Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Each parent has a duty to support the minor child. Child support is calculated according to the statutes, rules, Form 14 and the guidelines to Form 14. Generally speaking, child support is based upon a child support chart with each parent responsible for his or her pro rata share of the basic child support figure from the chart. Each parent's pro rata share is based upon that person's gross monthly income. If a person is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed income can be imputed to that person for this purpose. Certain adjustments may be made on Form 14 before a final child support figure is calculated, such as an adjustment for day-care cost, and adjustment for the cost of health insurance for the child, an adjustment for overnight custody enjoyed by the parent paying child support, and perhaps others depending upon the facts of each case. To be brief, yes, you will probably be ordered to pay child support. I would advise you to hire the best attorney you can afford to be sure that the child support figure is not excessive. I have handled hundreds of Dissolution cases in the thirty-three years I have been practicing law. You may contact me for a consultation if you are not already represented.