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.