Child Custody in Missouri

We understand that a child custody battle is a personal and highly emotional issue. This is why we’re so passionate about connecting you with Missouri professionals who will help you fight for your rights as a parent.

What Is Child Custody?

When two parents separate, they must decide on how their children spend time between them. Child custody refers to the right of either or both parents to provide a home for their children and exercise parental rights. In Missouri, not all child custody cases go to court, but when they do, courts make their decisions based on what they think is most beneficial for the child.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Missouri

Three main types of arrangements can occur. These include full custody, sole custody, and joint custody. Custody matters in Missouri are under the jurisdiction of the Family Division of the  Circuit Courts. The state is divided into 46 circuits, and the court is typically located in the county seat.

What Is Full Custody?

In a full custody arrangement, one parent receives the majority of the parenting time and maintains physical custody. In most instances, this person also makes the majority of the decisions about the child’s upbringing and has control over decisions related to health, education, and religion. The parent awarded full custody is the primary custodial parent.

Under Missouri law, courts must decide custody based on the best interests of the child. The statute provides factors to be considered, including:

  • The wishes of the parents and the child
  • The relationship between the child and each parent and to the home, school, and community
  • The willingness of each parent to allow contact with the other parent, and any plans to relocate the child
  • The mental and physical health of all parties

Modifications to a custody order can be requested using a Motion to Modify Child Custody. The other parent can either add stipulations to the modifications or contest them. If contested, the requesting parent must prove that the change is required.

Even when children only live with one parent, the other parent can still be a part of their lives. The custodial parent may allow visiting time or the children may spend a few weekends with the non-custodial parent. In some instances, a parent awarded full custody might still maintain joint custody in practice with their partner for the benefit of the children.

What Is Sole Custody?

Many people confuse sole custody with one parent having the majority of parenting time or rights. However, it’s important to recognize that some parents may be granted no parenting time or rights at all. Courts will award sole physical custody to one parent if the other is deemed unfit to fulfill their responsibilities.

In extreme cases, the court may terminate a parent’s rights altogether. This often happens when a parent is convicted of serious crimes that endanger the child, such as abuse or inappropriate conduct. The specific circumstances that can lead to parental termination vary under state laws.

What Is Joint Custody?

Joint custody describes the arrangement where both parents of the child split physical custody. When parents share equal custody, the child may spend a week or two on and off with either parent. Some families also practice “nesting”, where both parents move in and out of the home the child lives in when it is their turn to have custody.

Missouri legislation does not create a presumption that joint custody is in the best interest of the child. However, it does state a policy that a child should have meaningful and continuing contact with both parents. In addition, both parents should participate in decisions involving the health, education, and welfare of their children. The exception to this policy is when there are issues of abuse or neglect.

In many joint custody arrangements, one parent may retain complete responsibility. This is for any major decisions that have to be made in regard to the well-being of the child. Also, joint custody does not always mean an equal sharing of time. In most instances, one parent still retains primary custody. In these cases, they may hold the larger portion of a 60/40 time split.

The Factors Courts Consider When Making a Decision

In Missouri, full custody is often awarded when one parent isn’t able to contribute to the responsibilities with raising the child. For example, if a parent is physically incarcerated, doesn’t have financial stability, or is involved in situations that may potentially hurt the child, the court may grant one parent full or sole custody due to the circumstances.

On the other hand, the parents are often provided joint custody. Both parents assume the responsibilities that one needs to raise a healthy and happy child. Both parents need to be able to work together to maintain consistent communication and follow the directions of the court. Sometimes parents do not work well together. Then the court is sometimes more likely to award one parent the majority of the parenting time to reduce friction.

With any Missouri joint custody case, both parents need to coordinate resources and activities to support the needs of the child. Because the situation of your custody arrangements might vary. There may be supervised custody arrangements for one parent. Another option is a public meeting place for the child to be picked up and dropped off with the other parent.

The Basics of the Missouri Child Custody Process 

Custody arrangements are often subject to family court orders and decisions. However, this is not always the case. Even when the split is amicable, hiring a child custody lawyer can help. Navigate the troubled waters of your custody battle with legal help. Many parents can come together to find a solution that works well for the child without needing to involve the court system.

Mediation is not statutorily required in Missouri custody cases. However, many Missouri Courts require parents to attempt mediation before beginning litigation. Missouri Supreme Court Rules allow courts to set up a mediation program. Alternatively, a private mediator can be hired by the parents. If the parents can’t agree on everything, even a partial agreement can simplify and shorten the trial process.

Working with a custody lawyer as a mediator can help to advise you on the best type of custody arrangement. One that would work for the unique requirements and needs of your child. Hire an experienced Missouri child custody lawyer to help you better understand your rights as a parent and avoid costly mistakes.

Work With an Experienced Missouri Child Custody Lawyer 

A child custody battle is a difficult and frustrating process. This is worse when there is animosity between you and the other parent. A Missouri lawyer that specializes in this area can help to explain the entire process of the child custody battle and can help to make a positive impact on your case whether they mediate the arrangement or defend one party.

Your chances of seeing a custody agreement and visitation rights that are favorable for you will be much more likely with an attorneys help. If you’re looking to hire an experienced Missouri child custody lawyer to help you understand your rights as a parent, you’ve come to the right place.

The attorneys we connect people with can increase your chances of getting the arrangement you seek, even in complex cases. Connect with an experienced lawyer in your area today. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Missouri state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations. Contact Aaron at [email protected] for article suggestions, collaborations, or inquiries.

If you still have some urgent questions about your situation, take a look at another area of Missouri law.

Auto Accident Injury

Bankruptcy

Business Law

Child Birth Injury

Child Support

Consumer Law

Copyright Law

Criminal Defense

Debt Collector Harassment

Divorce Law

DUI Law

Employment Law

Eviction Law

Foreclosure Defense

Identity Theft

Immigration Law

Insurance Claims

Lemon Law

Medical Malpractice

Nursing Home Abuse

Patent Law

Personal Injury Law

Power of Attorney

Probate Law

Property Disputes

Real Estate Law

Social Security Disability

Tax Law

Traffic Law

Vaccination Injury

Workers Compensation

Workplace Discrimination

Wrongful Termination

Wills and Trusts

How It All Works

Call us or answer the questions on this site. Your category, location, and additional information will help us connect you to a legal professional and we’ll send you the results instantly.

Which Areas of Law?

We have attorneys in over 20 legal categories to choose from.

How Much Does This Cost?

We don’t charge you to be connected. Some legal categories require upfront fees while others do not. The legal professional will determine this with you before you commit to anything.