What does sole physical custody mean in Missouri?
What is sole custody? Sole legal custody refers to a custody arrangement where only one of the parents has the decision-making rights, responsibilities, and authority relating to issues concerning the health, education and welfare of the child. Sole physical custody means that the child would reside with one parent.
How do I get sole custody in Missouri?
So in order to get full custody, you’d likely have to prove that the other parent is unfit, for reasons such as untreated drug addiction, a history of abuse, or some other condition that would pose harm to the child. For information on how to file for custody in Missouri, you can check the Missouri Courts website.
What does full custody mean in Missouri?
Legal Child Custody in Missouri With one parent having sole legal custody, only that parent can make decisions for the child. Decision-making for the child is not about what friends the child can spend time with, what the child eats for dinner, or picking out their clothes for school.
What is sole physical custody?
Sole physical custody is when a child lives primarily with one parent. The parent who has sole physical custody is known as the ‘custodial’ parent.
How much does it cost to file for custody in Missouri?
between $200 and $300
Expect to pay between $200 and $300 when you file. Your county may have additional costs, including fees for serving papers, filing motions (e.g., a request for temporary orders), using notary services and making copies. If you can’t afford the fees, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
What age can a child decide which parent to live with?
16 years old
In law, there is no fixed age that determines when a child can express a preference as to where they want to live. However, legally, a child cannot decide who they want to live with until they are 16 years old. Once a child reaches the age of 16, they are legally allowed to choose which parent to live with.
Can a mother keep the child away from the father in Missouri?
In Missouri, if a child is born to unmarried parents, then the mother is automatically given sole custody with full parental rights. That is unless the mother signs an affidavit acknowledging that her partner is the father. If the mother refuses, then the father must establish paternity via DNA test or court petition.