7 Essential Steps To Complete Missouri Form 14

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The Missouri Form 14, also known as the "Petition for Dissolution of Marriage," is a crucial document for individuals seeking a divorce in the state of Missouri. Filling out this form correctly is essential to ensure a smooth and efficient divorce process. In this article, we will guide you through the 7 essential steps to complete the Missouri Form 14 accurately and effectively.

Understanding the Missouri Form 14

Before we dive into the steps, it's essential to understand the purpose and content of the Missouri Form 14. This form is used to initiate a divorce proceeding in Missouri, and it must be filed with the court clerk's office in the county where you or your spouse resides.

What to Expect from the Form

The Missouri Form 14 is a multi-page document that requires you to provide personal and financial information about yourself and your spouse. The form will ask for details such as:

• Your name, address, and contact information
• Your spouse's name, address, and contact information
• The date and place of your marriage
• The grounds for divorce (irreconcilable differences or other reasons)
• Information about your children, if applicable
• Financial information, including income, assets, and debts

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before filling out the Missouri Form 14, make sure you have all the necessary information and documents ready. This includes:

• Your identification documents (driver's license, passport, etc.)
• Your marriage certificate
• Proof of residency in Missouri
• Financial records (pay stubs, bank statements, etc.)
• Information about your children, if applicable (birth certificates, etc.)

Step 2: Choose the Correct Grounds for Divorce

Missouri allows for two main grounds for divorce: irreconcilable differences and other reasons. Irreconcilable differences mean that you and your spouse have grown apart and can no longer reconcile your differences. Other reasons may include:

• Adultery
• Desertion
• Abuse
• Impotence
• Felony conviction

Understanding Irreconcilable Differences

Irreconcilable differences are the most common grounds for divorce in Missouri. This means that you and your spouse have tried to resolve your differences, but unfortunately, you are unable to do so. You will need to provide a statement explaining the reasons for your divorce, but this statement should not be too detailed or inflammatory.

Step 3: Fill Out the Form Correctly

Now that you have gathered all the necessary information, it's time to fill out the Missouri Form 14. Make sure to:

• Use black ink and print or type clearly
• Answer all questions truthfully and to the best of your knowledge
• Sign the form in front of a notary public
• Keep a copy of the completed form for your records

Step 4: Attach Required Documents

You will need to attach certain documents to the Missouri Form 14, including:

• A copy of your marriage certificate
• Proof of residency in Missouri
• Financial records (pay stubs, bank statements, etc.)
• Information about your children, if applicable (birth certificates, etc.)

Step 5: File the Form with the Court

Once you have completed the Missouri Form 14 and attached all the required documents, it's time to file the form with the court clerk's office in the county where you or your spouse resides. You will need to:

• Take the original form and attachments to the court clerk's office
• Pay the filing fee (currently $200 in Missouri)
• Get a copy of the filed form and attachments for your records

Step 6: Serve Your Spouse

After filing the Missouri Form 14, you will need to serve your spouse with a copy of the form and attachments. This is typically done by a process server or sheriff's deputy. You will need to:

• Hire a process server or sheriff's deputy to serve your spouse
• Get proof of service (a document showing that your spouse was served)

Step 7: Wait for Your Spouse's Response

After serving your spouse, they will have 30 days to respond to the divorce petition. If they do not respond, you can proceed with an uncontested divorce. If they do respond, you may need to negotiate a settlement or go to trial.

What to Expect Next

After completing the Missouri Form 14 and serving your spouse, you can expect to:

• Wait for your spouse's response (30 days)
• Negotiate a settlement or go to trial (if your spouse responds)
• Attend a court hearing to finalize your divorce (if uncontested)

By following these 7 essential steps, you can ensure that your Missouri Form 14 is completed accurately and effectively. Remember to seek the advice of an attorney if you have any questions or concerns about the divorce process.