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Judgment and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage

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Judgment and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage

Not Approved for use in Contested Cases

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF , MISSOURI

(County where court is located. City of Saint Louis is considered a county.)

In re the Marriage of:

Petitioner, (Enter your full legal name above)

-and-

Respondent. (Enter your spouse’s full legal name above)

Case Number

Division Number

Judgment and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage

Parties

1. Appearances (Check all that apply)

Petitioner appears in person.     Respondent appears in person.

Petitioner appears by attorney.     Respondent appears by attorney.

Cause submitted upon affidavit of Petitioner.     Cause submitted upon affidavit of Respondent.

Guardian ad Litem appears in person.

Third Party appears in person.

appears in person.

Third Party appears by attorney.

2. The last four digits of the Petitioner’s Social Security Number are and the last four digits of the Respondent’s Social Security Number are .

3. Check one of the two boxes.

Respondent is not on active duty in the armed services of the United States now or any time since the filing of the petition herein.

Respondent is on active duty in the armed services of the United States, but has waived his or her rights pursuant to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003.

Jurisdiction

4. Thirty (30) days have elapsed since the filing of the petition herein.

5. Check one of the two boxes.

The court has personal jurisdiction over Respondent.

The court does not have personal jurisdiction over Respondent.

6. Check all that apply.

Petitioner has been a resident of the State of Missouri for at least 90 days immediately prior to the filing of the petition herein.

Respondent has been a resident of the State of Missouri for at least 90 days immediately prior to the filing of the petition herein.

Marriage

7. The parties were married on . The marriage was registered in the county of , in the state of .

8. The parties continued to live together until , on or about which date they separated.

9. There is no reasonable likelihood that the marriage of the parties can be preserved, and the marriage is therefore irretrievably broken.

Children

10. Check all that apply.

Petitioner

Respondent is/are not now pregnant.

11. Check one of the two boxes.

There are no unemancipated children born or adopted of the marriage.

There is/are unemancipated living child(ren) born or adopted of the marriage.

The name(s), age(s) and last four digits of the Social Security Number(s) of said child(ren) are:

As used herein, “minor child(ren)” refers to the unemancipated living child(ren) listed above.

It is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed that:

12. The marriage of Petitioner and Respondent is dissolved.

Maintenance

13. Maintenance to Petitioner (Check one of the three boxes)

No maintenance is to be paid to Petitioner by Respondent. This order is not subject to modification.

Respondent is ordered to pay to Petitioner the sum of per month as and for maintenance. Said maintenance is is not subject to modification.

The court lacks jurisdiction to enter any orders with respect to maintenance of Petitioner.

14. Maintenance to Respondent (Check one of the three boxes)

No maintenance is to be paid to Respondent by Petitioner. This order is not subject to modification.

Petitioner is ordered to pay to Respondent the sum of per month as and for maintenance. Said maintenance is is not subject to modification.

The court lacks jurisdiction to enter any orders with respect to maintenance of Respondent.

15. Wage Assignment for Maintenance (If maintenance is to be paid by either party) (Check one of the two boxes)

Income withholding shall be prepared by the obligee and issued by the circuit clerk upon the effective date of this order.

Income withholding shall not issue for the following reason(s):

Child Custody (If there are unemancipated children)

16. Check one of the two boxes.

The court does not have “jurisdiction” (as defined in the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, §452.700, RSMo et seq.) over the custody arrangements of the minor child(ren) and therefore enters no further orders with respect to the custodial arrangements of the minor child(ren).

The court has “jurisdiction” (as defined in the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, §452.700, RSMo et seq.) over the custody arrangements of the minor child(ren).

The court approves the provisions of Part A of the parenting plan marked Exhibit pertaining to the custodial arrangements of the minor child(ren) and finds that the custodial arrangements contained in said parenting plan are in the best interests of the minor child(ren).

