The law provides numerous tools to locate assets, however, finding hidden money can be a daunting task. In Jackson County, Missouri both spouses must answer certain court-mandated questions under oath, complete financial questionnaires and provide documents such as bank records. The Court requires submission of complete financial information regarding the assets and debts of the marriage so that the judge can make an intelligent decision regarding the division of these assets and debts, if the spouses cannot agree on how to divide them. Detailed information is also necessary with a written agreement so that the property can be specifically and accurately described in the agreement. A dissolution is final on the date the Judgment of Dissolution is signed by the Judge.
Maintenance is money paid by a spouse to a former spouse to assist in the support of the ex-spouse.
The maintenance can also be ordered by the Judge without a spouse's agreement. Such maintenance terminates on the death of either spouse, and the marriage of the receiving spouse. It can be modifiable or nonmodifiable and can be for a set number of months or years. There are no mandatory guidelines or charts to determine how much maintenance is appropriate. Generally, maintenance is taxable to the spouse who receives it and deductible by the paying spouse.