Missouri, Illinois, Kansas and Oklahoma Attorneys For Child And Spousal Support

How Is Child Support Determined in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas and Oklahoma?

Unless the parents have approximately equal custody time with the children and make roughly the same amount of money, one parent will nomrally pay child support to the other. The parent who does not have the children most of the time generally pays support to the parent who has more custody time.

Child support guidelines help parents determine how much support they will pay or receive. The guidelines in states are based on the parents’ gross or net incomes (which varies by each state) and takes many different factors into account, such as the day care and medical costs. Parents must often provide tax records and payroll stubs in order to correctly calculate the amount. In Missouri, Illinois, Kansas and Oklahoma, how child support works is different, but the income of the parties is almost always a critical factor.

It can feel overwhelming to try to make the calculation yourself — especially because so much depends on getting things exactly right. At Stange Law Firm, PC, we take on the responsibility for our clients. Our Missouri, Illinois, Kansas and Oklahoma law firm represents parents who need child support matters determined as part of a divorce or paternity proceeding, as well as parents seeking to modify or enforce an existing child support order. We will also help you understand the tax ramifications, as only one parent can claim the children as dependents.

Child Support And Custody and Visitation

“How does my parenting plan affect the amount of support I pay?” This is a question we frequently hear from our clients. The Missouri child support guidelines allow parents a “visitation credit.” This credit for the amount of overnight visitation handled by the noncustodial parent can change the amount of child support due. It is often a factor to be considered when divorcing parents are determining child custody and visitation.

When we handle your child support case, we’ll take everything into account to make sure that you are paying or receiving the right amount. Our work includes implementing successful legal strategies, like making sure that the amount of parenting time you receive is right for you.

Contempt, Child Support Enforcement and Modifications

Child support orders can be modified when circumstances change substantially. When the noncustodial parent fails to live up to his or her child support obligation, child support orders can also be enforced through contempt of court, sums due and owing motions or the child support enforcement through the state. If you would like a child support order changed or enforced, talking to a child support enforcement attorney can help you understand your options. In addition, our firm can assist you in filing a petition for review.

How Is Spousal Support Determined?

When dealing with spousal support (also known as alimony), the court takes a variety of factors into consideration. Whether you are the one receiving or paying spousal support, our law firm will work diligently to ensure that your best interests are represented. Additionally, we can help you modify the amount of spousal support when necessary.