Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri
Child support modification
Not that I'm complaining, I love my child and am happy to pay child support to help raise her. My ex is taking me back to increase my support. I feel I pay enough, with the initial support, I pay half ($1100/per year) for tuition for my child to go to a Catholic school (which I do not have to pay, nor did I have a choice in the schooling), not to mention the clothes, jewelery, make-up, and other things I buy throughout the months. I know that to some the monthly payment is low, but with all the extras I buy and help pay for adds up to a big monthly support check. My question is, will the courts look at these other things and will I have to provide proof? I have a Form 14 but according to it guessing at her salary (home, vehicle, etc) I pay way over the amount taking all the extras into consideration.
Thank you,
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Child support modification
If you are not already represented by legal counsel, you should consult with an attorney in your area immediately. The proper calculation of child support can be somewhat tricky, and there is a new form 14 and accompanying guidelines coming into effect on January 1, 2003. Generally speaking, the answer to your question concerning your spending extra money on personal items for your child is that these types of things are considered by the law to be gifts and are not included in considerations of child support. You say that you are not required to pay one half of the child's educational expense, but I would have to see the existing Order to advise you. Most fathers, in my experience, do pay one half of educational expenses in addition to child support. Good luck.
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