Missouri Divorce with Children
Everything you need to know about divorce with children in Missouri — custody types, child support guidelines, parenting plans, and protecting your children through the process. Updated for 2026.
Types of Custody in Missouri
Legal Custody
The right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.
Physical Custody
Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis and the parenting time schedule.
"Best Interests of the Child" Factors
Missouri courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements:
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Child Support in Missouri
Missouri uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. Both parents' gross monthly incomes are combined, and the state-provided schedule determines the presumed total child support amount based on the number of children. Costs for health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary medical expenses are factored in. The non-custodial parent may receive a credit based on overnight parenting time. The official calculation is performed using Form 14, updated effective January 1, 2026 by Missouri Supreme Court order.
Official Missouri child support calculator →Factors Considered
Additional Forms Required (Children)
| Form | Name |
|---|---|
| Parenting Plan | Parenting Plan |
| Form 14 | Child Support Amount Calculation Worksheet |
Mandatory Parenting Course
Missouri requires both parents to complete a parenting education course when filing for divorce with minor children.
Both parents must complete a court-approved parent education program when minor children are involved (RSMo § 452.600, § 452.605). Programs include Focus on Kids (MU Extension), FOCIS (Jackson County), and C.O.P.E. (Clay County). Must be completed before final judgment. Cost is approximately $40-$75 per parent.
Typical cost: $50
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Divorce.ai helps you create a child-focused parenting plan and prepares all custody-related Missouri forms.
What Goes in a Parenting Plan?
A comprehensive parenting plan should cover:
Regular Parenting Schedule
Week-by-week schedule of where the child lives and when transitions occur.
Holiday & Vacation Schedule
How holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are divided between parents.
Decision-Making Authority
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religious upbringing.
Communication Rules
How the child communicates with the non-custodial parent (phone, video calls, etc.).
Transportation & Exchange
Who handles pickups/dropoffs and where exchanges occur.
Dispute Resolution
How disagreements about the parenting plan will be resolved (mediation first, then court).
Relocation Rules
Notice requirements and procedure if either parent wants to move.
Tips for Protecting Your Children During Divorce
Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. It puts them in the middle and can harm your custody case.
Maintain routines. Keep school, activities, and daily routines as consistent as possible during the transition.
Communicate openly with your children in age-appropriate ways. Let them know the divorce is not their fault.
Consider counseling. A child therapist can help children process their emotions during this time.