Bill > HB1021

This bill modifies Missouri state law to allow legally married minors to file for dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, or declaration of invalidity of marriage without requiring parental or guardian consent. The bill amends Section 452.300 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by adding a new provision (Section 7) that specifically grants minors who are legally married the independent legal right to initiate these legal proceedings on their own, without needing approval from their custodial parents or guardians. By removing the traditional requirement of parental consent for such legal actions, the bill aims to provide greater autonomy to legally married minors in addressing their marital status. The bill maintains existing procedural rules for marriage-related legal proceedings, such as how cases should be titled, how parties are denominated, and in which county such proceedings can be commenced. This change represents a significant expansion of legal rights for married minors, potentially offering them more direct access to legal remedies in marital disputes.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1021&year=2025&code=R