Section 20.25 Venue

• Library: Family Law Deskbook and 2014 Supp

E. (§20.25) Venue

Section 452.300.5, RSMo, provides that:

5. An original proceeding pursuant to sections 452.300 to 452.415 shall be commenced in the county in which the petitioner resides or in the county in which the respondent resides. If an original proceeding is commenced in the county in which the petitioner resides, upon motion by the respondent filed prior to the filing of a responsive pleading, the court in which the proceeding is commenced may transfer the proceeding to the county in which the respondent resides if:

(1) The county in which the respondent resides had been the county in which the children resided during the ninety days immediately preceding the commencement of the proceeding; or

(2) The best interest of the children will be served if the proceeding is transferred to the county in...