Child support is critical in ensuring that a child is getting the financial support they deserve, no matter the relationship status of the parents. Child support laws differ from state to state and can be confusing to understand since no two cases are the same. In this blog, we will go over some of the Missouri child support guidelines along with the factors that affect child support calculations to give you a clearer understanding of this complex process.
At Wegmann Law Firm, we understand how important child custody is to your life. Our dedicated child custody lawyers handle your case with compassion, experience, and respect.
Missouri Child Support Guidelines
In Missouri, child support payments are expected to be paid until the child reaches eighteen years old. Both parents are responsible for financial support for the child but if a child is only living with one parent, it is expected that the other parent has to make the payments. The payments of child support are meant to cover food, housing, clothing, transportation, health care, and any other essential activities the child participates in. Form 14 of the Missouri State Child Support Guidelines offers guidance on what the child support payment should be.
Factors Affecting Child Support Calculations
Parental Income
Gross income is defined as all income received by a parent before any deductions such as taxes or retirement contributions. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, and any other forms of compensation received from employment. This income is part of what is used to determine the parents’ child support payments. Missouri considers not only a parent’s base salary but also additional income in their gross income. This includes bonuses, overtime pay, and other various forms of income.
Number of Children
Missouri’s child support formula changes based on the total number of children. The percentage of gross income increases as more children are involved to ensure the support amount reflects the greater financial needs of multiple children.
Custody Arrangements
In Missouri, how much time a child spends with each parent is a significant factor in determining child support payments. When one parent has primary custody, the other parent typically pays support to help cover the child’s expenses. In situations of shared custody, where both parents have significant time with the child, the support amount is adjusted.
Healthcare and Childcare Costs
Missouri law requires that all necessary healthcare expenses are to be included in the child support payments. These include doctor visits, prescriptions, and dental care, and are typically divided between the parents based on their gross incomes. Health insurance premiums also serve as a factor. The amount paid for health insurance premiums is generally added to the total support obligation, with each parent contributing a portion based on their income.
Existing Child Support Orders
If a parent has an existing child support order, this can be a factor in determining child support. The court assesses the parent’s total gross income and deducts the amount they are already paying in child support to determine their remaining ability to contribute to support for any new children. Missouri courts aim to ensure that all children are receiving fair and equal amounts of support.
Special Needs of the Child
If a child has special needs that require extra care or services, the court takes that into consideration when deciding child support. Some examples of circumstances that may fall into this category are medical treatments, therapies, or specialized educational programs. Additionally, extraordinary expenses, which are defined as costs that go beyond standard living expenses and are necessary for the child’s well-being, are also factored into the support calculation. Examples include high medical bills, adaptive equipment, or costs associated with a disability.
Get Help With Child Custody Issues in Missouri
Child custody is a complicated and often stressful issue for families. There is a lot to consider when deciding who should be the legal or residential parent, or whether you can share parenting.
At the Wegmann Law Firm, we provide local representation you can count on. Our experienced child custody lawyers have decades of experience in these matters, and know how to help you. Request a consultation today to get started.
