When it comes time to dissolve your marriage, you may be overwhelmed with the legal steps involved. Not only do you have to pick the type of divorce you want to file for, but you also have to ensure that you are selecting the right type of divorce for your situation and your entire family. When you are considering filing for divorce in Kansas City, be sure to reach out to The Reynold Law Firm, LLC. We have been helping individuals just like you navigate these complex and often overwhelming times for decades.
What You Need to Begin Your Divorce Filing Today
In order to file for divorce, you will need to first obtain the correct papers by going through the court. However, before you can get these papers, you will need to ensure that you qualify to file in Kansas City in the first place. In order to be eligible, you must have been living in the state and county for at least 90 days prior to deciding to file. If you and your spouse have any children, the residency requirement will be extended to six months.
Since Kansas City covers a large metropolitan area, you can file in any of the following counties:
- Clay
- Jackson
- Cass
- Ray
- Platte
You will need to file the petition for divorce in the Circuit Court in your county to ensure the process is handled correctly and efficiently. It is advisable to make multiple copies of all documents you submit, having them stamped by the clerk for verification. The official notice will then be served with a summons to your spouse, alerting them of the divorce proceedings.
How do I know what type of divorce to file for?
There are two main types of divorce: contested and uncontested. In an uncontested divorce, both spouses are in support of the divorce and agree on most matters involved, such as property division, debt settlement, and custody matters. In a contested divorce, spouses are in strong disagreement and cannot come to a settlement on their own, requiring court intervention.
From child custody and spousal support to retirement benefits, there are a wide range of issues that need to be decided on in a marriage dissolution. Whether you believe you and your spouse can resolve your marriage in a peaceful manner or not, it is important to have legal counsel every step of the way. Even when matters have moved along smoothly the entire process, a small bump can throw the entire divorce off track, requiring skilled legal intervention.
Once you have determined what type of divorce is best for you and your spouse, you can begin negotiations, working to create a settlement that favors all parties involved. You will then present the settlement to the court in an uncontested divorce, or receive the final ruling from a judge in a contested divorce. If either party is not happy with the settlement, they can challenge or appeal it.
Typical Length of Divorce
Before filing, it is good to keep yourself informed of what to expect. By knowing how long the process may take, you can mentally, emotionally, and financially prepare yourself ahead of time. For example, if you thought your divorce would be over in a week or two, you may not have saved appropriately for the time in court and other expenses you may have to take care of. Typically, a divorce in Kansas City can last anywhere from 30 days to a year or more. In most uncontested cases, a divorce can be resolved in the minimum 30-day period. If there are heated issues, it could take upwards of a year.
Don't go through the filing process without counsel! Our Kansas City divorce lawyers are just a phone call away.