Therefore, the court orders the provisions of Part A of said parenting plan pertaining to the custodial arrangements of the minor child(ren) and incorporates by reference all of the terms and conditions pertaining to the custodial arrangements of the minor child(ren) set forth in Part A of said parenting plan as if fully set forth herein.

The sheriff or other law enforcement officers shall enforce the rights of any person to custody or visitation pursuant to §452.425, RSMo.

In the event of noncompliance with this order, the aggrieved party may file a verified motion for contempt. If custody, visitation, or third-party custody is denied or interfered with by a parent or third party without good cause, the aggrieved person may file a family access motion with the court stating the specific facts that constitute a violation of the custody provisions of the judgment of dissolution, legal separation, or judgment of paternity. The circuit clerk will provide the aggrieved party with an explanation of the procedures for filing a family access motion and a simple form for use in filing the family access motion. A family access motion does not require the assistance of legal counsel to prepare and file.

Child Support (If there are unemancipated children)

17. Check one of the two boxes.

The court does not have jurisdiction to enter any orders with respect to the support of the minor child(ren).

The court orders the provisions of Part B of the parenting plan marked Exhibit , pertaining to the support of the minor child(ren) and incorporates by reference all of the terms and conditions set forth in Part B of said parenting plan as if fully set forth herein.

Marital and Non-marital Property and Marital Debt

18. Division of Property (Check one of the two boxes)

The parties have entered into a separation agreement marked Exhibit , which is found to be not unconscionable. Said separation agreement is incorporated herein and the parties are ordered to perform the terms and conditions set forth therein as well as such further and other orders contained in this judgment.

The parties have not entered into a separation agreement. All marital and non-marital property and marital debt are divided in Exhibit . Said division is fair and equitable and the parties are ordered to perform the terms and conditions set forth therein.

19. Real Property (Check if applicable)

The legal description of the real property or properties divided herein is more fully set forth in Exhibit(s) , which is/are incorporated into and made a part of this judgment.

The circuit clerk is ordered to record a certified copy of this judgment with the recorder of deeds in the following county or counties where the real property or properties is/are located:

20. Pension and Retirement Plans

If this judgment divides any pension or retirement benefits, the court intends its judgment to be a qualified domestic relations order and retains jurisdiction for the purpose of establishing or maintaining this order as a qualified domestic relations order or to revise or conform its terms so as to effectuate the expressed intent of this order.

21. Other Orders Concerning Property and Debt (Check if applicable)

is ordered to pay to the sum of as and for .

22. This judgment divides all marital and non-marital property and marital debt. No other marital or non-marital property or marital debt remains to be divided by the court except as set forth herein.

Attorney’s Fees

23. Check one of the three boxes.

Neither party is awarded attorney’s fees from the other party.

Petitioner shall pay to the sum of as and for Respondent’s attorney’s fees herein.

Respondent shall pay to the sum of as and for Petitioner’s attorney’s fees herein.

Name Change

24. Check all that apply.

Petitioner is granted restoration of their (maiden or former) name of .

Respondent is granted restoration of their (maiden or former) name of .

Other Orders

25. Check if applicable.

Other orders are as per the attached Exhibit , which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Court Costs

26. Check one of the two boxes.

Court costs are to be paid from the court cost deposit(s) previously posted.

Court costs are waived.

Waiver of Right to Rehearing (If case is heard by a Commissioner pursuant to §487.010, RSMo et seq.)

We, the undersigned parties, do hereby acknowledge receipt of the findings and recommendations of the commissioner and waive the right to file a motion for rehearing in this case.

Signature of Petitioner’s Attorney

Signature of Respondent’s Attorney

Signature of Guardian ad Litem

Signature of Petitioner

Signature of Respondent

Signature of Third Party

(If heard by a Family Court Judge)

(If heard by a Family Court Commissioner)

Findings and Recommendations of Commissioner:

All orders and these findings and recommendations of the Commissioner are confirmed and adopted as the judgment of the court.

