The timeframe for a divorce is difficult to calculate because it depends on your situation, as well as factors beyond your control. For instance, your spouse may not want the divorce and it is unknown what he or she is willing to agree upon during the process. The degree to which you and your spouse agree on issues and the cooperation between the two of you will dictate how long the process will be. 

If you and your spouse agree on each issue, the process can usually be completed in a few weeks. This is often referred to as “uncontested divorce.”

In contested circumstances, a divorce may take a year or more because the parties must reach an agreement on custody, property division, or other matters specific to your situation, or allow their case to be tried by the Court.  

Family Advocates Law Firm prides itself in the quality of work and reasonableness of its attorneys’ fees and costs for clients. While it is impossible to know for certain what a contested matter will cost, we work diligently to communicate upcoming costs to our clients throughout the process. In an effort to ensure we stay within a budget, we provide personal attention and consistent contact with our clients to ensure the client is aware of the time required for his or her matter.  

Our mission is not to operate a “high volume” practice, but to properly attend to and communicate with the client to achieve the goals set by you and your attorney. As a result, as the client, you will play a key role in the cost and billable time spent on your case. Please refer to our mission statement to learn more about the distinguished service we offer our clients.

Spousal support or maintenance is awarded to a spouse to assist them in getting back on their feet after a divorce. The award is different for each case and will depend on the length of the marriage, the standard of living each spouse was accustomed to during the marriage, the financial resources of the parties, and the earning capacity of each spouse. While each spouse has an obligation under Missouri law to become self-supporting, the Court will review the facts unique to your case to determine if some form of spousal support is necessary.

This is not uncommon in family law matters, especially during litigation. If you have this belief, there are ways to determine if your spouse has concealed assets and we have the ability to help. We will work with employers, businesses, banks, and experts, where necessary, to uncover any hidden assets. At times, we will work with other professionals, such a forensic accountant, to trace and locate concealed money or income. While there is a cost-benefit analysis to ensure these actions are necessary, you and your Family Advocates Law Firm attorney will take all steps necessary to protect your interests.