Missouri · Serving papers · Updated Oct 2026

Serving divorce papers in Missouri

Service of divorce papers in Missouri, from official sources: who can deliver the papers, how your spouse can accept or waive service, the deadline to respond, what happens without a response and the law.

In short

Your spouse must be served with the petition and summons by the sheriff or a special process server, or can sign an Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service. Time to respond: 30 days after service.

Time to respond
30 days after service
Accept or waive service
Yes
Law
Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 54, 55.25

How papers are served in Missouri

Your spouse must be served with the petition and summons by the sheriff or a special process server, or can sign an Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service.

Law: Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 54, 55.25

Deadline to respond and default

30 days after service.

If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Serving your spouse in Missouri, step by step

  1. File your papers first

    File with the Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse live. Service comes after filing.

  2. Serve the papers

    Your spouse must be served with the petition and summons by the sheriff or a special process server, or can sign an Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service.

  3. Or have your spouse sign

    Your spouse must be served with the petition and summons by the sheriff or a special process server, or can sign an Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service.

  4. File proof of service

    File the proof of service with the court.

  5. Watch the deadline

    30 days after service.

  6. If there is no response

    If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Questions about serving divorce papers in Missouri

How do you serve divorce papers in Missouri?

Your spouse must be served with the petition and summons by the sheriff or a special process server, or can sign an Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service.

Can my spouse accept or waive service in Missouri?

Your spouse must be served with the petition and summons by the sheriff or a special process server, or can sign an Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service.

How long does my spouse have to respond in Missouri?

30 days after service.

More about divorce in Missouri

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Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.