How is property divided in St Charles County divorces?

Missouri follows equitable distribution rules. The court divides marital property fairly based on various factors including marriage length, contributions, and financial circumstances. St Charles County Circuit Court applies Missouri law to property division.

"The Most Trusted

Name in Online Divorce"

Exclusive

Online Divorce Partner

Best

Online Divorce Service

ADVISOR

We offer an online guided path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.

Start your divorce

See if this is right for me

Written By:

Divorce.com Staff

Missouri Online Divorce

Missouri Divorce Guide 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Process Online Divorce

Missouri Divorce Cost 2026: Complete Price Breakdown

Missouri Spousal Maintenance Calculator | Support Estimates

Missouri Child Support Calculator | Income Shares Model

Missouri Property Division | Equitable Distribution Calculator

How Much Does Divorce Cost in Kansas City, MO (2025) | Filing Fees & Attorney Rates

Springfield Divorce Cost in Missouri: 2026 Price Breakdown

How Much Does Divorce Cost in St. Louis, MO (2025) | Filing Fees & Attorney Rates

Divorce Lawyer in Missouri | Divorce.com

Divorce Lawyers in Kansas City, MO | Compare Attorneys | Updated 2026

Divorce Lawyers in Springfield, MO - Free Consultations

Divorce Lawyers in St Louis, MO | Compare Attorneys

File for Divorce in Missouri Without a Lawyer (2026)

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Kansas City, MO | Step-by-Step Guide 2026

How to File for Divorce Without a Lawyer in Springfield, MO (2026)

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in St Louis, MO

Missouri Child Custody Laws 2026: Complete Legal Guide

Missouri Parenting Plan Template & Requirements (2026)

