Missouri is not a community property state. This means that marital assets are not automatically divided equally in a divorce. Instead, Missouri follows the principle of equitable distribution. Under this principle, marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, between the parties.
Equitable distribution considers various factors to ensure a just outcome. These factors may include the economic circumstances of each spouse, the contributions of each spouse to the acquisition of marital property, the value of separate property, and the conduct of the parties during the marriage. This system aims to provide a fair division of assets based on the unique circumstances of each case, considering both financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage.