Missouri Divorce Cost

How much does divorce cost in Missouri? Detailed breakdown of filing fees, attorney costs, mediation, and hidden expenses — plus how to save up to 90%. Updated for 2026.

Missouri Divorce Cost Comparison

MethodCost Range
Divorce.ai$299 + $163 filing fee
DIY (Pro Se)$163 filing fee only
Mediation$3,000-$8,000(~$300/session)
Uncontested + Attorney$1,500-$3,500
Contested + Attorney$5,000-$29,000+

Missouri Divorce Fee Breakdown

Court Filing Fee$163
Process Server$50
Certified Copy$15
Parenting Course$50
Minimum Total (DIY)$228

County Fee Variations

St. Louis County$149
St. Louis City$163
Jackson County$178
Greene County$133
Clay County$156

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Attorney Costs in Missouri

Divorce attorneys in Missouri typically charge between $200 and $500 per hour. Total costs depend on how many hours your case requires.

Simple Uncontested

$1,500-$3,000

5-15 hours

Moderate Complexity

$5,000-$15,000

20-60 hours

Highly Contested

$5,000+

60+ hours

Hidden Costs to Watch For

$

QDRO (Retirement Division)

If dividing retirement accounts, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order costs $500-$1,500 to prepare.

$

Real Estate Appraisals

Professional home appraisals run $300-$600 each and may be needed for property division.

$

Business Valuations

If either spouse owns a business, a formal valuation can cost $5,000-$25,000.

$

Custody Evaluations

Court-ordered custody evaluations cost $3,000-$10,000 in contested custody cases.

Fee Waiver Information

Missouri offers filing fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford to pay.

Parties may file a Motion and Affidavit in Support of Request to Proceed as a Poor Person (In Forma Pauperis). The court will normally grant the fee waiver if the filer receives government assistance (food stamps, AFDC, TANF) or if total household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. Detailed financial information is required under oath.

Income threshold: 125% of federal poverty level or receiving government assistance (TANF, SNAP, AFDC)

Required form: Motion and Affidavit in Support of Request to Proceed as a Poor Person (In Forma Pauperis)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce cost in Missouri?
An uncontested divorce in Missouri typically costs $1,500-$3,500, while a contested divorce ranges from $5,000-$29,000. The court filing fee alone is $163.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Missouri?
Divorce attorneys in Missouri typically charge $200-$500 per hour. A full representation in an uncontested case might cost $1,500-$5,000, while contested cases can exceed $15,000.
Can I get a fee waiver for divorce in Missouri?
Yes, Missouri offers fee waivers for those who cannot afford the filing fee. Parties may file a Motion and Affidavit in Support of Request to Proceed as a Poor Person (In Forma Pauperis). The court will normally grant the fee waiver if the filer receives government assistance (food stamps, AFDC, TANF) or if total household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. Detailed financial information is required under oath. You will need to complete form Motion and Affidavit in Support of Request to Proceed as a Poor Person (In Forma Pauperis).
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Missouri?
The cheapest option is an uncontested divorce using an online service like Divorce.ai (starting at $299) plus the $163 filing fee. This avoids expensive attorney fees while ensuring your forms are prepared correctly.

Related Missouri Guides

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