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How is child support calculated in Missouri?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Missouri child support is governed by RSMo § 452.340 and Missouri Supreme Court Rule 88.01, which require completion of Form 14 — the Presumed Child Support Calculation Worksheet — in every case.

1. The Form 14 Calculation

Form 14 is a 12-line worksheet that performs an Income Shares computation:

  • Line 1: Monthly gross income of each parent.
  • Line 2: Adjustments (other court-ordered child support actually paid, maintenance paid).
  • Line 3: Adjusted monthly gross income.
  • Line 4: Combined adjusted gross.
  • Line 5: Proportionate shares.
  • Line 6: Basic child support amount from the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations.
  • Lines 7-9: Childcare costs, health insurance, uninsured medical/extraordinary.
  • Line 10: Total combined obligation.
  • Line 11: Each parent's presumed share.
  • Line 12: Adjustment for overnight periods of custody/visitation.
  • 2. Overnight Adjustment (Form 14, Line 12)

    The non-custodial parent receives an overnight visitation credit ranging from:

  • 0% credit for 0-35 overnights/year
  • 6% credit for 36-72 overnights
  • 9% credit for 73-91 overnights
  • 10% credit for 92-109 overnights
  • 20-30% credit for 110+ overnights, with greater credits for substantially shared parenting.
  • 3. Schedule Range

    The Schedule covers combined adjusted gross incomes up to $30,000/month. Above that, the court has discretion based on the child's needs.

    4. Duration (RSMo § 452.340.5)

    Support continues until the child:

  • Reaches age 18 (general rule), OR
  • Reaches age 21 if still enrolled in and attending high school, OR
  • Is enrolled in a vocational/higher education program with at least 12 credit hours, in which case support continues to age 21 (or age 22 / completion of degree, whichever first).
  • The college continuation requires the child to maintain enrollment, provide grade transcripts, and meet other statutory benchmarks.

    5. Rebuttal (Rule 88.01(b))

    Form 14's amount is rebuttably presumed correct. The court must enter a written or specific finding that the Form 14 amount is unjust or inappropriate to deviate.

    6. Modification (RSMo § 452.370)

    Modification requires substantial and continuing change in circumstances. A statutory 20% rebuttable presumption of substantial change applies when guideline recalculation differs by 20% or more from the existing order.

    7. Imputation

    Imputed income is allowed for voluntary unemployment/underemployment, often based on full-time minimum wage as a starting point.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your child is enrolled in college and you need to interpret the § 452.340.5 requirements
    • Significant overnight credit is at issue
    • You are seeking a Form 14 deviation based on unjust outcome
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • RSMo § 452.340
    • RSMo § 452.370
    • Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 88.01

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.