A certified copy of this judgment is to be mailed to the following person(s): (Check all applicable boxes)

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What the Judgment and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage Is

A Judgment and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage is the court-issued order that legally ends a marriage and establishes final terms for property division, support, custody, and any other court-directed obligations. It is entered by a judge after the parties have complied with procedural requirements, submitted settlement terms or received a court ruling, and the clerk files the signed order in the court record. The decree is a binding court judgment that can be enforced, modified only as allowed by statute, and is typically required to update records (name changes, benefits, title transfers) following entry.

Why the Decree Matters for Parties and Third Parties

The decree converts negotiated or litigated terms into an enforceable court judgment that governs obligations such as child support, spousal maintenance, property allocation, and parental responsibilities. It provides legal certainty for banks, employers, and agencies that need an authoritative document before processing name changes, title transfers, or benefit adjustments.

Why the Decree Matters for Parties and Third Parties

Who Typically Prepares, Signs, and Relies on the Decree

Third parties such as banks, the DMV, employers, and benefit administrators rely on the filed decree to process account changes and enforce obligations.

  • Family law attorneys preparing proposed orders and ensuring statutory language is included.
  • Pro se filers submitting settlement terms or proposed decree to the court for entry.
  • Court clerks and judges who review, sign, and file the decree into the official record.

Who Signs and the Roles They Play

Judge

The judge or magistrate issues the decree and signs the final judgment, giving it the force of a court order; their signature and the clerk's filing create the official record required for enforcement and third-party reliance.

Parties / Attorneys

One or both spouses — often through counsel — must approve and sign settlement documents submitted to the court; signatures evidence consent to terms but the decree becomes final only after judicial entry.

Core Elements Included in a Typical Decree

A professionally prepared Judgment and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage contains standardized sections and clear, enforceable language so courts and third parties can apply the terms without further interpretation.

Caption

Court name, case number, party names, and attorney information — required for correct filing and identification of the official record.

Findings

Factual and jurisdictional findings supporting the court's authority to enter the decree, such as residency, service, and irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Property Division

Detailed division and description of marital assets and debts, with specific allocation instructions and effective dates for transfers or quitclaims.

Support Orders

Child support and spousal maintenance terms including amounts, payment dates, duration, and modification triggers where statutorily permitted.

Parenting Plan

Custody, visitation schedules, decision-making authority, and dispute-resolution mechanisms for parental responsibilities when children are involved.

Enforcement & Misc.

Enforcement provisions, contempt remedies, tax allocations, attorney fees, name-change directives, and any reserved jurisdiction clauses.

Simple Step-by-Step: From Agreement to Final Decree

Follow these steps to convert a settlement or trial outcome into an entered judgment that can be enforced and used by third parties.

  • 01
    Prepare Proposed Order: Draft decree with clear terms and required statutory language.
  • 02
    Submit to Court: File proposed decree per local e-filing or clerk's procedures.
  • 03
    Judge Signs: Judge signs or approves at hearing; entry creates the judgment.
  • 04
    Record and Serve: Clerk files the decree and parties serve required recipients.

Typical Routing and Filing Workflow

A clear routing sequence reduces rejections and ensures the decree becomes an enforceable record without procedural delays.

  • Drafting: Attorney or party prepares the proposed decree.
  • Local Review: Clerk or judge’s chambers reviews compliance with local rules.
  • Judicial Entry: Judge executes the judgment at hearing or on submission.
  • Filing & Copies: Clerk files original and issues certified copies to parties.

Digital Workflow Settings for Preparing the Decree

When assembling the decree digitally, configure fields and authentication to match court rules and downstream needs.

Field Configuration
Authentication Email link or stronger MFA per local court preference
Signature Type Use judge wet-ink when required; e-sign for parties if allowed
Templates Save court-compliant template to prevent omissions
Notifications Auto-notify clerk and parties on final entry

Technical Considerations for eFiling and eSign

Align platform settings (format, signer authentication, audit trail) with local court rules to reduce filing rejections and ensure enforceability.

