St. Louis Child Support Lawyer

Child support ensures your kids have the financial resources they need to grow and thrive while their parents are no longer together.

However, child support cases are complex and sometimes contentious, making it important to have an experienced family law firm on your side looking out for your interests.

At Raza Family Law Solutions, our St. Louis child support lawyers guide you through the complications of St. Louis child support law, fighting for your children’s best interests every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more.

How is Child Support Calculated in Missouri?

Missouri child support is a court-ordered payment from one parent to the other, calculated to cover a portion of the expenses of raising a child.

The courts determine the amount of child support using the “income shares” model and the Form 14 calculation, which takes into account factors such as:

• Each parent’s gross income.
• The number of children needing support.
• The custody arrangement.
• Healthcare costs and insurance premiums.
• Work-related child care expenses.
• Other extraordinary expenses.

Our knowledgeable family law attorneys will help you calculate child support according to Missouri rules, guaranteeing that the final amount is fair and accurately reflects your family’s unique circumstances.

Modifying Child Support Orders

Life evolves. Sometimes, those changes may warrant modifying your existing child support order.

Reasons for seeking an adjustment may include:

• Significant changes in either parent’s income.
• Alterations to the custody arrangement.
• Increases or decreases in the child’s financial needs.

If you believe you need to modify your existing child support, Raza Family Law Solutions can guide you through filing a motion with the court and presenting evidence to support your request.

Our family law firm stands by you, advocating for your interests and working towards a resolution that benefits your children.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

When a parent fails to comply with a child support order, it can have devastating consequences for the child and the custodial parent.

There are several methods for enforcing Missouri child support orders, including:

• Wage garnishment.
• Interception of tax refunds.
• Suspension of driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses.
• Contempt of court proceedings.

The Missouri Division of Child Support Enforcement also plays a role in guaranteeing that child support obligations are met.

Our child support lawyers work to hold the non-paying parent accountable and secure the financial support your child deserves.

Collecting Child Support Arrears

If your ex has fallen behind on his or her child support payments, you may be dealing with a significant amount of child support arrears.

This debt can strain your finances and make providing for your child’s needs difficult.

Raza Family Law Solutions explores all legal options for collecting past-due child support, including:

• Wage garnishment.
• Liens on property.
• Contempt of court proceedings.
• Negotiating a payment plan with the non-custodial parent.

We understand the frustration and stress of child support arrears, and our attorneys will do everything they can to help you recover the money owed to your children.

When Child Support Gets Complicated: Self-Employment, Split Custody, and Military Families

Child support cases become even more complicated when dealing with unique family situations, such as:

• Self-employed or variable income parents.
• Shared or split custody arrangements.
• Out-of-state or international parents.
• High-conflict divorces or separations.

In these cases, you should have a skilled child support attorney who looks out for your interest and guarantees your child’s needs are met.

We have extensive experience handling child support matters in even the most challenging circumstances, and we’ll put that experience to work for you and your family.

Child Support and Military Families

Military families face unique challenges regarding child support, as they must comply with both state laws and military regulations.

Deployment or changes in duty station and pay can all impact child support obligations.

Our family law firm has experience litigating military child support cases, and we’ll work to ensure that your court order or parenting plan takes into account the extraordinary considerations of military life.

Why Accurate Financial Disclosure Matters in Support Cases

Correctly calculating child support depends on accurate financial disclosure by both parents.

Missouri law obligates parties to provide complete and truthful information about their income, assets, and expenses.

This rule ensures that the child support order is fair and adequately reflects each parent’s ability to contribute to their child’s needs.

At Raza Family Law Solutions, we’ll help you with the following:

• Gather and organize the necessary financial documents.
• Complete the required forms and disclosures.
• Identify any discrepancies or issues with the other parent’s financial information.
• Present your financial situation clearly and convincingly to the court.

Remember, failing to disclose income or providing false information can lead to severe consequences, including contempt of court and criminal charges.

Our attorneys guide you through the financial disclosure process so you’ll meet your legal obligations and protect your interests.

How Our St. Louis Child Support Lawyers Help You

Having a dedicated St. Louis child support lawyer on your side makes all the difference when facing a child support issue.

A skilled attorney will:

• Protect your rights and interests throughout the process.
• Provide valuable insights into local courts and judges.
• Offer services such as negotiations, mediation, and litigation.
• Fight tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your family.

Raza Family Law Solutions successfully negotiates and litigates child support cases. We’ll take the time to understand your unique situation and develop a tailored strategy to help you achieve your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fight child support in Missouri?

If you disagree with the amount of child support ordered, you have the right to appeal the decision through the Missouri court system. The appeals process allows you to request that a higher court review the original child support calculation and order for any legal errors. However, appeals are complex legal matters, so it’s advisable to work with an experienced family law attorney to strengthen your case and navigate the process properly.

How much does a father pay for child support in Missouri?

It depends. There is no set amount that all fathers must pay in Missouri. Child support is calculated based on both parents’ incomes and circumstances using the state’s Form 14 calculation. Factors like custody arrangements, work-related childcare costs, health insurance premiums and other extraordinary expenses are taken into account. An experienced lawyer can help ensure an accurate and fair child support amount is determined for your specific situation.

What is the “deadbeat dad law” or criminal nonsupport in Missouri?

In Missouri, it is a criminal offense for a parent to knowingly fail to provide financial support for their child as required by a court or administrative order. This is known as criminal nonsupport.

Depending on the amount owed and other factors, it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Penalties can include fines, wage garnishment, loss of licenses/passports and potential jail time. The law aims to ensure parents cannot willfully evade their legal child support obligations.

What is the minimum monthly child support in Missouri?

According to Missouri law, the minimum child support amount that can be ordered is $50 per month. However, this absolute minimum would only apply in extremely limited financial circumstances where a parent has virtually no income or assets available. In most cases, child support is calculated as a percentage of the parents’ combined income following state guidelines.

Do you have to pay child support if you have 50/50 custody in Missouri?

Even in equal, 50/50 joint physical custody arrangements, one parent may still be required to pay child support to the other in Missouri. The amount would be determined by factors like each parent’s income, work-related childcare costs, health insurance premiums paid, and other extraordinary expenses.

However, a 50/50 custody split does not automatically mean no child support is owed. An experienced attorney can ensure the child support calculation properly accounts for your shared custody.

St. Louis Child Support Made Simple – Talk to Our Team Today

Missouri child support law is sometimes overwhelming, but you have friends nearby who can help you figure it out.

Raza Family Law Solutions provides compassionate, knowledgeable legal representation to families throughout the St. Louis area.

We invite you to schedule a consultation with our team, where we’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your options moving forward.

Together, we can work towards a brighter future for you and your children. Let’s get started today.