toll-free number that offers legal advice, however, the actual services provided might differ based on the organization behind the number. Always ensure to check the credibility of such services. For Missouri-specific legal information, consider contacting Missouri Legal Services or the Missouri Bar's Lawyer Referral Service.
I am scared to get a divorce. Are there free support groups for women in MO?
Yes, there are several free support groups for women going through a divorce in Missouri. One such group is the Women's Divorce Support Group in St. Louis. You can find more information on their website: www.womensdivorcesupportstl.org. Also, consider online communities for additional support.
What assets does an attorney ask you about when considering a divorce?
In a divorce, an attorney will typically ask about the following assets:
- Real estate properties
- Businesses owned
- Vehicles
- Bank accounts
- Retirement plans
- Investment accounts
- Personal property of significant value
- Debts and liabilities
- Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.
What are some questions I need to ask an attorney on the initial consultation prepping for discussion of separation or divorce in MO?
Here are some questions you may want to ask:
*. What is your experience with cases like mine?
*. What are the potential outcomes for my case?
*. What is your communication style and frequency?
*. What are the costs of your services?
*. Can you explain the divorce/separation process in Missouri?
*. How is marital property divided in Missouri?
*. How is child custody determined in Missouri?
*. What factors influence spousal support in Missouri?