Modifies provisions relating to the custody and support of children
The legislation seeks to clarify and enforce child support obligations more effectively, including the criteria for determining support amounts. The bill requires courts to consider various factors such as the child's financial needs, the parents' financial circumstances, and the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the marriage not been dissolved. Additionally, it aims to standardize processes regarding the modification of custody and support orders, particularly in cases where a parent has demonstrated a history of domestic violence, thereby prioritizing the safety and well-being of the child.
House Bill 380 aims to amend the provisions regarding custody and support of children in the state of Missouri. The bill proposes the repeal of existing sections 452.340, 452.375, and 452.400 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, replacing them with updated regulations that emphasize the best interests of the child in determining custody and support arrangements. One of the notable changes is the introduction of a rebuttable presumption favoring equal parenting time, recognizing both parents' roles in a child's life post-separation or divorce. This is positioned as part of a broader public policy encouraging meaningful relationships between children and both parents.
Opponents of the bill raise concerns about how the presumption of equal parenting time might affect cases involving domestic violence. They argue that the bill could inadvertently put children at risk by requiring courts to favor joint custody arrangements without sufficient consideration of past abusive behaviors by one parent. Advocates, however, promote the bill as a positive step towards enhancing parental involvement and ensuring stable environments for children after parental separation, highlighting its efforts to prevent spurious claims that could delay or obstruct parental rights.