Starting the process of a divorce can seem overwhelming, but thankfully an attorney can help make the process easier. Individuals often have questions about how to start the process of divorce in Missouri and can benefit from the assistance of a trusted attorney. At Scott Hamblin Law, we will advocate for your rights during the divorce process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
With our step-by-step guide, our office will ensure that you are prepared to proceed with a Missouri divorce. Here’s how to get started with the divorce process:
Every county in Missouri is divided into its own judicial circuit, and individuals must file for divorce in the county where either they or their spouse lives. Additionally, a person must be a resident of Missouri for at least 90 days before filing. If you are unsure of where to file, our office is happy to assist.
This petition also referred to as the Petition for Dissolution, is a portion of a larger documentation packet that individuals must file with their county. The Petition for Dissolution will primarily consist of questions related to the reason for divorce and aspects of the marriage. Other documentation centers around a couple’s income and expenses, property and debt distribution, and information about any children. If children are involved, a parenting plan must be filed that outlines child custody arrangements. Filing this documentation does not guarantee that individuals will receive any requests made in the filing. For example, if a spouse requests custody over any children, the court will still need to evaluate the best course of action during proceedings. Our team is experts in achieving the requests of our clients, and we’ll work to ensure you receive the requests made in the initial paperwork.
Depending on the county in which you’re filing, there may be additional paperwork that needs to be completed if the couple has children together. For example, parents who wish to file for custody or child support will need to file an individual form outlining this request. We’ll work to ensure you understand this document and can assist in filing with the county.
The final step is to file your divorce paperwork with the correct circuit court. This can be achieved by visiting the court and handing them the documentation. The court will then work on filing your paperwork and informing your spouse of the divorce petition if they weren’t already involved in the process. Individuals should be prepared to pay a filing fee when handing in their documentation, which will vary depending on where the divorce is being filed.
If you have questions about divorce proceedings in Missouri, contact our team today. We’re experts at helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
A Jefferson City man faced DUI charges following a field sobriety test. Charges against the defendant were dropped after Scott successfully maintained the client’s claims that the test results were inaccurate. While the client initially appeared to be in a difficult situation, Scott was able to push investigators to determine the sobriety test results as invalid, so the charges were dismissed.
A mother was seeking sole custody of her children following a divorce. The father refused to cooperate, leaving the client in a difficult situation as she felt as though her children didn’t have a voice. Scott recognized her need for an advocate and carefully listened to the children’s wishes, which conclusively helped the client achieve sole custody of her children and protected their best interests.
A client from Fulton was accused of drug possession as a result of a home search. While drug charges may potentially be filed as a Class C felony involving severe consequences, Scott was able to help the client receive a reduced sentence. Ultimately, the client faced significantly smaller penalties compared to the initial charges.
Scott assisted a defendant in a particularly challenging divorce case in which the other spouse was not cooperating. Scott was able to help the client avoid court through an aggressive legal approach to resolve all outstanding disagreements while maintaining the client’s long-term needs.
One client sought legal assistance after an altercation with another individual in Jefferson City. The client was arrested on assault charges despite allegedly not starting the fight. Since an arrest can lead to life-altering penalties such as being terminated from employment and serving jail time, Scott was able to build a solid legal defense in the client’s favor and argued in favor of the client’s innocence.
A grandparent sought visitation rights to his grandchild after the parent tried to block him. Scott takes grandparents’ rights very seriously, and so he devised a strategy to help the grandparent set a visitation schedule. Scott developed a strategy to show that the child’s best interests were fulfilled through the grandparent’s ability to visit the child, helping push the case towards a resolution in the client’s favor.
Scott assisted a client who was injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence. The defendant claimed that the opposing party using their phone at the time of the crash, and Scott emphasized this claim to show that the other driver was at fault for the client’s injuries. The case concluded with the client receiving the necessary compensation for medical bills following a long hospital stay due to injuries.
My husband and I hired Mr Hamblin for a criminal matter that happen to me by accident I had some issues that happen and I have never been in any trouble. However I did some research on criminal defense attorneys and Mr. Hamblin named appeared. I did some research on him and found that he use to be a prosecuting attorney. Any way making a long story short we hired Mr . Hamblin for my defense lawyer,he did not judge me for what had happened, he provided me with straight foward answers and he knew the law very well I…
Scott handled two cases for me and was great. Scott has great bedside manner and answered all my questions to where I could understand them. He is a class A attorney and I would recommend him to anyone.
Fabulous attorney!!
Scott did a great job handling our custody case. He fought for us every step of the way and got things done quickly. He even refunded over half of our retainer because he got the case handled quicker than expected. I would recommend him to anyone.
Scott is an extremely knowledgeable lawyer. Gives his 100% on every case.
I'm not sure where the one star review came from, but Scott is a wonderful attorney! He did such a great job, didn't rush me in my consultation and helped me win my case! Thanks again Scott!
Helped my family with a variety of issues!
Scott Hamblin represented my company in a civil litigation. He was incredibly responsive and knowledgeable. His incredible passion to do the very best for his clients was not only apparent it was effective when we were able to gain the results we were looking for. I highly recommend Scott Hamblin for your legal needs.
My husband and I have used Scott as our lawyer for adoption , he was very professional as well as caring in the case. He also helped us with our personal Wills, Durable Power of Attorney, and our Health Directives. He is very thorough and explains everything step by step, and answers any questions you may have to make you feel 100% secure. We would use Scott for all and any matters requiring a lawyer. Thank you Scott, you are a top notch lawyer.
For accessible and experienced representation, contact attorney Scott Hamblin today.
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