Bill > HB243

This bill modifies Missouri's existing law regarding dissolution of marriage and legal separation by explicitly stating that pregnancy status cannot prevent a court from entering a judgment of dissolution or legal separation. The bill maintains the existing requirements for such judgments, which include: one party being a Missouri resident (or a military member stationed in Missouri) for 90 days prior to filing, and the court finding either that the marriage is irretrievably broken (for dissolution) or that there remains a likelihood the marriage can be preserved (for legal separation). The bill adds language to section 452.310 requiring petitions to indicate whether the wife is pregnant, but clarifies that this status does not impact the court's ability to proceed with dissolution or separation. Additionally, the bill requires that any judgment include the last four digits of the parties' Social Security numbers, while retaining full Social Security number information in a separate, protected manner. The modifications aim to ensure that pregnancy cannot be used as a barrier to legally ending or separating a marriage, providing more flexibility for couples in challenging marital situations.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB243&year=2025&code=R