Missouri Dissolution of Marriage With Children — Custody and Child Support (2026)

Missouri dissolution with children requires two additional mandatory documents beyond the standard dissolution: a completed Form 14 (child support worksheet) and a Parenting Plan. Neither is optional.

Form 14 — Mandatory for Every Missouri Child Support Order

Form 14 (Child Support Amount Calculation Worksheet) is required in every Missouri dissolution case that involves a child support order. The court will not enter a child support order without a completed Form 14.

If the parties agree to a deviation from the Form 14 amount (i.e., they agree to more or less than the calculated guideline amount), they must include written findings in the MSA explaining why the Form 14 amount is unjust or inappropriate under the circumstances.

Download Form 14: courts.mo.gov → Self-Help → Family Law

Form 14 requires:

  • Petitioner's gross monthly income
  • Respondent's gross monthly income
  • Number of children
  • Monthly cost of health insurance premium for the children
  • Monthly work-related childcare cost
  • Number of parenting time overnights per year with each parent

Parenting Plan — Required in Every Missouri Custody Case

Missouri requires a Parenting Plan in every dissolution case involving minor children. The Parenting Plan must address:

  • Legal custody (joint or sole)
  • Physical custody designation (primary parent)
  • Day-to-day school year schedule (specific days, pick-up, drop-off times and locations)
  • Summer schedule (detailed)
  • Holiday schedule (named Missouri holidays with specific alternating or fixed assignments)
  • School breaks and long weekends
  • Vacation advance notice requirements
  • Communication between child and non-primary parent (phone/video)
  • Transportation (who drives, where exchanges happen)
  • Relocation: Missouri requires advance written notice before relocating with children — the plan should specify the process

Custody — Two Types

Legal Custody

Decision-making authority over education, healthcare, religion, and other major matters.

  • Joint legal custody: Both parents share decision-making. Most common and preferred in Missouri.
  • Sole legal custody: One parent has final authority. Used when joint custody is impractical (domestic abuse, inability to communicate, etc.).

Physical Custody

Where the child lives on a day-to-day basis.

  • Primary physical custody (one parent): Child lives primarily with one parent; other parent has substantial parenting time per the Parenting Plan.
  • Shared/joint physical custody: Child splits time substantially between both homes. Can affect the Form 14 calculation (parenting time credit).

Best Interest Factors

Missouri courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child under RSMo § 452.375, considering:

  1. Wishes of the child's parents
  2. Needs of the child for a frequent, continuing, and meaningful relationship with both parents
  3. Interaction of the child with parents, siblings, and other significant persons
  4. Child's adjustment to home, school, and community
  5. Mental and physical health of all parties
  6. Willingness of each parent to support the child's relationship with the other parent
  7. Intention of either parent to relocate
  8. Wishes of the child (given appropriate weight by age and maturity)

Missouri Child Support Duration

Child support in Missouri continues until the child turns 18 — or age 21 if the child is still enrolled in an accredited high school.

Missouri Relocation Law

Missouri has specific relocation rules (RSMo § 452.377). A parent with primary physical custody must provide written notice to the other parent at least 60 days before any intended relocation. The other parent has 30 days to object. If the other parent objects, a court hearing is required before the relocation can occur.

Include the relocation notice requirement in your Parenting Plan.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Form 14 mandatory | Parenting Plan required | courts.mo.gov | Child support to age 18 (21 if still in high school)

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.