Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Respondent's Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Respondent's Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF , MISSOURI

In re the Marriage of:

Petitioner (Enter your spouse’s full legal name above)

-and-

Respondent. (Enter your full legal name above)

Case Number

Division Number

Respondent's Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

This form shall be filled out by the Respondent who is responding to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.

1. I am answering the following pleading (Check one of the three boxes)

The first petition my spouse filed in this case (Original petition)

The second petition my spouse filed in this case (First amended petition)

The third petition my spouse filed in this case (Second amended petition)

2. I understand that by voluntarily entering my appearance and filing this pleading, I am subjecting myself to the jurisdiction of this court, and the court may enter such orders and judgments as are authorized by law, including orders awarding maintenance (formerly alimony), child support, child custody, parenting time/visitation, division of property, division of debts and attorney's fees.

3. I admit as true everything my spouse stated in his or her Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and incorporate all of those allegations herein except the following:

Any statement not specifically denied will be deemed admitted and you may not have the opportunity to disagree with this statement when the case is presented to the court.

4. What is your mailing address?

This is the address the court will use to send information about your case to you. If you move during the time this case is pending, you must send a letter to the court notifying it of your new address. This address is not necessarily the same as the address at which you live. Even if you do not wish to give the address at which you live, you must still give the court a mailing address. Because court actions are a matter of public record, the address you list will be available to the public.

5. What are the last four numbers of your social security number?

The last four numbers of your social security number are required by §452.312.2, RSMo.

XXX-XX-

6. Check one of the three boxes.

I am not on active duty in the armed services of the United States of America.

I am on active duty in the armed services of the United States of America, but waive my rights pursuant to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003.

I am on active duty in the armed services of the United States of America and I do not waive my rights pursuant to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003.

7. What are the last four numbers of your spouse’s social security number?

The last four numbers of your spouse’s social security number are required by §452.312.2, RSMo.

XXX-XX-

Information about Children of the Marriage

8. Below list the names, ages and last four digits of the social security numbers of all living children who were born after the date of your marriage; adopted including children born to you or your spouse and later adopted by the other spouse, or adopted by both parties; born to you and your spouse before this marriage as a result of sexual intercourse, or artificial insemination; or children born to you (if you are female) or your spouse (if they are female) after the date of marriage as a result of sexual intercourse or artificial insemination with someone outside the marriage.

If you listed children in response to Question 8, you must answer questions 9 through 13. If there are no living children born of the marriage, you may skip to the Request for Relief on Page 4.

9. List all addresses at which the children have lived during the past five years and the name of the parent or guardian with whom said children lived.

10. Do you know of anyone other than you or your spouse who has physical custody of any of the children or claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to any of the children? (Check one of the two boxes)

Yes

No

11. Do you have information about any other custody proceeding concerning any of the children pending in a court of this or any other state? (Check one of the two boxes)

Yes

No

12. Have you participated in other litigation concerning the custody of any of the children in this or any other state? (Check one of the two boxes)

Yes

No

13. Check one of the two boxes.

I agree with the Parenting Plan filed by the Petitioner.

I do not agree with the Parenting Plan filed by the Petitioner and will file a separate Parenting Plan.

Request for Relief

I want the court to do the following: (Check all that apply)

Grant a dissolution of my marriage

Grant custody of the child(ren) of the marriage as stated herein (if applicable)

Enter appropriate orders with respect to the support of the child(ren) (if applicable)

Divide the marital property and debts

Award maintenance to me

Award maintenance to my spouse

Change my name to my former name of

Other (Please state the other request(s))

Proof of Service on Other Parties

You must send (serve) a copy of this document to each of the other parties, or their attorney(s). To obtain service, you may deliver the document by hand; send it by First Class U.S. mail, e-mail or facsimile (fax); or leave it at the office of the party’s attorney to be served with a clerk, receptionist or an attorney associated with the attorney to be served.

I certify, under oath that on (date) I have sent/given a copy of this Respondent’s Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage to each of the following parties at the address shown:

Name
Address: U.S. mail/e-mail/fax number

Notice

Some local rules may also require that you file a Statement of Income and Expenses and a Statement of Property and Debt and Proposed Separation Agreement at the time you file this document. Failure to do so could cause your Respondent’s Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage to be stricken. Also, if there are any unemancipated children, you are required to file a proposed Parenting Plan within 30 days after the date you were served or the date you filed this Respondent’s Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. You may file a joint Parenting Plan with your spouse. See §452.310.7, RSMo.

