Thomas v. Siddiqui

I respectfully dissent.

Under the laws of Missouri, marriage is a “civil contract.” § 451.010, RSMo 1986. The relationship that results from the entry of two persons into such a contract is one that the state seeks to foster and preserve where possible because of the societal stability marriage lends. See Hesington v. Estate of Hesington, 640 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Mo.App.1982). Thus, the state permits dissolution of the marriage contract without reference to fault only where one of the parties to the marriage believes that “there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved…