Child Custody / Child Support Issues in Kansas City Missouri

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The attorneys at the Family Law Offices of “insert attorney name” in Kansas City practice specifically in the areas of Child Custody and Child Support. We will guide you through the legal process, keeping you informed all the way. We know you want to provide a safe and secure home for your children and we can help you do that.

Child Custody and Support Overview

The best interest of the child is the most important factor to consider.
When it comes to parenting, there isn’t a right or wrong person for the job.
A child needs both parents to feel secure and loved.
Missouri courts order a parenting plan regarding children.
Missouri has programs to enforce child support:
- Missouri’s Child Support Enforcement Program – started by an executive order
- Child Support Enforcement – created by statute

Custody Determination

Missouri courts determine custody and parenting time (visitation) based on the child’s best interests.
The courts do not favor the mother or the father.
- Factors used in determining custody include:
  - Wishes of each parent
  - Wishes of the children – if old enough to decide
  - Needs of the children – continue relationship with each parent
  - The physical and mental health of the children and parents
  - Etc.

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act details the jurisdiction Missouri courts have in determining custody and visitation orders.

Kansas City Child Custody

Missouri courts usually award joint legal custody.

Joint Legal Custody
- Each parent has joint responsibility to make major decisions:
  - Medical care
  - Education
  - Religion
  - Child care/Day care
  - The welfare of the children
Physical Custody
- Missouri has a preference for joint physical custody arrangements.
- Actual physical residence
- Have actual physical time with the children – not necessarily equal time.
- A parenting time schedule must be made showing:
  - Specific times for each parent to be with children
  - Holidays
  - Summer vacation

Parenting Plan/Parenting Time

Missouri courts require the parents to follow a parenting plan which includes:
- How decision making responsibilities will be shared
- Expenses incurred
- Any information pertaining to day-to-day general welfare of the children
- A schedule for parenting time and residential time:
  - Holidays – alternating each year
  - Summer and Spring vacations
  - Birthdays
  - Mother’s Day, Father’s Day
  - Weekday/Weekend schedules
  - Telephone calls
  - Information required for day-to-day activities

Kansas City Child Support

The non-custodial parent is required to pay the custodial parent child support each month.
If the parents cannot agree on a payment procedure, it can be handled through the Family Support Payment Center in Jefferson City, Missouri.
It can also be arranged to take the money directly from the non-custodial parent’s paycheck.
Payment is determined by Missouri Rule 88 and Form 14 which takes into consideration:
- Monthly gross income
- Any other support payments for previous marriages
- Health insurance
- Daycare
- Etc.
If circumstances change considerably the amount can be modified only with agreement by both parents and the court.
Support continues until:
- The child turns 18
- Graduates high school
- Marries
- Enters the military
- The child get a job and is self-sufficient
- Dies

Non-Child Support Payment

If child support payments are more than 6 months behind, you are looking at a felony offense.
This can result in jail.
Missouri has a Family Fair Share Program which can help you get back on track with your child support payments.

Conclusion
Call the attorneys at the Family Law Offices of “insert attorney name” in Kansas City. When it comes to children, we are compassionate, assertive and committed to their well being.