On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
Missouri parents may have heard that pending legislation may affect their families. A bill proposing changes to child custody laws within the state made headlines as lawmakers in support of the bill explained why in most cases, 50/50 custody should be the norm. Some parents may have postponed legal action to see if the law would pass.
When it came time for the senate to vote, the bill was met with opposition. Those against the changes said that granting equal custody to both parents may increase arguments between the two. Others felt like children in such situations may feel as if they do not have a permanent home, and are merely staying with one parent or the other depending on the day.
In the end, the senate did not pass the legislation, and the matter will be revisited at a later date. For now, existing child custody laws remain in effect, and each case will be decided based on specific individual criteria. Parents that were hoping for a more streamlined process for sorting out child custody may be disappointed, but it is still essential to have a court order defining child custody parameters.
A Missouri parent needn’t fear the legal process, and help is available for those that need to establish, modify or enforce a child custody order. An experienced attorney can help a client when it is time to go before the court and explain what an individual child may need to thrive. When the parents can’t work out a parenting time plan between them, a judge will make the decision after considering what is in the best interests of the child or children involved.
