Child Custody and Child Support in Missouri
Child custody and child support are often the most emotionally sensitive and legally complex issues in any divorce or paternity case. Missouri law outlines clear factors for how courts should determine custody arrangements and calculate support obligations, with the child’s best interests as the guiding principle.
Child Custody in Missouri
Under Section 452.375 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, courts consider a wide range of factors when determining custody. These include each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, the child’s relationship with both parents, the child’s adjustment to school and community, and the willingness of each parent to foster a meaningful relationship with the other. Missouri recognizes both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child resides), and these may be awarded jointly or solely depending on the circumstances.
The court may approve a parenting plan submitted by the parties or enter its own plan based on what it believes is in the child’s best interests. Custody determinations can also be modified later if there is a substantial change in circumstances.
Child Support in Missouri
Child support is governed by Section 452.340 of the Missouri Revised Statutes and Supreme Court Rule 88.01. Missouri uses a standardized Form 14 to help calculate support obligations, which takes into account each parent’s income, the number of children, custody arrangements, and other factors such as health insurance costs or work-related childcare expenses.
The purpose of child support is to ensure that both parents contribute to the financial needs of their children, even if the parents are no longer together. Like custody, child support orders may also be modified if there’s a significant change in financial circumstances.
Get Trusted Guidance
Whether you’re establishing custody and support for the first time or seeking a modification to an existing order, attorney David J. Howard provides experienced legal counsel tailored to your family’s needs. We work closely with clients to reach fair, practical outcomes that prioritize the well-being of their children.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your rights and obligations under Missouri family law.