Missouri Child Custody and Support

When parents split up, one of the more difficult issues they face is setting up custody arrangements.

2012-07-26

July 26, 2012 (Press-News.org) Missouri Child Custody and Support

When parents split up, one of the more difficult issues they face is setting up custody arrangements. If parents cannot reach an agreement between themselves, the court must step in and set up a parenting schedule. Missouri parents should know the different types of child custody, as well as how courts make custody determinations and child support awards.

Types of Custody in Missouri

Missouri law divides custody into two main categories:
-Legal: the right to make decisions about the child's upbringing, such as education, religion and health care
-Physical: how much time the child spends with each parent

Both types of custody can be joint or sole.

If parents share joint physical custody of a child, it does not necessarily mean they divide parenting time with the child evenly. Even an 80/20 split of parenting time can be considered joint.

If parents share joint legal custody of a child, they must AGREE on decisions concerning the child's upbringing, such as what religion the child will be exposed to, what doctors they will see, where they will go to school, etc. If one parent has sole legal custody, they must discuss these same matters with the other parent but then are free to make the decision they believe best serves the child.

Best Interests of the Child

The court awards custody based on the "best interests of the child" standard. The court uses a variety of factors to assess a child's best interest, including:
-The parents' wishes
-The relationship between each parent and the child, as well as any siblings
-The willingness of each parent to meet the child's needs
-The willingness of each parent to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent
-The child's adjustment to school and the community
-The mental and physical health of all parties involved, including any history of abuse
-Any intentions of either parent to relocate
-The child's wishes

Income Shares Model for Child Support

Missouri courts award child support based on an "income shares" basis. The court gathers detailed information about the financial situations of each parent, the needs of the child or children, the number of children each parent has and other similar information. The court then determines a child support award in accord with the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligation.

Talk to a Lawyer

It may seem obvious to parents that they have their children's best interests in mind when petitioning the court in custody matters. However, they may not be able to clearly articulate their positions to the court without assistance. If you are going through child custody and support issues, seek out the assistance of a veteran child custody attorney who can help advocate for you and your children.

Article provided by Zolman Law Firm
Visit us at http://www.familylawstlouis.com

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

New Jersey Considering Stiffer Penalties for Repeat DUI Offenses

2012-07-26

New Jersey Considering Stiffer Penalties for Repeat DUI Offenses On June 7, 2012, the New Jersey Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee approved a bill that would increase the possible penalties for those who have multiple driving under the influence convictions. Drivers in New Jersey should be aware of the state's punishments for repeat DUI convictions and how they may change if the Assembly passes this bill. Current DUI Penalties The punishment for multiple DUI offenses in New Jersey is already severe: -Second DUI conviction: forty-eight hours to 90 days ...

Easy Steps to Protect Your Assets in a Divorce

2012-07-26

Easy Steps to Protect Your Assets in a Divorce Getting a divorce can be a complicated, messy process for unprepared couples. However, by taking certain steps, those considering divorce can increase the odds of achieving a fair result. When the vague idea of divorcebecomes a reality, it's important to immediately separate financial assets such as checking, savings and credit card accounts. Individuals should try to maintain, or begin creating, financial independence and credit in their own names. Further, some spouses may try to cut off -- or take advantage of -- the ...

A Do-it-Yourself Missouri Divorce Can Lead to Difficulty

2012-07-26

A Do-it-Yourself Missouri Divorce Can Lead to Difficulty The number of people representing themselves in divorce proceedings has steadily increased over the last couple of years. When a person represents themselves in a divorce it is called a "pro se" case. A pro se case usually stems from a desire to save money, but there are also cultural forces that may influence a litigant to self-represent. A growing do-it-yourself mindset, a desire to cut out the "middleman," or simply a general apprehension about attorneys and the legal field can make a person ...

Social Security Disability Benefits for Injured Military Veterans

2012-07-26

Social Security Disability Benefits for Injured Military Veterans To help wounded soldiers receive disability benefits more quickly, the Social Security Administration offers expedited claims processing for military veterans who are unable to work as a result of an injury received in service. Who is Eligible for Disability Benefits? Members of the U.S. military may qualify for expedited claims processing with the SSA if they became disabled during active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the injury occurred. However, to receive Social ...

Supplemental Needs Trusts Can Provide for Long-Term Care

2012-07-26

Supplemental Needs Trusts Can Provide for Long-Term Care Parents often worry about their children and what the future holds for their offspring. Parents of children with special needs may be even more anxious than most parents, with an acute worry about who will care for their children after the special-needs child's parents have passed away. Parents should be aware that there are estate planning options, such as a supplemental needs trust, that can ensure that their children will have assets to meet their needs long into the future. What Is a Supplemental Needs Trust? A ...

Why Have a Will?

2012-07-26

Why Have a Will? Making plans for asset transfers after a person dies is not high on many people's lists of fun things to do. However, everyone over the age of 18 should have a will to detail how they want to distribute their possessions after they die. People should understand who needs a will, the contents of a will and the benefits of having a will. Who Needs a Will? All adults need wills. However, having a will can be even more important for those who: -Are married -Have been divorced -Have children -Have partners but are not married -Own a business ...

Federal Study: One-Third of Teens Admit to Texting While Driving

2012-07-26

Federal Study: One-Third of Teens Admit to Texting While Driving A nationwide study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that one-third of teenagers are texting behind the wheel. The 2011 CDC study anonymously surveyed more than 15,000 high school students to analyze their driving habits and experiences. While dangerous behaviors like drinking and driving and failure to wear a seatbelt are seeing marked reductions, one-third of the teenagers admitted to texting or emailing while driving during the month preceding the survey. Further, while ...

After Foreclosure or Bankruptcy, More Americans Are Buying Homes Again

2012-07-26

After Foreclosure or Bankruptcy, More Americans Are Buying Homes Again A growing number of Americans are qualifying for home mortgages and re-entering the housing market just a few years after losing a previous home to foreclosure, Reuters reported recently. Many of these buyers lost their homes in the Great Recession, and some feel they are being given a second chance -- much sooner than they expected, in some cases. Since 2007, there have been more than 4 million foreclosures in the US, and that number is expected to reach 6 million by 2014, according to RealtyTrac, ...

New Yorkers Asking for Ignition Interlock Devices on All Cars

2012-07-26

New Yorkers Asking for Ignition Interlock Devices on All Cars After a recent high school graduate was killed when she was hit by a drunk driver, a petition called "Install Sensitive Interlock Devices" was started on the website Change.org. The petition urges lawmakers in New York State to require alcohol-sensing devices in all cars. If installed, the devices would stop cars from starting when a person is over the legal blood alcohol content limit. Public Support for the Petition If the petition gets into the legislature, it will be called "Brittney's ...

Financial and Estate Planning Considerations for Same-Sex Couples

2012-07-26

Financial and Estate Planning Considerations for Same-Sex Couples In these tumultuous times, the legal and financial landscape for same-sex couples is in a state of constant flux, making long-term planning a challenging task. This article outlines a few important considerations for same-sex couples who are planning for the future together. Inheritance A potentially complex issue under any circumstances, inheriting property and other assets after the death of a partner can be especially complicated for same-sex couples. To help ensure that your loved ones are provided ...

Missouri Child Custody and Support

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES: