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On January 9, 2026, Missouri Governor announced the introduction of new legislation aimed at streamlining family law procedures in the state. The proposed changes are designed to make it easier for families to navigate the court system when dealing with issues such as divorce, child custody, and alimony.One of the key provisions of the new legislation is the establishment of a centralized family court system. Under this system, all family law cases in the state will be heard in specialized family courts, rather than in the general civil court system. This change is intended to improve efficiency and reduce the backlog of cases in the state's court system.In addition to the creation of specialized family courts, the new legislation also includes provisions aimed at increasing access to mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods for families. These methods are often more cost-effective and less adversarial than traditional court proceedings, and can help families reach agreements more quickly and amicably.The legislation also includes provisions aimed at ensuring that child custody arrangements are in the best interests of the child. Under the new law, judges will be required to consider a number of factors when making custody decisions, including the child's relationship with each parent, the child's age and developmental needs, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.Overall, the new legislation is expected to make the family law system in Missouri more efficient and responsive to the needs of families. Governor stated that the changes are a long-overdue modernization of the state's family law procedures, and expressed hope that the new legislation would help families across Missouri navigate the legal system more effectively.