Key Facts

• Missouri courts used to delay divorce finalization until after a child was born to settle custody and paternity issues.
• The new law stops judges from postponing divorce solely due to pregnancy.
• The law was signed by Republican Governor Mike Kehoe in April and starts on August 28.
• The change was supported by both parties in the Missouri Legislature with no opposition.
• The push for the law was partly inspired by Representative Cecelie Williams, who faced delays while pregnant in an abusive marriage.
• Legal experts say the old practice helped ensure medical bills stayed covered by the husband’s insurance during pregnancy.
• There is still some uncertainty about how Missouri courts will handle custody and support decisions before the baby is born under the new law.
• Other states like Texas do not have laws preventing divorce during pregnancy, but practical and procedural reasons can cause delays.