Divorce Attorney Serving Liberty And Across Missouri

No one gets married planning to eventually get divorced. In the beginning, the partners shared (or believed they shared) the same dreams and desires – maybe start a family, have children, live in a big house with a white picket fence.

But, as with many things in life, marriages often begin to disintegrate over time – people grow apart, take on different interests, or, more seriously, addiction or violence creeps its way into the marriage. When irreconcilable differences arise, it is important to protect your interests by talking to an experienced, compassionate divorce lawyer.

Protect Your Legal Rights

At Martsching Law Firm, LLC, I have represented men and women going through a divorce in the greater Kansas City area for close to three decades. I have a reputation for providing logical, forward-thinking representation that keeps their lives on track and looks ahead to a better future. I understand it is an emotional time and empathize with my client’s situation – but I also keep laser-focused on the legal issues at hand, working diligently to make sure their rights are protected and their futures are secure.

Whether you are involved in a contested or uncontested divorce, it is important to have an experienced attorney represent your interests.

• In an uncontested divorce, for instance, you want to ensure that your partner’s proposed settlement agreement does not take advantage of you financially, shortchange you in dividing property or overlook the best interests of the children.
• In a contested divorce, it is even more important to have a shrewd, knowledgeable attorney on your side to protect you from being taken advantage of by unscrupulous lawyers and an uncaring legal system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce In Liberty

Divorce raises serious questions, and it is normal to feel uncertain about where to start. Below, I answer the questions I hear most often from people in Liberty and the greater Kansas City area.

Do I need a reason (grounds) to file for divorce in Missouri?

No. Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, which means you do not need to prove wrongdoing to end your marriage.

You only need to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Irreconcilable differences between spouses are the most common basis for filing in Missouri, and this legal standard exists to reduce conflict during the divorce process. It allows both parties to move forward without assigning blame or raising personal grievances in court.

What are the residency requirements to file for divorce in Missouri?

To file for divorce in Missouri, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for a minimum of 90 days before filing, with limited exceptions for military service members.

You must also file your petition in the county where you or your spouse currently lives. If you live in Liberty, you would file in Clay County. Meeting the residency requirement is a basic but important first step, and I can verify your eligibility and guide you through each step of the filing process.

Do I really need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?

It is strongly recommended. Even in an uncontested divorce, having a lawyer review your settlement agreement is a wise decision.

Settlement agreements that appear fair on the surface can still overlook critical details, such as retirement accounts, tax implications or the long-term needs of your children. I review each term of your agreement to make sure it fully protects your financial future and your family’s well-being before you sign.

How long does a divorce take in Missouri?

Missouri law requires a mandatory 30-day waiting period after filing before the court can finalize your divorce. You can sometimes complete an uncontested divorce in as little as 30 to 60 days when both parties agree on all terms.

Contested divorces often take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the issues involved. At Martsching Law Firm, LLC, I give you a clear picture of your timeline from the start to make this process as straightforward as possible for you.

An Attorney You Can Trust

Clients appreciate the straightforward and truthful approach I take in divorce cases. I am not a salesperson, but rather their advocate who’s educating them about the process and wisely guiding them through the legal process.

At Martsching Law Firm, LLC, I offer legal advice that is honest and to the point – my clients can be reassured that they are receiving the benefit of my experience and being kept fully apprised of the status of their case and the potential outcomes they may be facing.

To find out more about how I can help you with your divorce, call my law offices in Liberty, Missouri, at 816-832-2555 or fill out my contact form to reach me online.