Bill > SB1532

This bill modifies provisions related to spousal support, also known as maintenance, and child support orders in Missouri. For spousal support, it clarifies that maintenance can be "bridge" (short-term to help a spouse transition), "rehabilitative" (to help a spouse gain skills for self-support), or "durational" (for longer periods based on marriage length). The bill establishes specific time limits for these types of maintenance based on the duration of the marriage, with longer marriages generally allowing for longer maintenance periods, though exceptions exist for hardship. It also emphasizes a spouse's duty to become self-supporting and clarifies that maintenance is not intended to guarantee a certain standard of living. For modifications of existing support orders, the bill requires a showing of "substantial and continuing changed circumstances" and outlines specific criteria for determining child support amounts, including a twenty percent change threshold for a prima facie showing of changed circumstances. The bill also addresses how modifications apply to orders made before its effective date, generally favoring conformity with the new provisions.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=626309