Understanding the Missouri Form 14 Child Support Calculation Worksheet
Child support can be a contentious issue in divorce cases, and it’s important for both parents to understand how child support payments are calculated. In the family courts of Missouri, the aim is to arrive at an appropriate amount of child support that allows both parents to contribute financially towards the child’s needs and allows the child to experience the same level of living they would have enjoyed if the parents had remained together. To understand how child support is calculated in Missouri, you must become familiar with a specific worksheet known as the Missouri Form 14, or the Missouri Child Support Calculation Worksheet.
Factors Used To Determine Child Support Payments
The Missouri Form 14 worksheet uses a detailed and sometimes complex formula that takes into account various factors to determine how much child support one parent should pay to the other. There are many factors that must be considered when calculating which parent will pay child support and the amount of the child support payments. Some of the most common factors that are used in determining child support include the following:
- The number of children in the case.
- The monthly income of each parent.
- The amount both parents pay for work-related child care, the child’s health insurance, and any other agreed-upon expenses, such as out-of-pocket medical costs, education costs, or expenses associated with sports or activities of the child.
- The number of overnight visits the child spends with each parent.
How The Missouri Form 14 Is Used In Family Court
When a court is asked to determine child support in a divorce case with children, or in a case involving child support, both parties will be required to complete a Missouri Form 14. The form must be filled out completely and accurately, as any errors or omissions can result in an inaccurate child support calculation.
Once the form is completed, a judge will use the information provided to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid. The amount of child support can vary widely depending on each case’s unique circumstances, but the goal is to ensure that both parents are contributing to the financial well-being of their children.
It’s worth noting that the Form 14 child support worksheet is the tool that Missouri courts use to calculate child support payments but occasionally judges may deviate from the formula and adjust the amount of support payments, taking into account such matters as the educational requirements, the child’s mental and physical health, financial condition, and the lifestyle the child would enjoy if the parents hadn’t chosen to separate. Still, the Missouri Form 14 is a crucial starting point for determining child support payments in Missouri.
Get Help From A Family Law Attorney
If you’re going through a divorce with children, looking to modify an existing child support order, or need to petition the court to establish child support, it’s important to have an experienced family law attorney on your side. An attorney can help you navigate the complex process of calculating child support and ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout your case proceedings.
At The Law Firm of Kenneth L. Jamison, we have extensive experience handling divorce and family law cases, including child support matters in Kansas City, Missouri and the surrounding area. We can help you understand the Missouri Form 14 and ensure that you receive a fair child support calculation. Call us at (816) 200-7436 or visit our website to get in touch. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
