Missouri House Bill HB1642

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/24
• Refer: 5/17/24

Caption

Provides that the court shall not order a parent to pay child support to the other parent for reasonable or necessary expenses of the child if the parents are awarded equal time with the child

Impact

If enacted, the bill will have a profound effect on how child support orders are determined in cases of shared custody. By stipulating that time spent with each parent could negate child support claims, the bill aims to promote a more balanced approach to parenting responsibilities. This change could influence parents' decisions regarding custody arrangements and may encourage more equitable sharing of responsibilities, but it may also lead to financial difficulties for one of the parents, particularly if one parent has higher income or resources than the other.

Summary

House Bill 1642 proposes a significant amendment to the current child support regulations. Specifically, it stipulates that courts shall not order one parent to pay child support to another for reasonable or necessary expenses if both parents are awarded equal time with the child. This change is aimed at aligning child support obligations with the realities of shared parenting arrangements. Proponents argue that it recognizes equal parenting time as a valid basis for determining financial obligations, while critics may raise concerns about the potential impacts on child welfare and financial security in certain cases.

Contention

The primary point of contention around HB 1642 centers on the balance between supporting children financially and promoting equal parenting time. Critics may argue that while equal time with both parents is important, it does not necessarily correlate with equal financial capabilities or expenses incurred in raising a child. There may be concerns that the bill could disadvantage lower-income parents who may struggle to cover necessary expenses even with equal time, potentially leading to negative outcomes for the children involved.