Missouri child support is assigned according to several relevant factors. Among them are the financial requirements of the child and the parents. The courts review the standard of living available during the marriage as well. This is the jumping off point for the total value assigned.
Re-Evaluating Child Support Payments
Any non-custodial parent who fails to provide child support payments is subject to criminal penalties. However, if they file a petition early enough, they could avoid these penalties. The non-custodial parent must file a petition for a modification of the child support order. These petitions are needed if a change of more than twenty percent occurs. For example, if the non-custodial parent loses their job, they could file for a modification. To initiate this change, contact a child support lawyer in Jefferson County, MO.
When Does Child Support End?
A non-custodial parent is no longer obligated to pay child support under specific conditions. Among them are when the child marries or turns eighteen. However, circumstances could require them to submit these payments for a longer duration. For example, if the child is mentally or physically incapacitated or attends college after high school, the payments continue. The payments will end when the college student reaches the age of twenty-one or graduates from the degree program.
The non-custodial parent cannot file a motion to stop payments if their former spouse remarries. However, if the non-custodial parent has an increase in income, the custodial spouse could file a petition to increase payments. The courts won’t grant the increase unless it is reasonable.
Filing for Bankruptcy
A non-custodial parent who files for bankruptcy isn’t exempt from paying child support payments. These obligations are included when the monthly payments are calculated for the bankruptcy case. They must continue to pay these payments throughout their bankruptcy case.
Child support payments are arranged by the court. The judge calculates these requirements according to the lifestyle achieved during the marriage and the financial requirements of the parents. To evaluate these requirements contact a child support lawyer in Jefferson County, MO at the Wegmann Law Firm for more information.
