If you have children but are no longer coupled with the other parent, it’s likely you’ll need to learn quite a bit about child support. Even if you maintain a cooperative relationship with your former partner, it’s wise to consult a family law attorney to iron out any potential legal issues with child custody or child support.

Coyne, Cundiff & Hilleman, P.C. is a respected, experienced law firm based in Lake St. Louis, MO, that represents clients in O’Fallon, Wentzville, and the surrounding areas. Below, they offer some of their family law expertise to explain some of the basics of child support.

A Lake St. Louis Family Law Firm Explains Child Support In Missouri

What Is Child Support?

In most child custody arrangements, both parents will share legal custody and have authority to make decisions regarding their child. However, one parent typically has physical custody, meaning the child primarily resides with them. Child support usually entails a payment from the non-custodial parent to the one who has physical custody.

How & When Is Child Support Determined?

A request for child support may be filed during divorce or separation proceedings or a child custody hearing and can be revisited subsequently with a motion to modify child support.

The amount to be paid is based on a number of factors, but the most important are the financial, physical, and emotional needs of the child. The relative income levels of the parents are also considered, as well as the expenses incurred by the custodial parent over the course of regular child care.

Child Support Enforcement

Ideally, parents willingly pay child support determined by the court. When they fail to do so, however, the Missouri Family Support Division can employ a number of methods to retrieve payment for the custodial parent. Many parents in this position choose to enlist the services of a family law attorney.

Whether you need help with child support enforcement or with any other aspect of family law, contact Coyne, Cundiff & Hilleman, P.C. for legal assistance in the Lake St. Louis area. Visit their website for more information, or call (636) 561-5599 today to schedule a consultation.