Checkett, Pauly, Bay & Morgan serves families in the Carthage and Joplin areas, whether you need estate planning or are going through a divorce.
Today's blog answers several frequently asked questions about Missouri child support and how it could affect you.
How is Missouri child support calculated?
The state of Missouri court system uses Form No. 14, the Child Support Amount Calculation Worksheet, to determine how much money one parent owes to the other parent.
Factors for determining how much child support someone owes include:
Gross income for you and the other parent, which is the income before any taxes are taken out.
Then you figure adjusted gross income of both parties. This figure accounts for expenses, including expenses related to raising children.
Once you determine these numbers, divide the adjusted gross income of each parent by the total adjusted gross income of both spouses combined. This figure shows you the proportion each parent is responsible for as it relates to the child’s expenses.
Who pays child support in Missouri?
In typical cases, the non-custodial parent pays child support to the custodial parent, meaning the parent who has the child living with him or her receives the support payment.
A court system may order a non-custodial parent to pay child support in Missouri even if the custodial parent has sufficient income to support a child’s needs.
How is child support enforced in Missouri?
The Child Support Enforcement unit of the Missouri Family Support Division enforces court-ordered child support. The agency cannot enforce child support without a court order from a state judge.
At what age does child support stop in Missouri?
As soon as the child turns 18, unless the child is in school. If the child is attending college, Missouri child support may continue until the child turns 21.
Can Missouri child support be adjusted in the future?
Yes. The party asking for the adjustment must file a Motion to Modify Child Support with the court system in the county where the original support order originated. A judge can modify the amount of child support up or down, depending on the financial circumstances of both parents at the time of the motion.
Where can I find a a family law attorney in Joplin, MO?
Checkett, Pauly, Bay & Morgan can help you navigate family law issues that may arise with a divorce. Several factors are involved, and we understand that you’re hurt, emotionally raw, and want to get a divorce over as soon as you can.
But a quick divorce is not always what happens, particularly with children involved.
We assist residents of Joplin and the surrounding areas if they have concerns with Missouri child support.
Contact our law firm or call (417) 358-4049 for a free initial consultation.