Missouri · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in Missouri

How spousal support works in a Missouri divorce: when a court can order it, amount and length, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

In short

In Missouri, alimony is called maintenance. The court may award it only if the spouse asking lacks enough property for reasonable needs and can't support themselves through appropriate work (or is caring for a child who needs them at home).

What Missouri calls it
maintenance
Property division
Equitable distribution
Law
RSMo 452.335.

When Missouri courts can order alimony

The court may award it only if the spouse asking lacks enough property for reasonable needs and can't support themselves through appropriate work (or is caring for a child who needs them at home).

Amount, limits and length

Amount and length depend on factors such as financial resources, time needed for training, standard of living, length of the marriage, age, health, and conduct.

Law: RSMo 452.335.

Alimony and property in Missouri

Alimony is decided separately from how property and debts are divided.

System
Equitable distribution
The rule
Each spouse keeps their nonmarital property; marital property and debts are divided in proportions the court finds just, considering economic circumstances (including who keeps the family home with the children), each spouse's contributions (including as homemaker), the value of nonmarital property, conduct during the marriage, and custody arrangements.

How to ask for alimony in Missouri

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    You ask for alimony in the divorce case itself, in your petition or in your response to your spouse's petition. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Missouri courts)

  2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    Can't afford it? Ask the court to let you proceed as a poor person (in forma pauperis) by filing a motion and affidavit with your petition.

  3. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. Courts may order mediation of custody and visitation disputes (except where there is domestic violence); many circuits do so routinely.

  4. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Missouri

How does alimony work in Missouri?

Called maintenance. The court may award it only if the spouse asking lacks enough property for reasonable needs and can't support themselves through appropriate work (or is caring for a child who needs them at home). Amount and length depend on factors such as financial resources, time needed for training, standard of living, length of the marriage, age, health, and conduct.

How much alimony is paid in Missouri, and for how long?

Amount and length depend on factors such as financial resources, time needed for training, standard of living, length of the marriage, age, health, and conduct.

Is Missouri a community property state?

No. Missouri uses equitable distribution. Each spouse keeps their nonmarital property; marital property and debts are divided in proportions the court finds just, considering economic circumstances (including who keeps the family home with the children), each spouse's contributions (including as homemaker), the value of nonmarital property, conduct during the marriage, and custody arrangements.

More about divorce in Missouri

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.