Missouri Child Support Calculator (Form 14 Estimate)
Results Summary
*This is a simplified estimate based on Missouri Form 14 guidelines. Actual court orders may vary.
How Child Support is Calculated in Missouri
In Missouri, child support is calculated using a specific formula known as Form 14. This standardized worksheet ensures that both parents contribute to the child's upbringing in proportion to their financial capabilities. The Missouri Supreme Court periodically updates these guidelines to reflect changes in the cost of living and economic data.
The Core Components of Form 14
The calculation is not simply a flat percentage of income. Instead, it follows several logical steps:
- Gross Monthly Income: This includes wages, salaries, commissions, dividends, and even certain social security benefits. Taxes are generally not deducted at the start; the formula uses "Gross" figures.
- The Basic Support Obligation: Once both parents' incomes are combined, the state provides a "Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations." This table indicates how much a typical family at that income level spends on children.
- Health Insurance and Child Care: Costs for health insurance premiums (specifically for the child) and work-related childcare are added to the basic obligation.
- Proportional Responsibility: If Parent A earns 60% of the combined income, they are responsible for 60% of the total support obligation.
Understanding the Visitation Credit
Missouri law recognizes that the parent paying support (the payor) incurs costs while the child is in their care. Line 11 of Form 14 allows for an adjustment based on the number of overnight visits per year. For example, a parent with 110 overnights may receive a 15% credit, while true 50/50 custody arrangements may result in a 34% or higher adjustment, depending on the specific circumstances and judicial discretion.
Example Calculation
Imagine Parent 1 earns $4,000 per month and Parent 2 earns $2,000. Their combined income is $6,000. According to the state schedule, the basic support for one child might be approximately $850. If Parent 1 (the payor) has the child for 80 overnights a year, they would apply a 9% credit to their share. If they are also paying $200 for health insurance, that is factored into the final amount they send to Parent 2.
Note: Courts can "rebut" the Form 14 amount if they find it is unjust or inappropriate for a specific family's needs. Factors like special medical needs or private school tuition can lead to deviations from the standard calculation.