Missouri House Bill HB848

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/25

Caption

Allows the court to enter a judgment of dissolution of marriage or legal separation if a person is pregnant

Impact

If enacted, this bill would replace existing provisions in sections 452.305 and 452.310 of the RSMo, explicitly stating that a party's pregnancy status cannot delay or impede the proceedings for dissolution of marriage. Proponents argue that this change will provide greater clarity and expedience in divorce cases, thus improving the overall experience for families going through difficult transitions. Additionally, it would ensure that pregnant individuals are not unfairly disadvantaged in the status and proceedings of their marital dissolution.

Summary

House Bill 848 amends the provisions regarding the judgment of dissolution of marriage and legal separation in Missouri. The bill allows courts to enter a judgment of dissolution even if one of the parties is pregnant. This significant change aims to streamline the process for individuals seeking divorce or separation, ensuring that pregnancy no longer serves as a barrier to such legal proceedings. The bill reflects a modern understanding of marriage dissolution and its complexities, recognizing that pregnancy should not necessarily affect a court's ability to adjudicate cases of family law.

Contention

While the bill aims to simplify proceedings, there may be concerns regarding the potential implications for child custody and support. Some legislators and family law advocates may argue that allowing divorces to proceed during pregnancy could complicate custody arrangements since the dynamics of parenting roles and responsibilities may need to be considered earlier in the divorce process. As the bill progresses, it will likely be subject to debate over how best to protect the interests of both the expectant parent and the unborn child during such proceedings.