Missouri Child Support Calculator & Guide (2025)

Overview of Missouri Child Support

Missouri uses the Income Shares Model under RSMo §452.340 and Supreme Court Rule 88.01 (Form 14). Both parents' incomes are combined to determine the presumed child support amount, reflecting the idea that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have if the parents lived together.

The Form 14 calculation is the standard method used by Missouri courts. While the presumed amount from Form 14 is the starting point, the court may deviate from it with written findings explaining why the presumed amount is unjust or inappropriate.

How Child Support Is Calculated in Missouri

The Missouri child support formula under Form 14 works as follows:

1. Determine each parent's monthly gross income: Include wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and other sources
2. Calculate combined monthly income for both parents
3. Find the base obligation from the Missouri child support schedule based on combined income and number of children
4. Allocate each parent's share proportionally based on their percentage of combined income
5. Add health insurance premiums for the child
6. Add work-related childcare costs
7. Add extraordinary medical expenses shared proportionally between the parents

Key Factors in Missouri Calculations

Combined Income Approach

Missouri's Income Shares Model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total support obligation. The non-custodial parent typically pays their proportional share to the custodial parent. This ensures that the child benefits from both parents' financial resources.

Self-Support Reserve

Missouri maintains a self-support reserve of $1,060 per month (2024). This ensures that the parent obligated to pay support retains enough income to meet their own basic living needs. If the support calculation would leave the obligor below this threshold, the obligation may be reduced.

Health Insurance and Childcare

Health insurance premiums for the child and work-related childcare costs are added on top of the base obligation. These additional expenses are shared proportionally between the parents based on their respective incomes.

Court Deviation

The court may deviate from the presumed Form 14 amount after considering factors such as the child's educational needs, the standard of living the child would have enjoyed, the physical and emotional condition of the child, and the financial resources of both parents. Any deviation requires written findings by the court.

Minimum and Maximum Amounts

Minimum: Missouri does not have a fixed statutory minimum, but the self-support reserve ensures the obligor retains at least $1,060/month for their own needs.

Maximum: There is no fixed income cap in Missouri. The child support schedule extends to higher income levels, and the court has discretion for high-income cases.

Modification and Enforcement

Modification

Missouri allows modification when:

• There has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances
• A significant change in either parent's income has occurred
• Custody or visitation arrangements have changed
• The child's needs have materially changed

Enforcement

The Missouri Department of Social Services - Family Support Division enforces child support through:

• Income withholding from paychecks
• Tax refund interception
• Driver's license suspension
• Professional license suspension
• Credit bureau reporting
• Contempt of court proceedings
• Liens on property and financial accounts

Get your Missouri estimate: Use our free Missouri child support calculator to see what you might owe or receive under Missouri guidelines.