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Dena C. Morris has turned to the courts to formally close the book on a marriage that has spanned more than sixteen years. On March 10, 2025, she filed a petition for dissolution of marriage in Jackson County, Missouri, citing irreconcilable differences that have left the relationship irretrievably broken. Represented by attorney Belinda L. Harrison of B.L. Harrison Law, LLC, Morris seeks a fair and final division of their marital estate while ensuring stability for their minor child.

Morris and her husband, Manley W. Morris, were married on November 8, 2008, in Overland Park, Kansas. They separated nearly six years ago, on July 31, 2019, and have remained apart since. Their petition acknowledges the presence of one minor child, born prior to their marriage, for whom both parties are requesting joint legal and joint physical custody. Morris asks that her residence be designated as the child’s primary address for mailing and educational purposes. She also requests that child support be determined in accordance with Missouri’s Form 14 guidelines, with payments processed through the Family Support Payment Center.

In addition to seeking a division of marital assets and debts in line with ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, Morris requests that each party retain their non-marital property. She also petitions the court to restore her maiden name, Dena Christine MacKay, marking a return to her identity before marriage. As both parties are employed and capable of supporting themselves, she is not seeking spousal maintenance. With no allegations of misconduct, the case now moves forward to a resolution that will finalize their long-standing separation and allow them to move on independently.

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