On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Paternity/Child Support on Wednesday, August 23, 2017.
Research shows that approximately one-half of marriages end in divorce. Many of these marriages involve children who will be affected by the divorce. In addition, a significant percentage of children born in the United States are born to unwed parents. Based upon these statistics, it is easy to see that there is a great need for child support throughout Missouri as well as the rest of the nation.
The purpose of child support is to benefit the child or children. While this payment is typically made to the custodial parent, it is actually earmarked for the needs of the child. Both parents are responsible for the child’s welfare. Thus, this money is intended to be the noncustodial parent’s contribution to this care and upbringing.
Typically, the amount of child support to be paid is based upon the noncustodial parent’s income. It is generally a percentage of this income; however, this percentage can be affected by the number of children involved, special needs of the child and any other relevant factors. While there are guidelines in place, the Missouri court does have the leeway to deviate from these guidelines if circumstances warrant.
Regardless of the parents’ current or past marital status, when children are involved, child support is generally required. In the case of an unmarried couple, it will be necessary to establish paternity formally; once this has been established, an order for child support can be pursued. Experienced legal counsel can assist in determining what action needs to be taken and the amount of child support to anticipate once the order has been entered.
Source: family.findlaw.com, “Child Support Basics“, Accessed on Aug. 21, 2017