Missouri Divorce FAQ: 50 Questions Answered

Missouri Divorce by County: All 115 Counties

Adair County Divorce Guide: Kirksville, Missouri Filing

Andrew County Divorce Guide: Joseph, Missouri Filing

Atchison County Divorce Guide: Rock Port, Missouri Filing

Audrain County Divorce Guide: Mexico, Missouri Filing

Barry County Divorce Guide: Cassville, Missouri Filing

Barton County Divorce Guide: Lamar, Missouri Filing

Bates County Divorce Guide: Butler, Missouri Filing

Benton County Divorce Guide: Warsaw, Missouri Filing

Bollinger County Divorce Guide: Marble Hill, Missouri Filing

Crawford County Divorce Guide: Steelville, Missouri Filing

Dade County Divorce Guide: Greenfield, Missouri Filing

Dallas County Divorce Guide: Buffalo, Missouri Filing

Daviess County Divorce Guide: Gallatin, Missouri Filing

DeKalb County Divorce Guide: Maysville, Missouri Filing

Dent County Divorce Guide: Salem, Missouri Filing

Douglas County Divorce Guide: Ava, Missouri Filing

Dunklin County Divorce Guide: Kennett, Missouri Filing

Buchanan County Divorce Guide: Joseph, Missouri Filing

Butler County Divorce Guide: Poplar Bluff, Missouri Filing

Caldwell County Divorce Guide: Kingston, Missouri Filing

Callaway County Divorce Guide: Fulton, Missouri Filing

Camden County Divorce Guide: Camdenton, Missouri Filing

Cape Girardeau County Divorce Guide: Cape Girardeau, Missouri Filing

Carroll County Divorce Guide: Carrollton, Missouri Filing

Carter County Divorce Guide: Van Buren, Missouri Filing

Cass County Divorce Guide: Harrisonville, Missouri Filing

Cedar County Divorce Guide: Stockton, Missouri Filing

Chariton County Divorce Guide: Keytesville, Missouri Filing

Christian County Divorce Guide: Ozark, Missouri Filing

Clark County Divorce Guide: Kahoka, Missouri Filing

Clay County Divorce Guide: Liberty, Missouri Filing

Clinton County Divorce Guide: Plattsburg, Missouri Filing

Cole County Divorce Guide: Jefferson City, Missouri Filing

Cooper County Divorce Guide: Boonville, Missouri Filing

Madison County Divorce Guide: Fredericktown, Missouri Filing

Holt County Divorce Guide: Oregon, Missouri Filing

Howard County Divorce Guide: Fayette, Missouri Filing

Howell County Divorce Guide: W Plains, Missouri Filing

Iron County Divorce Guide: Ironton, Missouri Filing

Jackson County Divorce Guide: Kansas City, Missouri Filing

Jasper County Divorce Guide: Carthage, Missouri Filing

Jefferson County Divorce Guide: Hillsboro, Missouri Filing

Johnson County Divorce Guide: Warrensburg, Missouri Filing

Knox County Divorce Guide: Edina, Missouri Filing

Laclede County Divorce Guide: Lebanon, Missouri Filing

Lafayette County Divorce Guide: Lexington, Missouri Filing

Lawrence County Divorce Guide: Mt. Vernon, Missouri Filing

Lewis County Divorce Guide: Monticello, Missouri Filing

Lincoln County Divorce Guide: Troy, Missouri Filing

Linn County Divorce Guide: Linneus, Missouri Filing

Livingston County Divorce Guide: Chillicothe, Missouri Filing

Macon County Divorce Guide: Macon, Missouri Filing

Franklin County Divorce Guide: Union, Missouri Filing

Gasconade County Divorce Guide: Hermann, Missouri Filing

Gentry County Divorce Guide: Albany, Missouri Filing

Greene County Divorce Guide: Springfield, Missouri Filing

Grundy County Divorce Guide: Trenton, Missouri Filing

Harrison County Divorce Guide: Bethany, Missouri Filing

Henry County Divorce Guide: Clinton, Missouri Filing

Hickory County Divorce Guide: Hermitage, Missouri Filing

Perry County Divorce Guide: Perryville, Missouri Filing

Pettis County Divorce Guide: Sedalia, Missouri Filing

Phelps County Divorce Guide: Rolla, Missouri Filing

Pike County Divorce Guide: Bowling Green, Missouri Filing

Platte County Divorce Guide: Platte City, Missouri Filing

Polk County Divorce Guide: Bolivar, Missouri Filing

Pulaski County Divorce Guide: Waynesville, Missouri Filing

Putnam County Divorce Guide: Unionville, Missouri Filing

Ralls County Divorce Guide: New London, Missouri Filing

Marion County Divorce Guide: Palmyra, Missouri Filing

McDonald County Divorce Guide: Pineville, Missouri Filing

Mercer County Divorce Guide: Princeton, Missouri Filing

Miller County Divorce Guide: Tuscumbia, Missouri Filing

Mississippi County Divorce Guide: Charleston, Missouri Filing

Moniteau County Divorce Guide: California, Missouri Filing

Monroe County Divorce Guide: Paris, Missouri Filing

Montgomery County Divorce Guide: Montgomery City, Missouri Filing

Morgan County Divorce Guide: Versailles, Missouri Filing

New Madrid County Divorce Guide: New Madrid, Missouri Filing

Newton County Divorce Guide: Neosho, Missouri Filing

Nodaway County Divorce Guide: Maryville, Missouri Filing

Oregon County Divorce Guide: Alton, Missouri Filing

Osage County Divorce Guide: Linn, Missouri Filing

Ozark County Divorce Guide: Gainesville, Missouri Filing

Pemiscot County Divorce Guide: Caruthersville, Missouri Filing

Maries County Divorce Guide: Vienna, Missouri Filing

St Charles County Divorce Guide: St. Charles, Missouri Filing

St Clair County Divorce Guide: Osceola, Missouri Filing

St Francois County Divorce Guide: Farmington, Missouri Filing

St Louis County Divorce Guide: Clayton, Missouri Filing

Ste Genevieve County Divorce Guide: Ste. Genevieve, Missouri Filing

Stoddard County Divorce Guide: Bloomfield, Missouri Filing

Stone County Divorce Guide: Galena, Missouri Filing

Sullivan County Divorce Guide: Milan, Missouri Filing

Taney County Divorce Guide: Forsyth, Missouri Filing

Texas County Divorce Guide: Houston, Missouri Filing

Vernon County Divorce Guide: Nevada, Missouri Filing

Warren County Divorce Guide: Warrenton, Missouri Filing

Washington County Divorce Guide: Potosi, Missouri Filing

Wayne County Divorce Guide: Greenville, Missouri Filing

Webster County Divorce Guide: Marshfield, Missouri Filing

Worth County Divorce Guide: Grant City, Missouri Filing

Randolph County Divorce Guide: Huntsville, Missouri Filing

Ray County Divorce Guide: Richmond, Missouri Filing

Reynolds County Divorce Guide: Centerville, Missouri Filing

Ripley County Divorce Guide: Doniphan, Missouri Filing

Saline County Divorce Guide: Marshall, Missouri Filing

Schuyler County Divorce Guide: Lancaster, Missouri Filing

Scotland County Divorce Guide: Memphis, Missouri Filing

Scott County Divorce Guide: Benton, Missouri Filing

Shannon County Divorce Guide: Eminence, Missouri Filing

Shelby County Divorce Guide: Shelbyville, Missouri Filing

Wright County Divorce Guide: Hartville, Missouri Filing

Boone County Divorce Guide: Columbia, Missouri Filing

Real Answers. Real Support.

