Child Custody / Child Support Issues in St. Louis

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The attorneys at the Family Law Offices of “insert attorney name” in St. Louis get results. We are honest and truly care for you and your family. We focus on negotiations and resolution.

San Diego Child Custody and Child Support Overview

The best interests of the children are always the most important factor in determining custody.
A father-children relationship is just as important as a mother-child relationship.
Children need to be loved by both parents.
In the United States, about 1 million children see divorce.
Parents who act civilized during the divorce process are looking out for their children’s mental well being – they are happy and productive.

Child Custody in San Diego

Child custody - the rights and obligations of both parents pertaining to their children when divorce becomes part of their lives.

In determining custody, the courts will always consider the best interests of the children.

The court favors joint legal custody and joint physical custody – both parents are completely involved in the upbringing of their children.

The court encourages the parents to agree to a parenting plan – custody, visitation, miscellaneous issues regarding the children.
- If you cannot agree on one, the court might order a custody evaluation.
- A psychologist will interview you, your spouse and your children.
- He or she will give recommendations for custody and visitation to the judge.

St.Louis courts award one of the following:

Joint Legal Custody
- Can be awarded jointly, primary or solely.
- The decision-making rights given to one or both parents regarding:
  - Medical care
  - Education
  - Religion
  - Child care
  - The general well being of the children

Physical Custody
- Can be awarded jointly, primary or solely.
- The time each parent physically spends with their children.
- Responsibilities regarding day-to-day care of children.
- Involves the daily activities of the children.
- The court will often award one parent primary physical custodian.
- In this case, the other parent will receive visitation rights.

Joint Legal Custody
- The parents will agree on major decisions.

Joint Physical Custody
- The rights of the parents are divided, not always equally.

Sole Legal Custody
- The parents discuss issues regarding the child’s development.

Sole Physical Custody
- The child primarily lives with one parent.
- The other parent has visitation rights.

Unmarried Parents

A DNA paternity test should be given to determine the father of the child – when necessary.
If paternity is not established, the father does not have a legal custody or visitation rights.
If paternity is not established, the mother has no rights to child support.

Parenting Plan

A plan created by both parents detailing all custody issues regarding their children.
If one cannot be agreed on, the court will do it – the court encourages the parents to agree on one for the best interests of their children.
- Who will make the major decisions – both or one parent
  - Health
  - Education
  - Day-to-day welfare
- A schedule for visitation/parenting time:
  - Holidays
  - Spring and Summer vacations
  - Birthdays
  - Mother’s Day / Father’s Day
  - Weekdays / Weekends
  - Communication - Telephone calls

St. Louis Child Support

Both parents are obligated to financially support their children until the age of 18 or 21.
Custody arrangements determine who will pay the child support.
St. Louis determines child support based on Statutory Guidelines – Form 14.
Taken into consideration:
- Each parent’s resources and income
- Custody arrangements – overnight visits
- Visitation schedule

Non-Child Support Payment

There are significant penalties for those that are not current on their child support payments.
St. Louis has a support enforcement office that can:
- Take away your driver’s license
- Suspend a professional or business license
- Send you to jail

Conclusion
Working out details not only prevents hardships for you and your children, it will save you money. Call the attorneys at the Family Law Offices of “insert attorney name” in St. Louis. We will fight for the rights of your children – we will make a commitment to you and your family.