Do you know the facts about child support?

Many Missouri parents may still be confused about some aspects of raising children between two separate households. Especially in cases where parents have recently separated, finding the “new normal” may be tricky. In addition to working on custody agreements and co-parenting, many families must begin the process of filing for child support.

While child support agreements are certainly not unusual, each family is different. The courts will consider a myriad of aspects when calculating the amount a parent needs to pay to cover his or her share of the financial support a child needs. In Missouri, the average child support payment is about $500 a month.

A parent that needs to file for child support may find the initial process confusing. When filing, many parents do not have all the necessary information, especially when it pertains to the other parent. Rather than give up and struggle to support a child alone, parents should be aware that help is available.

When a parent needs to establish, modify or enforce a child support order, he or she has the option to bring an experienced attorney on board. An attorney is familiar with the legal process and often knows just what needs to be done to get the ball rolling. Once a child support order is issued by the court, it is enforceable by law. If the parent responsible for making payments does not do so, he or she can face hefty fines or even jail time. When an order is put into place, a custodial parent can breathe a bit easier, knowing that his or her child will have the financial resources he or she deserves in order to grow up happy and healthy.