When you’re going through a divorce or separation in Missouri, figuring out child support can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering, “How much will I have to pay?” or “How much will I receive?”
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, Missouri does have guidelines to help determine child support amounts.
Missouri’s Child Support Formula
Missouri uses what’s called Form 14 Child Support Amount Calculation Worksheet to calculate child support. This form is based on the “Income Shares Model,” which aims to ensure children receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if their parents still lived together.
Here’s the general process:
- Calculate the combined income of both parents
- Determine the basic child support amount based on that combined income
- Divide the basic support amount between the parents based on their individual incomes
Let’s dive deeper into each step.
Step 1: Calculating Combined Income
First, we need to figure out how much money both parents make. Form 14 requires entering one-twelfth of each parent’s yearly gross income.
This includes:
- Wages and salary
- Commissions and bonuses
- Dividends and interest
- Rental income
- Retirement and pension benefits
- Social Security benefits
- Unemployment and workers’ compensation
Form 14 also allows for adjustments to this income, such as:
- Other child support being paid
- Maintenance (alimony) being paid or received
- Support obligations for other children
It’s crucial to be honest and thorough when reporting income. Hiding income or assets can lead to serious legal consequences.
Step 2: Determining the Basic Child Support Amount
Once we know the combined parental income, we look at Missouri’s child support schedule (which is part of Form 14). This schedule shows how much parents at different income levels are expected to spend on their children.
Step 3: Dividing the Support Amount
Now, we divide that basic support amount between the parents based on their individual incomes. If one parent makes 60% of the combined income, they’ll be responsible for 60% of the support amount.
Usually, the non-custodial parent (the parent who has the child less than 50% of the time) pays their share to the custodial parent.
But Wait, There’s More: Adjustments to the Basic Amount
The basic amount is just a starting point. Several factors can adjust this amount up or down:
1. Parenting Time
If the non-custodial parent has the child for a significant amount of time, they might get a reduction in their support payment. The idea is that they’re already spending money on the child during their parenting time.
2. Child Care Costs
If either parent pays for work-related child care, this cost is usually split between the parents proportionally to their incomes.
3. Health Insurance
The cost of the child’s health insurance is typically divided between the parents based on their incomes.
4. Extraordinary Expenses
Things like private school tuition, special needs care, or expensive extracurricular activities might be factored into the support calculation.
5. Other Children
If either parent is supporting children from another relationship, this might affect the support calculation.
The “Overnight” Factor: How Parenting Time Impacts Support
In Missouri, the number of overnights a child spends with each parent can significantly impact child support calculations. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
| Number of Overnights | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Less than 36 | 0% |
| 36-72 | 6% |
| 73-91 | 9% |
| 92-109 | 10% |
| 110-115 | 13% |
| 116-119 | 15% |
| 120-125 | 17% |
| 126-130 | 20% |
| 131-136 | 23% |
| 137-141 | 25% |
| 142-147 | 27% |
| 148-152 | 28% |
| 153-158 | 29% |
| 159-164 | 30% |
| 165-170 | 31% |
| 171-175 | 32% |
| 176-180 | 33% |
| 181-183 | 34% |
Remember, these aren’t hard and fast rules. Judges have the discretion to deviate from these guidelines if they believe it’s in the best interest of the child.
If the court determines that applying these guidelines, including any specific credits, would be unfair or unsuitable, it may consider an overnight visitation or custody adjustment of over 34% and up to 50%, depending on the circumstances of the case.
What About Low-Income Parents?
Missouri recognizes that some parents might struggle to pay the calculated support amount. There’s a low-income adjustment that can be applied in these cases. If the paying parent’s income is below the federal poverty line, the court might lower the support amount to ensure the parent can still meet their own basic needs.
Can Child Support Be Changed?
Life happens, and circumstances change. Maybe you lost your job, or your ex got a big promotion. In these cases, you can ask the court to modify the child support order. Generally, you’ll need to show a significant change in circumstances to justify a modification.
Get Help with Your Missouri Child Support Case
When it comes to something as important as supporting your children, it’s often worth getting help from a family law attorney. At Raza Family Law Solutions, we can guide you through the process, make sure all factors are considered, and help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Remember, at the end of the day, child support isn’t about punishing one parent or rewarding the other. It’s about making sure your kids have the financial support they need to thrive, regardless of their parents’ relationship status. By understanding how child support is calculated in Missouri, you can approach this process with confidence and clarity, focusing on what really matters – the well-being of your children.
