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All family law attorneys should plan on attending this conference. It is August 4-6, 2011 at the Lodge of Four Seasons. You can rack up 19.4 Missouri CLE hours including up to 5 hours of ethics.

The importance of budgeting income and expenses during divorce is so important, yet it’s often overlooked or not taken seriously.  With a well-documented budget, you can give proof to the standard of living that was maintained during the marriage.  Plus, a detailed budget can help you realistically approach living solely on your own income.  Read more at:  http://www.womansdivorce.com/budgeting-income.html

Follow this link http://www.childadvocate.net/divorce_effects_on_children.htm for a short reading on effects of divorce (dissolution) on children.

According to Missouri law the court shall determine custody in accordance with the best interests of the child. The court shall consider all relevant factors including:

(1) The wishes of the child’s parents as to custody and the proposed parenting plan submitted by both parties;

(2) The needs of the child for a frequent, continuing and meaningful relationship with both parents and the ability and willingness of parents to actively perform their functions as mother and father for the needs of the child;

(3) The interaction and interrelationship of the child with parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interests;

(4) Which parent is more likely to allow the child frequent, continuing and meaningful contact with the other parent;

(5) The child’s adjustment to the child’s home, school, and community;

(6) The mental and physical health of all individuals involved, including any history of abuse of any individuals involved. If the court finds that a pattern of domestic violence has occurred, and, if the court also finds that awarding custody to the abusive parent is in the best interest of the child, then the court shall enter written findings of fact and conclusions of law. Custody and visitation rights shall be ordered in a manner that best protects the child and any other child or children for whom the parent has custodial or visitation rights, and the parent or other family or household member who is the victim of domestic violence from any further harm;

(7) The intention of either parent to relocate the principal residence of the child; and

(8) The wishes of a child as to the child’s custodian.

To understand how the factors are used by the court you should contact a family law attorney.

The Missouri Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Form 14) estimates the child support obligation that a court may order a parent to pay toward supporting the child(ren) on a monthly basis. Under Missouri law, there is a rebuttable presumption that the amount of child support, which would result from the use of these guidelines is the correct amount of support to be awarded; however, a court may choose to deviate from the guidelines under certain circumstances. If you have questions regarding the Missouri Child Support Guidelines, you may wish to contact an attorney.

Follow this link http://www.teamlex.com/Areas/form14.htm to a very good online Form 14 Child Support Calculator.