Disclaimer: All facts gleaned from the filings stated hereafter are only as truthful as the petitioner. The tone of this article expresses a style of writing historically employed by America’s greatest writers and, as such, is for opinion purposes only. No intentional harm is due. Do not read if the topic of divorce (even your own) causes you emotional distress. Continue at your own risk.
In Jackson County’s Family Court Division at Independence, a petition filed on April 29, 2025 marks the formal unraveling of the marriage between Elizabeth Sloane Crawford and Mark Raymond Crawford. The couple separated on July 27, 2024, with Elizabeth asserting there is no reasonable likelihood the marriage can be salvaged, citing an irretrievable breakdown.
Represented by Attorney Jill K. Shipman-Dehardt of Shipman & Dehardt, P.C., Elizabeth filed for dissolution of marriage after years spent building a life with Mark—one that ultimately fractured beyond repair. In her filing, she requested joint legal and physical custody of their one child, with her residence designated for mailing and educational purposes. A proposed parenting plan is to follow.
Elizabeth asked the court to refrain from awarding maintenance to either party and stated both she and Mark are capable of self-support. She emphasized a fair division of marital assets and debts, alongside a request to restore her maiden name, Elizabeth Sloane Murray Smith.
While both parties possess non-marital property to be separately assigned, Elizabeth left open the possibility of a Marital Settlement Agreement, requesting that any such agreement not be found unconscionable. She also reserved the right to seek attorney’s fees should litigation be unnecessarily prolonged by Mark.
The case moves forward with no indication of military involvement or competing custody claims—only the quiet assertion that a shared past has run its course.
Please contact VowBreakers for access to documents related to the case.
