How long does it take to get divorced in Stone County, Missouri?

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

How is property divided in Stone County divorces?

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

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Stone County Divorce Guide: Filing in Galena, Missouri

Q: How much does divorce cost in Stone 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 Stone County.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Stone 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 Stone County often work well with online service assistance.

Q: Can I file for divorce in Stone 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 Stone County even if your spouse lives in another county or out of state.

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

Stone County Divorce at a Glance

County: Stone County
Primary City: Galena, Missouri
Court Type: Circuit Court
Residency Requirement: 90 days
Waiting Period: 30 days

What Makes Stone County Unique

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

Local Court Procedures

Stone 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 Stone County has specific requirements for document submission, fee payments, and case processing. Understanding these requirements before filing prevents delays and rejected paperwork.

Community Resources

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

Stone County Court Filing Fees

Divorce Petition: Filing fees in Missouri vary by county. Contact the Stone 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 Stone County

Attorney fees in Stone 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 Stone County depend on your specific situation.

How to File for Divorce in Stone 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. Stone 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 Stone 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.

Stone 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 Stone County, case complexity, and how quickly both parties respond to requests.

Stone County Circuit Court

Stone 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 Stone County divorce cases.

Missouri Divorce Court Locator

Stone County Family and Divorce Courts

Court Name:

39th Judicial Circuit Court

Court Address:

110 S Maple

Galena,

65656

Phone:

417-357-6115

Fax:

417-357-6163

Clerk Hours:

7:30am-4pm

Website:

http://www.stoneco-mo.us/

Clerks:

Deborah Scobee

Court Name:

16th Judicial Circuit

Court Address:

107 W Main

Mountain View,

72560

Phone:

870-269-3271

Fax:

870-269-2303

Clerk Hours:

8am-4:30pm

Website:

http://stonecountyar.com/

Clerks:

Angie Hudspeth-Wade

Court Name:

Stone County Chancery Court

Court Address:

P.O. Drawer 7

Wiggins,

39577

Phone:

601-928-5266

Fax:

601-928-6464

Clerk Hours:

8am-5pm

Website:

http://www.stonecountygov.com/

Judges:

Sanford R. Steckler, Jim Persons, Jennifer Schloegel, Carter Bise

Clerks:

Gerald W. Bond

Missouri Divorce Court Locator

Stone County Family and Divorce Courts

Court Name:

39th Judicial Circuit Court

Court Address:

110 S Maple

Galena,

65656

Phone:

417-357-6115

Fax:

417-357-6163

Clerk Hours:

7:30am-4pm

Website:

http://www.stoneco-mo.us/

Clerks:

Deborah Scobee

Court Name:

16th Judicial Circuit

Court Address:

107 W Main

Mountain View,

72560

Phone:

870-269-3271

Fax:

870-269-2303

Clerk Hours:

8am-4:30pm

Website:

http://stonecountyar.com/

Clerks:

Angie Hudspeth-Wade

Court Name:

Stone County Chancery Court

Court Address:

P.O. Drawer 7

Wiggins,

39577

Phone:

601-928-5266

Fax:

601-928-6464

Clerk Hours:

8am-5pm

Website:

http://www.stonecountygov.com/

Judges:

Sanford R. Steckler, Jim Persons, Jennifer Schloegel, Carter Bise

Clerks:

Gerald W. Bond

Free and Low-Cost Resources in Stone 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 Stone 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 Stone 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

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

Affordable Online Divorce Services for Stone County

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

Benefits of Online Services:

Stone 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 Stone County for straightforward cases while providing guidance and form preparation assistance.

Divorce with Children in Stone County

Stone 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

Stone 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 Stone County to:

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

Common Mistakes in Stone 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

Stone 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 Stone 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 Stone County court promptly.

7. Representing Yourself in Complex Cases

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

Stone County Divorce FAQs

How long does it take to get divorced in Stone County?

Uncontested divorces in Stone 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 Stone 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 Stone 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 Stone County if my spouse lives elsewhere?

Yes, as long as you meet Missouri's residency requirement (90 days), you can file in Stone 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 Stone County court.

How is property divided in Stone County?

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

Does Stone 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 Stone County divorce decree.

What if I can't afford the filing fee?

Stone 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 Stone County?

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

Next Steps: Start Your Stone 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 Stone County-specific divorce forms
Step 5: File petition with Stone 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 Stone County Divorce Guide

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

Last Updated: February 2026

Note: Laws and procedures change. Always verify current requirements with Stone 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

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Stone County Divorce Guide: Filing in Galena, Missouri

Stone County Divorce at a Glance

County: Stone County
Primary City: Galena, Missouri
Court Type: Circuit Court
Residency Requirement: 90 days
Waiting Period: 30 days

What Makes Stone County Unique

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

Local Court Procedures

Filing Requirements

Community Resources

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

Stone County Court Filing Fees

Divorce Petition: Filing fees in Missouri vary by county. Contact the Stone 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 Stone County

Attorney fees in Stone 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 Stone County depend on your specific situation.

