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.

What Age Do You Stop Paying Child Support in Missouri?

Child support obligations in Missouri generally continue until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, certain exceptions exist. If a child becomes emancipated before turning 18, such as by getting married, becoming financially independent, or joining the military, the child support obligation may terminate earlier.

It's essential to remember that while child support may end at age 18 or high school graduation, other financial considerations, such as college expenses or medical support, may persist.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

At Neale & Newman, our experienced child support attorneys are dedicated to helping parents enforce child support orders and ensure that they receive the financial support they are entitled to. We understand that child support is crucial for the well-being and upbringing of children, and we are here to advocate for your rights.

When it comes to enforcing child support orders, we can assist you with:

• Filing a motion for contempt: If the non-custodial parent fails to make child support payments as ordered, we can help you file a motion for contempt to hold them accountable.
• Wage garnishment: If the non-custodial parent is employed, we can work with the appropriate authorities to garnish their wages and ensure that child support payments are made.
• Asset seizure: In cases where the non-custodial parent refuses to comply with child support orders, we can explore options for seizing their assets to satisfy the outstanding support obligations.
• Modification of child support orders: If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss or increase in income, we can help you seek a modification of the child support order to ensure that it reflects the current financial situation.

Our Springfield child support attorneys have a deep understanding of Missouri child support laws and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and the best interests of your children. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your child support enforcement needs.

Contact Our Springfield Child Support Attorney Today

Navigating the intricacies of child support in Missouri can be a complicated and emotionally challenging experience. At Neale & Newman, our dedicated Springfield child support lawyers are here to support you in understanding the legal framework, calculating child support accurately, and ensuring your child's well-being remains a top priority. We are committed to providing you with expert legal counsel tailored to your unique situation and helping you achieve the best outcome for your family. 

Contact Neale & Newman today to schedule a consultation with our child support lawyer in Springfield!