Sign Below in the Presence of a Notary Public

Respondent, of lawful age, being duly sworn on his or her oath, states that he or she is the Respondent named above and that the facts stated in the Respondent’s Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage are true according to his or her best knowledge, information and belief.

(Sign above in the presence of a Notary Public)

(Print your name above)

The following information must be completed by a notary public.

STATE OF )

) SS

COUNTY OF )

On this day of , 20 , before me personally appeared , to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged that he/she executed the same as his/her free act and deed.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal in the County and State aforesaid, the day and year first above written.

, Notary Public

My commission expires:

Attorney Information

This information may be completed by your attorney. Do not enter any information here if you are filing this case without the assistance of an attorney.

I have assisted Respondent in the preparation of these pleadings, but I am not entering my appearance on behalf of Respondent.

Enter text✕
Prepare your document for signing right on this page
  • 01 Edit the text and complete the fields
  • 02 Click Sign Now and on the next screen add recipients and signature fields in SignNow
  • 03 Start your free trial to sign and send your doc
Sign Now

What the Respondent's Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage Is

A Respondent's Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is the formal written response a spouse (the respondent) files after being served with a divorce petition. The answer admits or denies factual allegations, states affirmative defenses, and may request relief or counterclaims (custody, support, property division). Timely filing preserves procedural rights and avoids default judgment. Family law filings interact with state court rules; some courts limit electronic signatures or e-filing for certain orders, and federal ESIGN/UETA rules do not override family-law exceptions.

Why a Carefully Prepared Answer Matters

Filing a complete, accurate Answer protects your legal defenses, preserves the right to contest requests for custody or property division, and prevents default rulings. It creates a clear record of your positions and narrows issues for settlement or trial.

Why a Carefully Prepared Answer Matters

Who Typically Prepares and Uses This Document

The Answer is used by respondents, their attorneys, and court staff to record official responses and procedural requests.

  • Self-represented respondent preparing a defense and asserting custody or property positions.
  • Family law attorney drafting a strategic response and counter-petition for relief.
  • Court clerks receiving and docketing the Answer for case management and service.

Completing the form correctly reduces risk and supports timely case progression whether you are self-represented or represented by counsel.

Typical Signers and Their Roles

Pro Se Respondent

An individual without an attorney who files the Answer to preserve rights and request relief; must follow court local rules and deadlines, often seeking free legal clinic guidance for complex financial or custody claims.

Family Law Attorney

A licensed attorney who prepares the Answer to dispute allegations, raise affirmative defenses, and propose counter-orders; attorneys often coordinate service, e-filing, and supporting affidavits to meet procedural requirements.

Essential Information to Include

Case Caption: Court name and county
Case Number: Assigned docket number
Parties' Names: Petitioner and respondent full names
Responses: Admit/deny for each allegation
Relief Requested: Custody, support, property claims
Signature Block: Date and printed name

Risks of an Incomplete or Late Answer

Default Judgment: Court may grant relief to petitioner
Waived Defenses: Certain legal defenses may be lost
Incorrect Orders: Property or custody orders imposed
Perjury Exposure: False statements can trigger penalties
Financial Liability: Support or arrears determined unfavorably
Delayed Resolution: Longer, costlier litigation

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Missing the service deadline or miscalculating the response period leads to default and is one of the most frequent errors.
  • Using inconsistent names or case numbers between filings can cause administrative rejection or misdocketing by the court clerk.
  • Attaching unsigned or improperly dated affidavits often results in evidentiary objections and delays at hearings.
  • Attempting to e-sign or e-file without checking local court e-filing rules risks rejection or the need to refile in paper form.

Step-by-Step: Prepare and File the Answer

Follow these steps to draft, sign, and file a Respondent's Answer efficiently while meeting court rules.

  • 01
    Review Petition: Read each allegation and note deadlines
  • 02
    Draft Responses: Admit, deny, or state lack of information
  • 03
    Add Defenses: List affirmative defenses and counterclaims
  • 04
    Sign and File: Sign under penalty of perjury and file

How Electronic Completion and eFiling Usually Works

Many respondents complete the form electronically and then submit via court e-file or deliver a paper copy depending on local rules.

