Columbia, Missouri Child Custody Lawyers in Boone County

Child Custody in Columbia, Missouri

Child custody matters in Columbia, Missouri, are governed by Missouri family law and commonly arise in dissolution cases, paternity actions, and requests to change an existing custody order. When parents are unable to reach an agreement, the court will issue a custody arrangement intended to protect the child’s welfare and provide consistency moving forward.

What Courts Look at in Custody Cases

In Missouri, child custody decisions are guided by what arrangement best serves the child. To reach that decision, courts may evaluate a number of factors, including:

• The custody schedules and parenting plans proposed by each parent

• The child’s need for stable, ongoing relationships with both parents

• The child’s educational, social, and emotional circumstances

• Each parent’s ability to provide care, guidance, and supervision

• Whether a parent supports the child’s continued relationship with the other parent

• The mental and physical condition of the child and parents

• Any history of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence

• The child’s preferences, when the child’s age and maturity make those views relevant

• The impact of any anticipated changes, such as relocation

Missouri law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender, income level, or marital status.

Legal Custody and Physical Custody in Missouri

Missouri child custody is divided into two distinct categories: legal custody and physical custody. Either type may be shared by both parents or awarded to one parent alone, depending on the child’s needs.

Legal Custody

Legal custody concerns decision-making authority for major issues in a child’s life, including education, healthcare, and general upbringing.

• Joint legal custody allows both parents to participate in these decisions

• Sole legal custody gives one parent the authority to make final decisions

Physical Custody

Physical custody addresses where the child lives and how parenting time is allocated.

• Joint physical custody allows the child to spend substantial time with each parent, though not necessarily an equal amount

• Sole physical custody places the child primarily with one parent, with parenting time awarded to the other

Courts may order any combination of legal and physical custody that best serves the child.

Parenting Time and Ongoing Contact

Missouri law supports custody arrangements that allow children to maintain meaningful and consistent contact with both parents when appropriate. In many cases, this results in parenting schedules that provide for equal or nearly equal parenting time, unless evidence shows that another arrangement would better meet the child’s needs.

Custody Issues Involving Unmarried Parents

For children born to unmarried parents, the mother is initially presumed to have custody. A father must first establish legal paternity before requesting custody or parenting time through the court.

Domestic Violence and Child Safety

Courts are required to consider any allegations or evidence of domestic violence or abuse when determining custody. If safety concerns exist, the court may restrict parenting time or impose protective measures, such as supervised visitation, to protect the child.

Visitation Rights

A parent who does not have primary physical custody is generally entitled to reasonable visitation, unless the court determines that such contact would be harmful to the child’s physical or emotional health.

Modifying a Custody Order

Custody arrangements may be modified when circumstances change significantly. A parent seeking modification must show that a substantial change has occurred since the last order and that the proposed change would be in the child’s best interests.

Child Custody Cases in Columbia and Boone County

Families in Columbia resolve child custody matters under Missouri family law through the courts serving Boone County. Parents are typically required to submit a parenting plan, and the court may encourage mediation or other dispute-resolution options when parents are unable to reach an agreement. The court’s focus remains on creating a custody arrangement that promotes the child’s long-term stability and well-being.