Missouri Child Support Facts

Child support payments consist of financial assistance from one parent to the other to help pay for the needs and expenses of a child. In Missouri, child support payments will continue until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school. Missouri law differs from other states in this matter in that child support may be extended until the child turns 21. Reasons for the termination of child support other than the age factor would be that the child married, died, entered the military, or became self-supporting. Generally, child support may be extended beyond the child's 18^th birthday if he or she cannot become self-supporting because of a physical or mental impairment or is financially insolvent and not married.

Child support may also be extended if the child enrolls in advanced education or vocational training by October 1 of the year he or she graduates from high school. In those cases, the child involved must take at least 12 credits per semester and must earn grades high enough to keep going in his or her educational track. If the child receives failing grades in at least half of the courses, the parent providing child support may be legally justified in ending support payments. The child must inform the supporting parent of the classes, credits, and grades received throughout the course of education with an official document from the pertinent college or training facility. If he or she follows these guidelines, support payments may be extended until the age of 21 or until he or she graduates fully, whichever occurs first.

Kansas City Divorce and Family Law Firm

Understanding all of the many facets concerning divorce and family law can be difficult. The details of the law as they apply to the complications and details of your case can be confusing. That is why it is important to consult with an attorney who focuses on these legal matters every day in the local courts in your geographical area. The Reynolds Law Firm, LLC, based in Kansas City, offers skilled legal advice and representation in divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, legal separation, paternity, modifications of court orders, enforcement of court orders, and more. The firm's attorneys have more than 20 years of combined legal experience in their field and proven results which reflect the quality of their legal services.

The firm has achieved a BV Distinguished rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which provides peer review ratings of lawyers across the nation. It has also been recognized by Super Lawyers and the Kansas City Business Journal. To learn more about how the legal team can help you with any divorce or family law matter, contact their offices to arrange for a confidential consultation. You can also review general information and read blog news and posts on their website at www.kansascitydivorcefirm.com.