We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Read the blog

Featured Article
The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started in Your Divorce
Read more
Featured Article
10 Things to Know Before Starting Your Divorce
Read more
Featured Article
Divorce Process with Divorce.com
Read more

Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce

Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.

Traditional Divorce

$25-$30k

Divorce.com

$499

$1,999

Get started

Our Services

Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
Get started
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Get started
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
Get started

We've helped with

over 1 million divorces

We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.

Get started

The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.

Proudly featured in these publications

St Charles County Divorce Guide: Filing in St. Charles, Missouri

Q: How much does divorce cost in St Charles County?

Filing fees in Missouri vary by county. Uncontested divorces using online services cost $500-$2,000 plus filing fees. Attorney-handled divorces range from $2,000-$6,000 for uncontested cases to $10,000-$50,000+ for contested cases in St Charles County.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in St Charles County?

No, Missouri allows self-representation in divorce cases. However, attorney representation is recommended for contested custody, significant assets, or business ownership. Simple uncontested divorces in St Charles County often work well with online service assistance.

Q: Can I file for divorce in St Charles County if my spouse lives elsewhere?

Yes, as long as you meet Missouri's residency requirement of 90 days, you can file for divorce in St Charles County even if your spouse lives in another county or out of state.

St Charles County handles divorce cases through the Circuit Court. Whether you live in St. Charles or another St Charles County community, this guide provides everything you need to know about filing for divorce in St Charles County.

St Charles County Divorce at a Glance

County: St Charles County
Primary City: St. Charles, Missouri
Court Type: Circuit Court
Residency Requirement: 90 days
Waiting Period: 30 days

What Makes St Charles County Unique

Every county in Missouri follows the same state divorce laws, but St Charles County has specific local procedures, filing requirements, and resources that affect your divorce process.

Local Court Procedures

St Charles County's Circuit Court has established local rules that govern how divorces proceed. These include specific document formatting requirements, filing deadlines, and hearing schedules that differ from other Missouri countys.

Filing Requirements

The Clerk of Courts in St Charles County has specific requirements for document submission, fee payments, and case processing. Understanding these requirements before filing prevents delays and rejected paperwork.

Community Resources

St Charles County offers various divorce-related resources including mediation services, self-help centers, and legal aid programs. Availability and eligibility vary by county.

St Charles County Court Filing Fees

Divorce Petition: Filing fees in Missouri vary by county. Contact the St Charles County Clerk of Courts for current exact fees.

Typical Missouri Filing Fees: $75-$450 depending on county

Additional Costs:

Service of process: $40-$150
Certified copies: $1-$5 per page
Motion filing fees: $25-$100 each

Payment Methods:
Most Missouri courts accept cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards. Some countys charge a processing fee for card payments.

Attorney Costs in St Charles County

Attorney fees in St Charles County vary based on experience, case complexity, and whether your divorce is contested.

Hourly Rates:

Entry-level attorneys: $150-$275/hour
Experienced attorneys: $275-$400/hour
Senior attorneys: $400-$500/hour

Average Total Costs:

Simple uncontested: $1,500-$4,000
Contested divorce: $8,000-$30,000+
High-conflict cases: $30,000-$60,000+

Retainer Requirements:

Uncontested: $1,500-$3,000
Contested: $5,000-$15,000+

These are typical ranges for Missouri attorneys. Actual costs in St Charles County depend on your specific situation.

How to File for Divorce in St Charles County

Step 1: Verify Residency

You or your spouse must meet Missouri's residency requirement: 90 days

Step 2: Gather Documents

Marriage certificate (certified copy)
Financial records (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)
Property records
Debt information
Children's information (if applicable)

Step 3: Complete Divorce Forms

Missouri requires specific forms for divorce petitions. St Charles County may have additional local forms.

Required documents typically include:

Petition/Complaint for Divorce
Financial affidavits
Child custody forms (if applicable)
Settlement agreement (if uncontested)

Step 4: File with the Court

Submit your completed forms to the St Charles County Clerk of Courts along with the filing fee. Many Missouri countys now offer electronic filing options.

Step 5: Serve Your Spouse

After filing, your spouse must be served with divorce papers according to Missouri law. Service options include:

Sheriff's department
Private process server
Certified mail (if spouse agrees)

Step 6: Complete Mandatory Requirements

Missouri may require:

Parenting classes (if children involved)
Financial disclosures
Mediation attempts
Waiting period: 30 days

Step 7: Finalize Your Divorce

For uncontested cases, a brief hearing may be required. Contested cases involve negotiations, possible trial, and final judgment.

St Charles County Divorce Timeline

Uncontested Divorce (Both Agree):

Minimum: 30 days (state-mandated waiting period)
Typical: 2-4 months from filing to final decree
Best case: 6-10 weeks with all paperwork perfect

Contested Divorce (Disputes to Resolve):

Minor disagreements: 4-8 months
Significant disputes: 8-14 months
Trial required: 12-24 months

Timelines depend on court calendar availability in St Charles County, case complexity, and how quickly both parties respond to requests.

St Charles County Circuit Court

St Charles County's divorce cases are handled by the Circuit Court. The court manages all aspects of family law including divorce, custody, support, and property division.

Court Functions:

Process divorce petitions
Conduct hearings and trials
Issue temporary orders
Approve settlement agreements
Enter final divorce decrees

Court Staff:
The Clerk of Courts office handles all filing, fee collection, and record keeping for St Charles County divorce cases.

Missouri Divorce Court Locator

St Charles County Family and Divorce Courts

Court Name:

11th Judicial Circuit Court

Court Address:

300 N 2nd

St. Charles,

63301

Phone:

636-949-3080

Fax:

636-949-7390

Clerk Hours:

8am-4pm

Website:

https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=1889

Clerks:

Judy Zerr

Missouri Divorce Court Locator

St Charles County Family and Divorce Courts

Court Name:

11th Judicial Circuit Court

Court Address:

300 N 2nd

St. Charles,

63301

Phone:

636-949-3080

Fax:

636-949-7390

Clerk Hours:

8am-4pm

Website:

https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=1889

Clerks:

Judy Zerr

Free and Low-Cost Resources in St Charles County

Legal Aid Services

Missouri has legal aid organizations that provide free legal help to low-income residents. Contact your local legal aid office to check eligibility for services in St Charles County.

Typical Eligibility: Income at or below 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines

Court Self-Help Resources

Many Missouri courts offer self-help centers with:

Divorce form packets
Filing instructions
Procedural information
Referrals to resources

Contact the St Charles County Circuit Court to ask about available self-help services.

Pro Bono Legal Services

Local bar associations in Missouri may offer:

Free legal consultations
Reduced-fee attorney referrals
Pro bono representation for qualified cases

Mediation Services

St Charles County may offer court-connected mediation at reduced rates, typically much less expensive than private mediation.

Affordable Online Divorce Services for St Charles County

Online divorce services provide an affordable alternative to hiring an attorney for uncontested cases in St Charles County.

Benefits of Online Services:

St Charles County-specific forms and filing instructions
Professional document preparation
Significant cost savings vs. attorney fees
Convenient online process
Support throughout your case

Best For:

Uncontested divorces where both spouses agree
Cases without complex assets or custody disputes
Couples able to cooperate on terms
People seeking affordable professional help

Typical Cost Range: $500-$2,000 plus court filing fees

Online services work well in St Charles County for straightforward cases while providing guidance and form preparation assistance.

Divorce with Children in St Charles County

St Charles County courts prioritize children's best interests in custody and support decisions.

Child Custody in Missouri

Missouri courts consider multiple factors when determining custody:

Each parent's ability to care for children
Children's relationship with each parent
Stability of proposed living arrangements
Children's adjustment to home, school, community
Parents' willingness to cooperate
Any history of abuse or neglect

Parenting Time

St Charles County courts encourage meaningful relationships with both parents unless safety concerns exist. Parenting time schedules are customized to each family's situation.

