Both parents are legally obligated to provide financial support for the child or children during and after a divorce. The courts often require a non-custodial parent to give a specified amount of money to the custodial parent for support in the children’s expenses. This is determined differently by each state.

In Missouri, this amount is based on the combined income of the parents, the needs of the child and costs of child care and insurance.

The court will consider some of the following to determine the amount of child support paid by each parent:

• The physical and emotional condition of the children and the children’s educational needs.

• The financial needs and resources of the parents

• The standard of living that would have been enjoyed if the marriage had not been dissolved.

• The children’s physical and legal custody arrangements.

• Reasonable work-related child care expense of each parent.

• The parent’s respective work schedules.

Child support can be modified by the courts if there is a significant and continuing change in circumstances. For example this could be due to a 20% increase or decrease in either parent’s income.

Child support continues until a child reaches the age of 18, however, if the child remains in school as a full time student after age 18 the child support obligation will continue until the child reaches age 21

In Kansas, the child support is set by pre-determined guidelines based on a number of relevant factors. Anything different than the guidelines requires approval by the court.

Durant Abernethy helps his clients get child support awards and helps parents obtain necessary post-divorce modifications if financial circumstances change for either parent.

For a free consultation please contact us at 816-836-9911.