Bill > HB385

This bill modifies Missouri child support law by adding a new provision that prevents a court from ordering child support payments when parents are awarded equal time with their child. Specifically, the bill introduces language stating that if a court awards each parent equal periods of time with the child, the court cannot require one parent to pay child support to the other parent for the child's reasonable or necessary expenses. This change appears to address situations of joint physical custody where parents share parenting time equally, effectively eliminating the typical child support calculation in such cases. The bill is part of a broader section of Missouri law (Section 452.340) that governs child support determinations, and it represents a significant shift in how financial responsibilities are determined when parents have precisely equal time with their child. By preventing child support payments in equal custody scenarios, the bill aims to create a more balanced approach to post-divorce or separation parental financial obligations.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB385&year=2025&code=R