Child Support

Missouri uses guidelines based on:

Both parents' incomes
Number of children
Parenting time allocation
Healthcare and childcare costs

Mandatory Requirements

Missouri may require parents in St Charles County to:

Complete parenting education classes
Attend mediation for custody disputes
Submit detailed parenting plans
Provide financial disclosure

Common Mistakes in St Charles County Divorces

1. Incomplete Financial Disclosure

Missouri requires full financial disclosure in divorce cases. Incomplete or inaccurate information causes delays and can result in court sanctions.

2. Missing Deadlines

St Charles County Circuit Court imposes deadlines for responses, discovery, and other filings. Missing deadlines can result in default judgments or case dismissal.

3. Incorrect Forms or Formatting

Each Missouri county has specific form requirements. Using outdated forms or incorrect formats results in rejected filings.

4. Poor Service of Process

Improperly serving your spouse invalidates the entire case. Follow Missouri's service requirements exactly.

5. Not Following Court Orders

Violating temporary orders issued by St Charles County court can result in contempt charges and negatively impact your case.

6. Failing to Update Information

Changes in income, residence, or circumstances must be reported to St Charles County court promptly.

7. Representing Yourself in Complex Cases

While self-representation is allowed in St Charles County, complex cases involving businesses, substantial assets, or high-conflict custody benefit from attorney representation.

St Charles County Divorce FAQs

How long does it take to get divorced in St Charles County?

Uncontested divorces in St Charles County typically take 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Missouri requires 30 days waiting period. Contested cases take 8-18 months or longer depending on complexity.

How much does divorce cost in St Charles County?

Filing fees vary by Missouri county. Uncontested divorces using online services cost $500-$2,000 plus filing fees. Attorney-handled divorces range from $2,000-$6,000 for uncontested cases to $10,000-$50,000+ for contested cases.

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in St Charles County?

No, but whether you should hire one depends on your situation. Attorney representation is recommended for cases involving significant assets, business ownership, contested custody, or domestic violence. Simple uncontested divorces often work well with online service assistance.

Can I file for divorce in St Charles County if my spouse lives elsewhere?

Yes, as long as you meet Missouri's residency requirement (90 days), you can file in St Charles County even if your spouse lives in another county or state.

What if my spouse doesn't respond to divorce papers?

If your spouse doesn't respond within the required timeframe in Missouri, you can request a default judgment from St Charles County court.

How is property divided in St Charles County?

Missouri follows equitable distribution rules. The court divides marital property fairly based on various factors, not necessarily equally.

Does St Charles County require separation before divorce?

Missouri's laws determine separation requirements. 30 days waiting period applies after filing. Formal separation is not required before filing.

Can I change my name back in my divorce?

Yes, you can request to resume your maiden name or previous name as part of your St Charles County divorce decree.

What if I can't afford the filing fee?

St Charles County court may waive filing fees if you qualify based on low income or receipt of public assistance. File a fee waiver application with your petition.

Are divorce records public in St Charles County?

Yes, divorce records filed with St Charles County Circuit Court are generally public records, though you can request certain sensitive information be sealed.

Next Steps: Start Your St Charles County Divorce

Step 1: Verify you meet Missouri's residency requirement (90 days)
Step 2: Gather all required financial and personal documents
Step 3: Decide between self-filing, online service, or attorney
Step 4: Complete St Charles County-specific divorce forms
Step 5: File petition with St Charles County Clerk of Courts
Step 6: Serve your spouse with divorce papers
Step 7: Complete any mandatory requirements
Step 8: Finalize your divorce through settlement or hearing

About This St Charles County Divorce Guide

This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about filing for divorce in St Charles County, Missouri. Information covers local procedures, filing requirements, costs, and resources specific to St Charles County's Circuit Court.

Last Updated: February 2026

Note: Laws and procedures change. Always verify current requirements with St Charles County Clerk of Courts or consult with a qualified Missouri family law attorney.

RETAINER FEE  
PETITION    

COURT FILING FEE  SUMMONS  
AFFIDAVIT
  MOTIONS  
ARGUMENTS  
TEMPORARY ORDERS  HEARINGS  
SUBPOENAS
  DEPOSITIONS
  SETTLEMENT  CONFERENCES  JUDGEMENT

    TRIAL  
APPEALS

Why Divorce.com

Mission

Services

Resources

Online Divorce

Divorce Guides

States

Get Started

We offer a simple divorce online for uncontested or lightly contested divorces.