Last verified: February 2026
A complete guide to Missouri child support laws, including the Form 14 calculation method, how support is determined, and your rights as a parent.
Missouri child support guidelines help parents understand their rights and obligations. The Missouri Supreme Court publishes guidelines that create a rebuttable presumption for calculating appropriate support amounts.
Quick Summary: Missouri Child Support
- Calculation method: Income Shares Model using Form 14
- Key statute: Missouri Revised Statutes section 452.340
- Age of termination: 18, or 21 if in higher education
- Joint custody adjustment: Up to 50% reduction available
- Review period: Guidelines reviewed every 4 years
If after reading this you have further questions and would like a consultation, you can get a free case consultation from a local lawyer here.
How to apply for child support in Missouri
The Missouri Department of Social Services handles child support cases through the Family Support Division (FSD).
To apply:
- Download and complete the application form
- Mail it to the Family Support Division or locate a child support office in your area
Key points to remember:
- Non-custodial parents pay a $25 fee if payments total $500 or more during a federal fiscal year (October 1 to September 30)
- You will need your Social Security number, addresses, court order information, and other relevant documents
- If paternity is uncertain, do not sign any acknowledgment forms until paternity is established
Establishing paternity in Missouri
Missouri maintains a Putative Father Registry for men who believe they may be the father of a child. To register, file a “notice of intent to claim paternity” at the Bureau of Vital Records.
This registry helps:
- Track down parents for support purposes
- Prevent adoption without the father’s consent
- Establish legal rights and responsibilities
Paternity can be established voluntarily by signing an affidavit at the hospital, or through court or FSD action with genetic testing.
How is child support calculated in Missouri?
Under Missouri Revised Statutes section 452.340, child support is calculated using Form 14, a standardized worksheet that considers both parents’ incomes.
The calculation follows these steps:
- Combine the monthly gross incomes of both parents (wages, salaries, Social Security benefits, etc.)
- Calculate basic child support using the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations
- Award support based on each parent’s proportionate share of combined income
- Add adjustments for healthcare, childcare, and other expenses
- Apply any custody-related credits
Download the Form 14 worksheet here.
Factors considered in Missouri
Under section 452.340, the court considers:
- The financial needs and resources of the child
- The financial resources and needs of the parents
- The standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the marriage had not dissolved
- The physical and emotional condition of the child and educational needs
- Custody arrangements, including the time the child spends with each parent
- Reasonable work-related childcare expenses
Joint custody adjustment
Missouri law specifically addresses joint physical custody situations. Under section 452.340(11), the court may award up to a 50% adjustment below the basic support amount when:
- The parents have joint physical custody
- The child spends equal or substantially equal time with both parents
Rebuttable presumption
The amount calculated using Form 14 is presumed to be correct. However, this presumption can be rebutted if the court finds the amount would be unjust or inappropriate after considering all relevant factors. Any deviation must be documented with specific findings.
How to modify child support in Missouri
Missouri law recognizes that children’s needs and parents’ circumstances change over time. Either parent may petition for modification.
Grounds for modification
- 20% income change: A change of 20% or more in either parent’s income
- Substantial and continuing change: Life-altering circumstances such as serious illness, disability, or incarceration
- Change in custody arrangements
- Change in childcare or medical expenses
Important notes on modification
- A stepparent’s income is not considered parental income
- Remarriage alone does not affect your child support order
- Stepparents may seek reimbursement for support paid to a stepchild
- Modifications can be made in court or through agreement and mediation
To begin the process, contact the Family Support Division or consult with a family court attorney.
Enforcement and penalties for non-payment
The Missouri Family Support Division (FSD) enforces child support orders using various methods:
- Wage garnishment: Employers must withhold support directly from wages
- Property liens: Claims against real and personal property to secure payment
- Benefits withholding: Tax returns, lottery winnings, and unemployment benefits may be intercepted
- Credit bureau reporting: Affects credit scores, mortgages, and employment opportunities
- License suspension: Driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses may be revoked or suspended
- Passport denial: If arrears exceed $2,500, passports are denied or revoked
Criminal penalties in Missouri
Under Missouri law, criminal non-support carries these penalties:
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine
- Class E felony: If arrears reach 12 months of payments, penalties include up to 4 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine
Contempt of court
If found in contempt for non-payment, you will be required to appear in court to explain the circumstances. Possible outcomes include:
- A new payment arrangement through modification
- A structured payment plan for arrears
- Jail time if the excuse is insufficient
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitations for collecting child support in Missouri is 10 years from the date of the last payment on the court record. For establishing paternity, the limit is the child’s 21st birthday (if the child is petitioning) or the child’s 18th birthday (if a parent is petitioning).
Arrearage forgiveness
Missouri law only allows modifications, not forgiveness, of child support obligations. Even if your former partner agrees to forgive the debt, the state will still pursue collection of amounts owed.
When does child support end in Missouri?
Under section 452.340, child support terminates when the child:
- Dies
- Marries
- Enters active military duty
- Becomes self-supporting (with custodial parent’s consent)
- Reaches age 18 (unless still in school)
- Reaches age 21 (maximum)
Support for education
Missouri extends support obligations for children pursuing education:
- High school: Support continues if the child is enrolled and progressing toward completion
- Higher education: If enrolled by October 1 after high school graduation, support continues while the child:
- Enrolls in at least 12 credit hours per semester (excluding summer)
- Achieves grades sufficient to reenroll
- Provides transcripts to both parents
- Support ends when the child completes education or reaches age 21, whichever occurs first
Children with developmental disabilities or health problems that limit course loads may take fewer credits while remaining eligible for support.
Emancipation in Missouri
Missouri allows children 16 and older to petition for emancipation. Requirements include:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Parental consent
- Legal source of income
- Living independently from parents for at least 6 months
Termination of parental rights
Missouri recognizes three ways to terminate parental responsibility:
- Voluntary termination: A parent gives up rights to allow adoption
- Mandatory termination petition: Filed when required by law
- Discretionary termination: Filed when a parent is found unfit
The court must find termination serves the child’s best interests before approving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Missouri?
Missouri uses Form 14, a standardized worksheet based on the Income Shares Model. Both parents’ incomes are combined, and support is allocated based on each parent’s proportionate share. Adjustments are made for custody time, healthcare, and childcare expenses.
Can I get a 50% reduction for joint custody in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri law allows up to a 50% adjustment below the basic support amount when parents have joint physical custody and the child spends equal or substantially equal time with both parents.
At what age does child support end in Missouri?
Support typically ends at age 18, but may continue until age 21 if the child is enrolled in secondary school or higher education. Support may also continue indefinitely for children with physical or mental incapacity.
What happens if I do not pay child support in Missouri?
Non-payment can result in wage garnishment, tax interception, property liens, license suspension, credit damage, and criminal charges. Class E felony charges apply after 12 months of arrears, carrying up to 4 years imprisonment.
Can child support arrears be forgiven in Missouri?
No. Missouri law does not allow forgiveness of child support arrears. Even if the receiving parent agrees, the state will continue to pursue collection. Modification of future payments may be possible.
Does Missouri require child support for college?
Yes, under certain conditions. If a child enrolls in vocational or higher education by October 1 after high school graduation, takes at least 12 credits per semester, and maintains satisfactory grades, support continues until the child completes education or turns 21.
If you have additional questions, we recommend getting a free consultation from a local attorney.
More Missouri Laws