Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri
no real assets -- must we complete big property list?
After being separated for nearly a year, my husband of 2 1/2 years will soon begin the divorce process (sad, I know). Most legal sites and books I have found say that we will have to complete much paperwork, including an exhaustive list of all our assets, debts, income and more. Since we are in our late 20s, have no assets (house, retirement), must we do all this? We ourselves have already divided up our property (coffee table, DVDs, blender -- small stuff), and neither of us wants any monetary support from the other. All credit cards are in our own, separate names. One car is titled in both names, but only I use it and make payments on it. We've already agreed that it is mine.
Since we've already agreed upon everything and don't want anything from the other, is there an easy way to get a divorce without going through all the hassle?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: no real assets -- must we complete big property list?
The court requires that the financial statements (Statement of Property and Statement of Income & Expenses) be completed by the Petitioner in each case. They must be filed with the Petition. There is also a requirement that a certificate of dissolution be prepared and filed, as well as the court's cover sheet. The clerk's office has all of these forms.
The Respondent does not have to complete the financial statements unless he/she is contesting the case. (i.e. filing his/her own pleadings)
It is NOT necessary to list each item of household or personal property. If there is no dispute as to how these are to be divided, I usually write in "divided by the parties" on the appropriate line.
You should always list and specifically refer to the following in both the Statement of Property and final decree form: real estate, vehicles, retirement accounts and debts. In doing so, you are preventing any problems in the future with regard to ownership and title of these items.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
