Bill > HB380

This bill modifies Missouri's laws regarding child custody, support, and visitation, with several key provisions. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that equal or approximately equal parenting time is in the best interests of the child, requiring courts to consider specific factors when determining custody arrangements. It expands child support obligations, allowing support to continue until a child is 22 if they are enrolled in secondary or higher education, with specific requirements for maintaining eligibility. The bill introduces new provisions regarding termination of child support, including automatic termination under certain circumstances and processes for ending support through sworn statements. The legislation also strengthens protections for children by restricting custody and visitation rights for parents convicted of certain offenses involving children and emphasizes the importance of maintaining meaningful contact between children and both parents. Additionally, the bill adds a new provision that a parent who has not maintained contact with a child for six years or more may lose visitation rights. The overall aim is to create more comprehensive and flexible guidelines for child custody, support, and visitation that prioritize the child's best interests while ensuring both parents have opportunities for meaningful involvement in their child's life.

Justice

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB380&year=2025&code=R