Springfield Child Support Lawyer

Helping Fathers & Mothers Get The Support They Deserve  

At Neale & Newman, we recognize the importance of family and ensuring that the well-being of children remains a top priority. Child support is a fundamental part of family law, as it guarantees children the financial support they need. 

Our experienced Springfield child support lawyers are here to guide you through the intricacies of child support laws in Missouri. We understand parents' unique challenges and are committed to providing you with the expert legal counsel you need to navigate this complex area of the law. 

Call Neale & Newman today at (417) 670-2520 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our child support attorney in Springfield!

Missouri Child Support Laws

Child support laws in Missouri are designed to safeguard the financial interests of children while balancing the financial obligations of both parents. Understanding these laws is essential, as they form the foundation for child support determinations.

Missouri law recognizes that both parents are responsible for supporting their children financially. This responsibility persists regardless of whether the parents are married, divorced, or have never been married. 

To establish or modify child support orders, the court considers various factors, including:

• The financial resources and needs of both parents: This involves assessing each parent's income, assets, and liabilities.
• The child's needs and standard of living had the marriage not been dissolved: The court determines their needs, considering their age, health, education, and other relevant factors.
• The child's physical and emotional condition: Special circumstances, such as a child with a disability, may impact child support obligations.
• Each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent: Encouraging a healthy parent-child relationship is paramount.
• Childcare expenses: Childcare costs are often factored into the child support calculation.

Generally, Missouri courts will use established guidelines in order to calculate the presumptive child support amount. However, it is important to note that the court may deviate from the state guidelines if it finds the presumptive amount unjust or unreasonable. This is where the expertise of our Springfield child support lawyers can prove invaluable.

How is Child Support Calculated in Missouri?

In Missouri, child support calculations follow a formula outlined in the Missouri Supreme Court's Form 14, which considers each parent's income, the number of children involved, and certain allowable expenses. These allowable expenses include health insurance, child care, and other necessary factors for the child's well-being.

The process typically involves the following steps:

• Determine each parent's gross income: This includes wages and income from other sources, such as rental properties or investments.
• Calculate the total income: The combined income of both parents is used to determine the primary child support obligation.
• Allocate child-related expenses: The Form 14 formula considers the number of children involved, their health insurance premiums, and any childcare expenses. These factors are used to calculate the child support obligation for each parent.
• Adjust for custody and visitation time: The amount of time each parent spends with the child may result in a deviation from the standard calculation.
• Determine the final child support obligation: This obligation reflects each parent's financial responsibility towards the child's upbringing.

Calculating child support can be a complex and nuanced process. Our Springfield child support lawyers can assist you in accurately determining your child support obligations, ensuring that all relevant factors are considered and that the calculations are fair and equitable.

Modifying Child Support Orders

Life circumstances can change, and sometimes the child support order that was initially established may no longer be appropriate. Whether you have experienced a change in income, a change in custody arrangements, or other significant life events, our experienced attorney can help you modify your child support order to better reflect your current situation.

Some common reasons for modifying child support orders include:

• Loss of job or decrease in income
• Change in custody arrangements
• Increase in expenses related to the child's needs
• Relocation of one parent

Our legal team at Neale & Newman is dedicated to helping parents navigate the complexities of child support laws in Missouri and ensuring that the best interests of the child are always the top priority. Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn how we can assist you in modifying your child support order.