How to File for Divorce in Stone 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. Stone 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 Stone 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.

Stone 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 Stone County, case complexity, and how quickly both parties respond to requests.

Stone County Circuit Court

Stone 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 Stone County divorce cases.

Missouri Divorce Court Locator

Stone County Family and Divorce Courts

Court Name:

39th Judicial Circuit Court

Court Address:

110 S Maple

Galena,

65656

Phone:

417-357-6115

Fax:

417-357-6163

Clerk Hours:

7:30am-4pm

Website:

http://www.stoneco-mo.us/

Clerks:

Deborah Scobee

Court Name:

16th Judicial Circuit

Court Address:

107 W Main

Mountain View,

72560

Phone:

870-269-3271

Fax:

870-269-2303

Clerk Hours:

8am-4:30pm

Website:

http://stonecountyar.com/

Clerks:

Angie Hudspeth-Wade

Court Name:

Stone County Chancery Court

Court Address:

P.O. Drawer 7

Wiggins,

39577

Phone:

601-928-5266

Fax:

601-928-6464

Clerk Hours:

8am-5pm

Website:

http://www.stonecountygov.com/

Judges:

Sanford R. Steckler, Jim Persons, Jennifer Schloegel, Carter Bise

Clerks:

Gerald W. Bond

Free and Low-Cost Resources in Stone 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 Stone 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 Stone 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

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

Affordable Online Divorce Services for Stone County

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

Benefits of Online Services:

Stone 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 Stone County for straightforward cases while providing guidance and form preparation assistance.

Divorce with Children in Stone County

Stone 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

Stone 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 Stone County to:

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

Common Mistakes in Stone 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

Stone 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 Stone 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 Stone County court promptly.

7. Representing Yourself in Complex Cases

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

Stone County Divorce FAQs

How long does it take to get divorced in Stone County?

How much does divorce cost in Stone County?

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Stone County?

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

Yes, as long as you meet Missouri's residency requirement (90 days), you can file in Stone 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 Stone County court.

How is property divided in Stone County?

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

Does Stone 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 Stone County divorce decree.

What if I can't afford the filing fee?

Stone 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 Stone County?

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

Next Steps: Start Your Stone County Divorce

About This Stone County Divorce Guide

Last Updated: February 2026

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

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Stone County Divorce Guide: Filing in Galena, Missouri

Stone County Divorce at a Glance

What Makes Stone County Unique

Local Court Procedures

Filing Requirements

Community Resources

Stone County Court Filing Fees

Attorney Costs in Stone County

How to File for Divorce in Stone County

Step 1: Verify Residency

Step 2: Gather Documents

Step 3: Complete Divorce Forms

Step 4: File with the Court

Step 5: Serve Your Spouse

Step 6: Complete Mandatory Requirements

Step 7: Finalize Your Divorce

Stone County Divorce Timeline

Stone County Circuit Court

Missouri Divorce Court Locator

Stone County Family and Divorce Courts

Missouri Divorce Court Locator

Stone County Family and Divorce Courts

Free and Low-Cost Resources in Stone County

Legal Aid Services

Court Self-Help Resources

Pro Bono Legal Services

Mediation Services

Affordable Online Divorce Services for Stone County

Divorce with Children in Stone County

Child Custody in Missouri

Parenting Time

Child Support

Mandatory Requirements

Common Mistakes in Stone County Divorces

1. Incomplete Financial Disclosure

2. Missing Deadlines

3. Incorrect Forms or Formatting

4. Poor Service of Process

5. Not Following Court Orders

6. Failing to Update Information

7. Representing Yourself in Complex Cases

Stone County Divorce FAQs

How long does it take to get divorced in Stone County?

How much does divorce cost in Stone County?

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Stone County?

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

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

How is property divided in Stone County?

Does Stone County require separation before divorce?

Can I change my name back in my divorce?

What if I can't afford the filing fee?

Are divorce records public in Stone County?

Next Steps: Start Your Stone County Divorce

About This Stone County Divorce Guide

Stone County Divorce Guide: Filing in Galena, Missouri

Stone County Divorce at a Glance

What Makes Stone County Unique

Local Court Procedures

Filing Requirements

Community Resources

Stone County Court Filing Fees

Attorney Costs in Stone County

The Ultimate Guide
to Getting Started in Your Divorce