In Missouri, child custody and support laws define the responsibilities for each parent. The legal responsibilities are managed through the submission of child support payments and parenting time. Each parent is required to follow the laws and abide by any child custody or support arrangements established by the court. The Dana Outlaw Law Office in Lee’s Summit MO provides explanations for parents.
When Do Child Support Payments Stop?
A noncustodial parent is ordered to pay child support payments as a term of the child custody orders. The child support payments continue until the child reaches the age of eighteen, the child dies, marries, or enlists into any branch of the military. However, the custodial parent has the right to request continued child support payments if the child enters into a college program or is mentally incapacitated.
How are Child Support Payments Calculated?
The court reviews the income of each parent and calculates the financial needs of the child. The standard for child support payments is about ten percent of the noncustodial parent’s income for the first child. The parent pays five percent for each additional child. However, medical requirements and tuition costs for private schools increase the total monthly payments. Typically, the child support payments and any alimony payments cannot exceed sixty percent of the noncustodial parent’s income.
How is Parenting Time Managed?
The child custody arrangements define parenting time for each parent. Custodial parents have physical custody of the child a majority of the time. The noncustodial parent receives parenting time every other weekend and divides time during holidays with the custodial parent. If a parent is unable to fulfill their parenting time, he or she is required to notify the other parent within twenty-four hours. Any refusal to provide the child during scheduled parenting times is unlawful and actionable in court.
In Missouri, child custody and support laws enforce the responsibilities of parents after a divorce. The laws define how much the noncustodial parent pays each month. The parents must also abide by the terms of the child custody orders. Parents who need more information about the orders contact Dana Outlaw Law Office in Lee’s Summit MO or Click Here for more info now.
