Best Adoption Lawyers in Chesterfield, MO

Missouri is an equitable distribution state. This means that the court will divide marital assets in a way that is thought to be fair. Do not make the mistake of believing that equitable is synonymous with equal. Fair, according to the court, could mean that one spouse receives much more than the other.

The income, support costs, and percent of custody from both parents is stated on Form No. 14 Child Support Amount Calculation Worksheet. This worksheet is used to help the courts determine how much, if any, the non-custodial parent must pay to the custodial parent. If either parent disagrees with the amount set forth by the court they can ask the court to adjust the amount. The parent must show just cause in requesting an increase or decrease.

The non-custodial parent can ask the court to review a child support order if the custodial parent experiences a change in financial situation. This could be due to remarriage, inheritance, change in careers, or a variety of factors. It is ultimately up to the court to decide whether or not the child support amount is decreased.

Alimony, also known as maintenance, is a payment that is made from one spouse to the other in order to provide both with a livelihood that is similar to that they experienced while married. Alimony is generally only provided when one member is unable to maintain financial expenses. There is no specific calculation for alimony payments in Missouri. Judges take this issue on a case-by-case basis. However, in many cases, alimony payments are modifiable, meaning that they can be altered as the spouse who is being supported gains education or training in order to gain employment.