Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 452

• Section 452.310 (Parenting plans)
• Section 452.340 (Child support guidelines)
• Section 452.375 (Custody definitions)
• Section 452.376 (Right to receive child's school reports)
• Section 452.377 (Relocation of children)

Missouri Supreme Court

• Rule 88.01 (Presumed child support amount)

Who will have legal and physical custody of the children?

You will have to decide if one or both parents have legal custody, and/or physical custody. You may decide to share both types of custody or only share one. It is common for parents to share legal custody and grant one parent sole physical custody. It is also possible for one parent to have sole legal and physical custody, and the other parent to have visitation rights.

• Legal custody: the right to make decisions on the child's health, education, and welfare
• Physical custody: the right to have specific periods of time with the child

Where will the children reside?

• The address of at least one of the parents needs to be designated as the children's address.
• 90-day notice is required before either a parent or the children can change residence.

What will the parenting time schedule be for each parent?

• Include a complete parenting schedule covering 24/7 for each parent.
• Designate a beginning and an end date and time for visits.

How are children picked up and dropped off?

• Designate locations where children will be dropped off or picked up for each scheduled parenting time.
• Note any changes that need to be made for when school is not in session.
• If the exchange will occur at a location other than a parent's residence, each parent shall be at the designated place and time for the exchange. The dropping-off parent is responsible for bringing the children to the exchange.
• Consider if other family members may pick up or drop off the children (e.g., grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.)

Who will be responsible for transporting the children between parents?

• Decide who will be responsible for extraordinary transportation costs.
• Decide who will transport the children for each leg of the journey (e.g., Mother is responsible for transportation during the week and Father is responsible on weekends and holidays).

How are holidays and vacations handled?

• Decide who gets the children for each holiday.
• Consider the start and end times for the holidays.
• Consider every other year or divide up the holidays.
• Specify how you will handle vacations.

What if you need to change the schedule?

• Parents should attempt to agree on any changes, but the parent receiving the request shall have the final determination.
• Designate how the request for a change is to be made.
• Designate how much notice is required for a request change.
• Designate when a response to a request is to be made.
• Parents are to cooperate to allow children to meet school and social commitments.

Can I require telephone contact?

• Parents should children reasonable access to the telephone during any visit to call the other parent.
• Designate any restrictions that may be necessary (e.g., no calls after 11:00 pm or before 6:00 am).

How will you handle any special needs?

• Note any of the child's specials needs (e.g., medications or health conditions).
• Determine how supervised visits will be handled.
• Are there persons that the children should not have contact with?
• Are there places that the children should not be allowed to go?

Decision-Making Rights and Responsibilities

Missouri has a strong public policy to encourage both parents to participate in decisions that concern their children, but sometimes it is better to have one parent responsible for certain things. You should consider each of the following areas as to whether you will share decision making, or whether one parent will be responsible:

• Education
• Medical
• Dental
• Selection of health care providers
• Selection of child care providers
• Extracurricular activities
• Religious upbringing

Agreements About Communication

Make agreements to ensure you communicate about important topics, including:

• All school, sporting, or special activities concerning the children.
• Address or telephone number changes.
• Any communication from the court.

Dispute Resolution

You should attempt to resolve all matters with the other parent, but if you cannot do so, consider a plan that will help resolve a dispute such as:

• A pre-arranged agreement to mediate disputes by a designated counselor or mediator.
• An agreement that the court has the authority to resolve the matter.

Both parents are responsible for the support and expenses of their children. The court will determine the amount of child support based on a variety of factors. However, there may be other expenses that require special consideration on who pays and what percentage. These expenses may include:

• Health insurance coverage
• Medical
• Dental
• Psychological
• Other health care
• Education expenses
• Childcare
• Other expenses (music lessons, sports equipment, uniforms)

Grandparents may be granted reasonable visitation rights (Section 452.402 )