  • Prepare Document: Populate fields and attach supporting affidavits
  • Sign Electronically: Use acceptable e-signature methods where permitted
  • File with Court: Use court e-filing portal or submit clerk's office copy
  • Serve Parties: Provide proof of service to other parties

Recommended Digital Workflow Settings

Configure your digital workflow to meet court and service requirements before sending the Answer for signature and filing.

Field Recommended Setting
Signature Authentication Email plus SMS code when available
Accepted Attachments PDF print-ready, OCR-friendly
Court Copy Generate printable court-stamped PDF
Audit Trail Retain timestamp/IP evidence

Technical Considerations for eSigning and eFiling

Confirm your chosen platform and the court's e-filing rules before completing or transmitting the Answer electronically.

  • File Types: PDF and DOCX widely accepted
  • Authentication: Email link, SMS, or KBA options
  • Integrations: Works with common case-management systems

Typical Deadlines and Time Expectations

Deadlines vary by jurisdiction; use these common benchmarks and confirm your local rules or summons for exact timing.

Initial Response Window:

20–30 days after service in many states

Default Judgment Window:

May be entered 20–60 days post-service

Temporary Relief Hearing:

Often scheduled within 10–30 days

Financial Disclosure Deadline:

Commonly 30 days after request

File Proof of Service:

File promptly after serving the Answer

Key Case Milestones

A typical timeline highlights service, response, temporary hearings, and final resolution milestones that shape the case schedule.

01

Service of Petition

Petition formally served to respondent, triggering deadlines

02

Filing the Answer

Respondent files Answer to preserve defenses and request relief

03

Temporary Orders Hearing

Short-term custody/support issues addressed pending final hearing

04

Final Decree

Court issues final orders on property, support, custody

Key Components of a Professional Answer

A complete Answer contains standard sections that courts expect; include these to ensure admissibility and procedural compliance.

Case Caption

Identifies court, parties, and case number so the filing is properly docketed and associated with the correct matter.

Introductory Statement

States your status as respondent and references the original petition to establish the filing's context.

Point-by-Point Responses

Respond to each numbered allegation with an admission, denial, or statement of lack of information to narrow contested issues.

Affirmative Defenses

List legal defenses you intend to assert so they are preserved for motions and trial.

Counterclaims or Requests

Include any counter-petitions for custody, support, or property relief to ensure the court can address all claims.

Verification and Signature

Sign under penalty of perjury, date the filing, and include contact information for service and clerk communications.

Practical Examples of How an Answer Is Used

Two concise scenarios illustrate typical respondent responses and procedural outcomes in common situations.

Custody Dispute Example

A respondent denies certain custody allegations and files a counter-request for joint custody to preserve parenting time

  • The court schedules a temporary hearing within weeks to set interim arrangements
  • Accurate financial and parenting affidavits helped the respondent secure a balanced temporary custody order pending trial.

Property Division Example

A respondent admits marriage date but disputes asset valuations and lists affirmative defenses concerning separate property

  • The parties exchange financial disclosures and use neutral valuation experts
  • Clear, itemized responses narrowed issues and enabled a negotiated settlement without a contested trial.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Follow these practical tips to reduce errors and streamline filing, whether you file electronically or in paper form.

Use the Court Form
Always use the local court's official Answer template or electronic form to avoid formatting rejections and to include required verification language.
Verify Names and Numbers
Confirm party names, case number, and court division match the petition exactly to prevent misfiling and administrative delays.
Attach Supporting Affidavits
Include signed and dated affidavits for contested facts; unsworn statements are often inadmissible and undermine credibility.
Keep Audit Trails
When signing electronically, retain the platform's audit trail showing timestamp, IP, and authentication to support authenticity if challenged.

eSignature Provider Comparison for Completing and Signing the Answer

Below is a compact vendor comparison focused on pricing and key capabilities relevant to completing and electronically signing court-related documents.

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 No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
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 Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

FAQs — Common Questions About the Respondent's Answer

Answers to frequent practical and procedural questions when preparing, signing, and filing a Respondent's Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.


Need help? Contact support

Explore Templates

Counterclaim Kentucky Self-Help Divorce Packet with Children Kentucky DUI Guilty Plea AOC 4954 Rev 7 Page 1 of 2 Commonwealth of Kentucky DA v. Oklahoma Ex Rel. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Expungement of Criminal Records
be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users
Sign Now
Company
Forms
Pricing
Resources
Knowledge base
Other Products
© 2026 airSlate Inc. All rights reserved.