Child support arises one of three ways in Missouri:
(1) Upon administrative action brought by either parent before the Missouri Department of Social Services; (2) As part of a Divorce; or (3) As part of a Petition for Declaration of Paternity.
Child support is usually a monthly payment from the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent for the benefit of the child. Payments can be made directly from one parent to another, or through the Family Support Payment Center in Jefferson City, Missouri, and may also be made by employer wage deduction. In some instances, the parties may agree that the non-custodial parent will pay child support directly to the custodial parent.
The amount of Support is calculated pursuant to Missouri Rule 88 and Form 14. The Form 14 is a formula that figures child support based on the incomes of the parties and other factors. The Form 14 calculation includes the following:
- Monthly gross income. This means income before taxes and deductions, and does not take into consideration a parents expenses such as mortgage payments, rent, car payments, credit card bills and other debts, etc. Monthly gross generally includes income from all sources.
- Other child support payments being made
- Court ordered maintenance being paid or received
- Support obligation for other children in parents primary physical custody
- Child care (daycare) costs if work related
- Health insurance costs
- Uninsured extraordinary medical costs
- Extraordinary non-medical costs, such as post-secondary educational expenses and private school expenses
- Extracurricular activities in some circumstances
- Credit for periods of overnight visitation or custody
Most of the time, the Court will order the amount of child support calculated by the Form 14 (the presumed amount). However, the parties can change the presumed amount by agreement, or the Court may find that the presumed amount is unjust or inappropriate and order a different amount.
Stange Law Firm is an experienced family law firm that understands Missouri child support law and how to obtain results for fathers in the court system.
We represent clients in matters involving:
- Child support
- Modifications of child support
- Paternity as it relates to child support
- Enforcement of child support orders
- Criminal non-support and civil contempt actions
Are You Paying Too Much Child Support?
In Missouri, since both parents’ incomes are into a formula to determine support, many child support amounts established years ago, should now be adjusted.
If you believe you are paying too much support, call our experienced attorneys today. We can review your previous court order to determine if you should seek a modification in the child support.
Father’s Rights and Child Support
Setting a child support amount is not a mechanical calculation. If you are the non-custodial parent and the custodial parent is requesting child support or an increase in child support, we can assist you in setting a fair amount of support. Often, the other party or agency will attempt to set child support based on inaccurate salary or other information, resulting in an unfair child support determination.
Stange Law Firm is a law firm that works to assert your rights as men in child support cases. We will work to obtain the right child support level for you.
Individuals looking to estimate a child support amount can do so by following this link below:
http://www.teamlex.com/Areas/form14.htm
It can feel overwhelming to try to make the calculation yourself – especially because so much depends on getting things exactly right. At Stange Law Firm, LLC, we take on the responsibility for our clients. Our Missouri law firm represents men who need child support matters determined as part of a divorce or paternity proceeding, as well as parents seeking to modify or enforce an existing child support order.
