Child custody issues can be confusing, overwhelming, and stressful for the whole family. Fortunately, there are laws are in place to protect children and, when at all possible, maintain a cohesive family unit. The State of Missouri has its own set of laws and regulations governing child custody. Below, three things to know about these rules are discussed in more detail.

What to Know About Child Custody Laws in Missouri

1. There Are 5 Types of Custody Arrangements

When a family law court must award child custody, they will typically choose one of five arrangements:

• Joint Physical & Legal Custody: In which both parents have equal physical custody and both make decisions on behalf of the minor child.
• Joint Physical Custody With Sole Legal Custody: In which the child lives equally with both parents, but only one can make decisions on behalf of the child.
• Joint Legal Custody With Sole Physical Custody: In which both parents can make decisions for the child, but the child only lives with one parent.
• Sole Custody: In which the child lives with just one parent, and that parent is the only one who can make decisions for the child. The noncustodial parent in this arrangement may or may not be given visitation rights.
• Visitation by Third Parties In which third parties with close ties to the child, such as grandparents, can have regularly scheduled visits.

2. Many Factors Influence Who Is Awarded Custody

No single determining factor will decide who does or does not get custody of a child. In any case that comes before a divorce or family court, the judge will consider a number of different points, such as:

• The ability of each parent to provide a stable, safe, secure home
• The parenting plans submitted by both parents
• Any special needs the child may have
• The wishes of the child
• The health of all parties involved in the case

3. Missed Child Support Payments Are Not Grounds to Limit or Deny Visitation

If you miss a child support payment or are unable to make regular payments as required by law, your ex cannot limit, deny, or in any way change the existing custody order without going through the proper legal channels. In other words, you still have a right to see your child if you don't pay child support consistently. If you do pay child support and your ex does not allow you your legal share of time with your child, you cannot use that as grounds for cutting off child support.

Let attorney Thomas M. Mingus, Jr., of Mingus Law Office provide the professional legal representation you need in any child custody issue. Since 1993, attorney Mingus has been representing clients throughout the Columbia, Missouri, region and the central part of the state. Call (573) 443-5202 or visit him online to arrange a free consultation.