JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri — Missouri has changed a decades-old legal practice by allowing courts to finalize divorces even when one spouse is pregnant.
Gov. Mike Kehoe signed legislation clarifying that pregnancy status cannot delay a dissolution of marriage or legal separation. The new law takes effect Aug. 28 and addresses a longstanding requirement that often postponed final judgments until after a child was born.
The measure was sponsored by state Rep. Cecelie Williams, who cited her own experience of being unable to finalize a divorce while pregnant. Lawmakers from both parties supported the change, and the bill passed unanimously in the Missouri House and Senate.
Supporters say the update removes unnecessary delays and allows individuals to resolve legal matters more efficiently. The previous rule required courts to consider pregnancy status, which in practice led some judges to hold off on finalizing divorces.
The legislation was one of several signed by Kehoe during the same ceremony, including a separate bill increasing penalties for certain juvenile offenses.
The change is expected to streamline family court proceedings while leaving existing considerations related to child custody and support intact.
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