Child Support
Child Support in Missouri
Child support is vital to ensuring your child’s well-being and financial stability. Whether you are seeking to establish child support for the first time via a divorce/paternity or seeking to modifying/enforce your current child support order, we are here to advocate for you through aggressive representation. In Missouri, both parents are legally obligated to contribute financially to their child’s upbringing. Child support is calculated using a Form-14 child support worksheet and the Court will consider factors such as:
- Gross income of both parents;
- The child’s healthcare and educational expenses;
- Daycare costs and other necessary child-related expenses; and
- Parenting time (number of overnights).
CHILD SUPPORT LAW
FAQ
How is child support calculated in Missouri?
Child support is calculated through a Form-14 child support calculation worksheet and the Missouri Child Support Guidelines/Assumptions behind the Form-14. The Court will consider both parents’ gross incomes, the child’s healthcare and educational expenses, daycare costs and other necessary child-related expenses and the parenting time (number of overnights) awarded to both parents when calculating child support. However, Courts may/can deviate from these guidelines when necessary, considering special needs, extraordinary expenses, or other circumstances impacting the child’s best interests.
Can child support be modified?
Yes, if you can prove that there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances (such as a job loss, a significant change in income, or changes in the child’s needs) that result in more than a 20% change in the previous Form-14 calculated in your underyling case, our team can help you seek or contest a modification in child support.
What happens if a parent does not pay child support?
If a parent fails to pay their court-ordered child support, the other parent can pursue enforcement actions through the court called a Motion for Contempt. Inside of that Motion for Contempt, the injured parent can request all of their attorney fees be paid, wage garnishment, tax refund interceptions, license suspensions, jail/imprisonment and more.
Can child support continue past the child’s 18th birthday?
In some cases, yes. Child support may continue past age 18 if the child is still in high school, has special needs, or is pursuing higher education under certain conditions/statutory compliance.
Can I ask for the opposing party to pay my attorney fees?
Yes, in Missouri, it is possible to request that the opposing party pay your attorney fees. This request is typically made through a motion filed with the court, and it is up to the judge to decide whether to grant your request for attorney fees based on the circumstances of the case. However, in Missouri, we operate under what is typically called the “American Rule”, which states that both parties are presumed to pay their own attorney fees.
It’s important to note that the court will consider the reasonableness of the attorney fees requested, so it’s essential to provide documentation and evidence of the fees incurred and their necessity for the case. If you believe that you are entitled to have the opposing party pay your attorney fees, you should discuss this with the attorney, who can advise you on the best course of action and help you prepare and present your request to the court.
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Practices Areas
Divorce
Paternity
Modifications
Child Support
Child Custody
Maintenance (Spousal Support)
Adoptions
Gaurdianships and conservatorships
Temporary Restraining Order
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