  • Document Format: Submit in PDF/A or court-specified PDF formats
  • Authentication Options: Email, SMS, or KBA depending on court and document type
  • Audit Trail: Maintain detailed logs of signer actions and timestamps

Key Timeframes to Track

Observe statutory and local deadlines for filing, serving, appeals, and post-judgment motions to protect rights and preserve enforcement options.

Entry and Filing:

File the signed decree with the clerk immediately after judicial entry; local rules set specific timing.

Service on Parties:

Serve the entered decree on all required parties — timing varies by jurisdiction.

Appeal Period:

Typical civil appeal windows are about 30 days but vary by state and court rules.

Post-Judgment Motions:

Statutory timeframes for modification or rehearing differ by state; act promptly to preserve rights.

Support Withholding:

Implement wage withholding per state processing times to avoid payment gaps.

Milestone Timeline from Petition to Finalized Decree

This sequential view highlights the principal stages, from filing the initial petition through entry and post-judgment enforcement.

01

Petition Filed

Case opens once the petition is filed and served according to local rules.

02

Temporary Orders

Interim custody, support, or exclusive use orders may be entered pending final hearing.

03

Final Hearing / Settlement

Court reviews settlement or conducts trial to resolve contested issues.

04

Decree Entered

Judge signs and clerk files the final Judgment and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.

Common Preparation Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Failing to use the court’s caption or case number — leads to rejected filings and delays in docketing.
  • Vague property descriptions that lack account numbers or legal descriptions — block transfers and title changes.
  • Omitting statutory language for support or custody — creates grounds for later modification disputes.
  • Relying on an electronic party signature when the local court requires in-court or judge-signed originals.

Consequences of an Incorrect or Noncompliant Decree

Voidable Provisions: Certain clauses may be unenforceable
Enforcement Actions: Contempt or collection actions may follow noncompliance
Record Delays: Third-party transactions may be blocked
Appeal Exposure: Errors can be grounds for appeal
Financial Penalties: Missed withholding may trigger fines
Privacy Risks: Incorrect disclosures can violate privacy laws

Security and Compliance Considerations for Decrees

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
At-Rest Protection: AES-256 encryption at rest
Audit Trail: Tamper-evident action log
Access Controls: Role-based access and SSO
HIPAA Support: BAA available where required
ESIGN / UETA: Compliant signature frameworks

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing and Distributing the Decree

Comparison of common vendor pricing and feature availability relevant to signing, bulk distribution, compliance, and HIPAA protections; signNow is listed first per platform rules.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year No cap No cap No cap

Practical Examples of Digital Document Workflows

Real-world customers show how secure digital workflows help finalize legal documents and distribute certified copies efficiently.

Optica Ventures

The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.

  • Quick adoption across remote signers reduced turnaround delays.
  • Brian Fitzgibbons, COO — demonstrated faster acceptance and consistent document formatting for business-critical agreements.

BIS

We felt most comfortable with airSlate SignNow given their SOC 2 certification and strict focus on ESIGN and UETA act compliance.

  • Enterprise controls matched our legal requirements.
  • Dan Rotelli, CEO — cited compliance readiness and audit trails as decisive for legal workflows.

Tips to Prepare a Court-Ready Decree

Follow these best practices to minimize rejection risk and create an enforceable, clear judgment that third parties can process promptly.

Use Official Caption
Always use the exact court caption and case number supplied by the clerk; mismatches cause filing delays and potential docketing errors.
Specify Asset Identifiers
Include account numbers, VINs, parcel IDs, and legal property descriptions to prevent ambiguity during transfers or title updates.
Include Enforcement Language
Add clear enforcement remedies and withholding instructions to streamline post-judgment collection and administrative implementation.
Confirm Local Rules
Verify whether the judge or clerk requires wet-ink signatures, certified copies, or a specific electronic format before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Judgment and Decree

Answers to common questions about enforceability, e-signing, filing, and post-decree updates for a Judgment and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.


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