Raising children is tough, and it’s even more so when parents are no longer together. Many parents don’t expect to face the task of raising their kids separately while still working together with an ex. This often leads to questions and challenges over child support. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome these common hurdles.
Calculating child support
Parents may clash over how much support one person should pay, but Missouri uses a clear formula to set child support amounts, including:. The court looks at several key factors to determine payments:
- Both parents’ income
- Number of children
- Other children either parent supports
Other factors like custody arrangements (how many overnights with each parent), health insurance costs and childcare expenses can also influence decisions.
The state provides worksheets and online calculators to help estimate payments. Parents should gather accurate income information and expense records before their court date. This preparation helps ensure fair support amounts that truly reflect the family’s situation.
What if payments stop?
Sometimes, a parent struggles to pay child support or refuses. Missouri law provides ways to address this. The state can take action to collect overdue support. Actions include taking money from wages, intercepting tax refunds, or suspending driver’s or professional licenses.
If a parent cannot afford payments due to a big, ongoing change, like a permanent job loss, they can ask the court to change the support order through modification.
Always address payment issues through the legal system, not by simply stopping payments or making private changes that aren’t court-approved.
Who pays for extras?
Child support orders mainly cover basic needs, including food, housing and clothes. But what about bigger costs? Items like sports fees, school trips, medical bills that insurance doesn’t cover, braces or private school tuition can cause disagreements.
Clear communication between parents, often through approved channels like a co-parenting app if direct contact is difficult, is the first step. If you cannot agree, mediation can help you find a solution. Legal action is a last resort; parents usually do not need it if both focus on the child’s best interests and plan for these expenses early.
While every case and conflict regarding child support is distinct, these common challenges can affect any Missouri parent. Understanding and anticipating them can help you feel more prepared and capable as you navigate tricky situations.