No one gets married with divorce in mind. But over time situations and people change, and a couple may decide that separating is the best option. According to the American Psychological Association, about 40% to 50% of married couples in the U.S. end up getting divorced. However, divorce rates each year vary quite a bit by state.  

Divorce Rate in Missouri

A survey by Lending Tree puts the rate of divorce in Missouri near the middle compared to other states. In 2016, there were more than 2.5 million married individuals in Missouri. In 2017, 44,321 couples divorced in Missouri. That represents a 2016-2017 divorce rate of about 1.8%. 

Highest Divorce Rate in the U.S.

While divorce rates vary state-to-state, the results also vary greatly across the country. Neighboring Arkansas reported the highest rate of divorce a 2.4%, with 29,908 divorces among the 1,236,468 married population. Kentucky, Alabama, and Oklahoma are the other states with the highest rates of divorce in 2017 (all above 2%). 

Lowest Rate of Divorce Rate is in Hawaii

At the other end of the spectrum is Hawaii, which reported the lowest rate of divorce. Of the 592,193 married population in Hawaii, there were 5,952 divorces in 2017, with a divorce rate of 1.0%. New York had the second-lowest divorce rate among the 50 states and Washington D.C.

Missouri's neighbor to the east, Illinois, had the third-lowest rate of divorce in the U.S. At 1.2%, there were 63,102 divorces in 2017 out of the married population of 5,061,911. 

Missouri's Divorce Rate is Decreasing  

In almost every state, the rate of divorce has decreased over the past decade. Ten years ago, Missouri's divorce rate was 2.1% (0.3% higher in 2007-2007 compared to 2016-2017). Arkansas was one of the few states that had an increase in divorce rates from ten years ago. 

Divorce Process in Missouri 

Going through a divorce can be difficult and extremely stressful. Missouri is a “no-fault” divorce state that does not require a specific waiting period for residents who have lived in Missouri for at least 90-days prior to filing for divorce. In an uncontested divorce, the process can be relatively straightforward. However, a contested divorce can take months to settle on terms of: 

• Property division
• Child custody
• Visitation
• Spousal support 

Raymore Family Law Attorney

A divorce in Missouri can have lasting effects on your life, the living arrangements of your children, the quality of your life, and your financial state. The Joshua Wilson Law Firm provides services in family law including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and asset division. Contact us today by calling (816) 331-9968 or fill out our online form.