Bill > SB926

This bill modifies Missouri state law regarding divorce and legal separation proceedings, primarily focusing on residency requirements, marriage dissolution criteria, and parental planning. The bill stipulates that to obtain a divorce or legal separation, one party must have been a Missouri resident or stationed in Missouri for 90 days, with 30 days having elapsed since filing the petition. A key provision is that pregnancy status cannot prevent the court from entering a judgment of dissolution of marriage or legal separation. The bill requires detailed documentation in divorce or separation petitions, including residence information, marriage date, separation date, children's details, and Social Security number information. Additionally, the bill mandates that both parties submit comprehensive parenting plans within 30 days of serving process, which must outline specific custody arrangements, decision-making responsibilities, and financial obligations related to children. The bill abolishes previous legal defenses to divorce and requires the court to consider child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and property disposition. Importantly, the legislation aims to ensure that children's best interests are prioritized and that both parents have clear, structured guidelines for co-parenting after separation.

Health and Social Services

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=538