Child support orders are not meant to be static, capturing a moment in a family’s life. Jobs change. Children age. Money comes and goes. When those changes are substantial, Missouri law gives parents the right to ask the court to change an existing child support order. A St. Charles child support lawyer from Stange Law Firm, PC, can help you with your modifications.
In St. Charles, modification of child support is not automatic. The court requires that the legal standards be met. Understanding what is and what is not an acceptable reason for modification can save parents frustration, delays, and legal fees.
When Child Support Can Be Modified
Missouri sees a large number of child support cases each year. The Missouri Department of Social Services saw the following caseloads in 2025:
- 278,221 child support cases in September
- 276,865 child support cases in October
- 274,894 child support cases in November
In Missouri, to modify child support, the parent seeking the change must show a substantial and continuing change of circumstances that makes the current support order unfair or inappropriate.
For purposes of child support modification in Missouri, many courts find that a change in support that is 20 percent of the current support order, based on Form 14 recalculated with current financial information, is presumed to be substantial. However, each case turns on its own specific facts and circumstances.
Changes in Income
Income changes, such as job loss, a reduction in hours, or a demotion resulting in reduced earnings, are a common basis for modifying child support. If your income has gone down significantly, it may be possible to get a modification to pay less child support. On the other hand, if your income has increased by a material amount, it could be a basis for the other parent to modify child support.
In considering income changes for child support modifications in Missouri, the court will generally consider whether the change was voluntary or not. If the change in income was voluntary, then it is unlikely that a Missouri court will modify child support. For instance, if a parent voluntarily quits a job in an effort to avoid paying child support, the court will not consider this a material and substantial change of circumstances for modification.
Changes in the Child’s Needs
As a child grows older, their expenses and needs change. The cost of raising a child often increases over time. A child support modification can also be appropriate when the child’s needs have changed. For instance, a modification might be appropriate when a child develops a serious medical condition that requires increased expenses.
Typically, medical conditions or expenses that were known at the time of the original child support order will not be considered a substantial change in circumstances for modification. This is especially the case if the condition could have been disclosed during the divorce or paternity case.
Changes in Parenting Time or Custody
Changes in custody or parenting time can also justify a change in child support. If the time the child spends with each parent has changed significantly, it may be appropriate to reevaluate child support.
For instance, when one parent takes primary custody of the child, it is likely that the child support order will change. Missouri child support guidelines take parenting time into account. In fact, the greater the difference in parenting time, the greater the difference in child support.
Remarriage or a Significant Change in One of the Homes
The remarriage of a parent alone will not be a reason to modify child support in Missouri. However, in some cases, the financial obligations of remarriage may be considered in the decision.
For instance, if the parent has another child to support, that child may be considered when modifying child support. In general, Missouri courts balance the needs of the children involved and consider whether to modify child support based on the financial situation of the parents.
About Stange Law Firm, PC
Since 2007, the Stange Law Firm, PC, has focused our practice exclusively on divorce and family law due to the tremendous need for attorneys with that focus. Our multi-state attorneys routinely represent clients in St. Charles County Circuit Court in St. Charles, Missouri, with child support and other divorce and family law issues.
FAQs
Q: Does Losing a Job Automatically Qualify You For a Child Support Modification?
A: Losing a job does not automatically qualify you for a child support modification. The court will look at whether the loss of the job was voluntary/involuntary and whether the unemployment is likely to be short-term/long-term. A temporary period of unemployment may not meet the criteria; however, a permanent or long-term decrease in income due to being laid off or becoming disabled may be grounds for modification with the appropriate proof.
Q: When Can Child Support Be Modified in Missouri?
A: Modification of child support can be made when a substantial and continuing change of circumstances occurs to make the existing child support order unreasonable. Missouri courts have frequently considered whether a showing of new financial information would cause at least a 20 percent change under Form 14, although each case is decided on its own merits.
Q: Can Child Support Be Changed Retroactively in Missouri?
A: Generally, child support cannot be changed retroactively in Missouri. The current order stays in effect until the court enters a new order. That is why it is important to file a modification as soon as a reason for a modification exists. An attorney can help you file a request for a modification if your situation changes and requires it.
Q: Does Remarriage Affect Child Support?
A: Remarriage itself does not usually warrant a change in child support. However, a court may look at the financial responsibility for new children as one factor in the financial circumstances of the parent. The court may also consider whether the remarriage has resulted in a drastic change in income. The needs of existing children are of primary concern to the court.
Contact Stange Law Firm, PC, Today
We understand that life changes. Some of these changes may warrant a change in child support to keep things fair for those involved. If you are in need of a child support modification, Stange Law Firm, PC, can help you request one and exercise your rights. Contact us today for a consultation.