At the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A., we know that child support is one of the most sensitive and important issues in any family law case. Whether you’re seeking support or being asked to provide it, the process can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Parents often worry about fairness, consistency, and how support payments will impact their ability to care for their children. With decades of legal experience in Kansas and Missouri, we’re committed to helping families find balanced, workable child support solutions that meet both legal obligations and the child’s real needs.
Here to Support You Through Child Support Issues
Child support is a financial obligation that one parent may be required to pay to the other following a separation or divorce, primarily to help cover the basic living expenses of the child. In Kansas and Missouri, support amounts are typically calculated using state-specific guidelines that factor in each parent’s income, the number of children, medical costs, childcare, and other shared expenses. However, courts may adjust those amounts based on special circumstances or changing needs.
While the process might seem formulaic, every family situation is different. One parent may be facing a job loss, another may be supporting multiple households, and others may have concerns about how funds are being used. We understand how stressful this can be. What our clients really want is stability—they want to know that their child is being provided for and that the amount of support is reasonable, enforceable, and fair.
We assist parents with:
- Filing initial child support actions or responding to support claims
- Modifying existing orders when financial situations change
- Enforcing payment through legal remedies if support is not being paid
Whether you’re the paying or receiving parent, working with a Kansas City child support lawyer families trust gives you a stronger position in court and a clearer understanding of your rights.
One of the most common family law matters that a child support lawyer in Kansas City from Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. has handled before are issues over child support. Because of how contentious this topic can be, it isn’t uncommon for lawyers, mediators, and other professionals to assist with a resolution. The more informed parents are about their duties and rights, the better prepared they are to meet the needs of their children.
The purpose of child support is to provide funds for kids so their basic needs are met, including food, clothes, shelter, medication, and education. The parent who is not the primary caregiver may have to pay child support to the parent with full custody. As a Kansas City, KS child support lawyer may explain to clients, the family court judge will determine payment amounts and responsibilities based on numerous factors, such as:
- Monthly income of both parents
- Monthly costs of daycare, education, and extracurriculars
- Living arrangements for children
- Cost for pediatric medical coverage
- Commissions or bonuses received by each parent yearly
- Parental voluntary underemployment or unemployment
- Special education needs for child
- Other factors that could impact a parent’s ability to pay
How much is paid in child support and by which parent will depend on state laws and many other factors. For most states, the child should receive the same level of parental income as if the parents still resided together. In other states, payments are calculated based on a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s earnings.
If the court determines that one parent must pay into child support, and he or she refuses to do so, the other parent may submit a motion for contempt and force payments to happen. The remedies that may be implemented by the court to ensure the child gets the financial support they need is garnishing wages or inflicting criminal penalties on the non-paying parent.
Trusted Legal Representation with Proven Experience
The Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. has been representing individuals since 1994, with Attorney Stuart licensed to practice in Kansas, Missouri, and New York. We take pride in offering practical legal support to parents dealing with financial obligations related to their children. While our firm has achieved significant results in personal injury cases, we bring that same tenacity and focus to family law.
We offer:
- Decades of legal experience with a strong presence in Kansas City courts
- A direct and responsive approach to every client’s concerns
- Familiarity with state child support guidelines and local court expectations
We understand that no two families are alike. That’s why we take the time to review every detail before offering advice or filing on your behalf.
At the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A., we know how important it is to protect your child’s financial future while also maintaining fairness between parents. Whether you’re facing a new child support case or a dispute over an existing order, our team works to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.
Types of Child Support Cases We Handle
- Establishing Child Support Orders. We help parents file for initial child support based on Kansas and Missouri state guidelines. This includes calculating payment obligations using income, childcare costs, insurance, and other key financial information.
- Modifying Child Support Due to Changed Circumstances. When income, custody arrangements, or a child’s needs change significantly, we assist clients in filing for support modifications. This helps keep court orders fair and accurate as life evolves.
- Enforcing Existing Support Orders. If one parent falls behind on payments, we can take legal steps to enforce the support order. This may involve wage garnishment, court intervention, or other enforcement tools allowed by law.
- Challenging Unfair or Incorrect Orders. We represent parents who believe their current support order was based on inaccurate income data or miscalculated expenses. We review financial records and advocate for adjustments that reflect the real numbers.
- Child Support in Unmarried Parent Cases. We work with parents who were never married but need to establish or enforce child support agreements. This often includes paternity actions, which must be resolved before support can be ordered.
- Support for Children with Special Needs. In cases where a child requires long-term medical or educational support, we assist in securing ongoing financial contributions. Courts may consider these needs when setting or adjusting support amounts.
Whether you’re paying or receiving support, working with a trusted child support lawyer Kansas City parents turn to can help make sure your case is handled correctly and your child’s needs are prioritized.
Why Experience Matters in Child Support Cases
Child support laws vary across state lines and often involve detailed financial analysis. Having experienced legal guidance helps you avoid missteps that could result in unfair obligations or missed opportunities to protect your child’s future.
- Over 30 years of legal experience in family and civil law. Daniel Stuart has been practicing law since 1994, with a proven track record in both personal injury and family matters.
- Licensed in Kansas, Missouri, and New York. His multi-state licensure brings broader perspective and insight into differing court systems and support guidelines.
- Strong courtroom presence in Kansas City. Our firm is familiar with local court practices, giving us an advantage in presenting cases clearly and effectively.
- Results-focused and client-driven approach. We prioritize practical outcomes and long-term stability for our clients and their families.
- Personalized attention to every case. You won’t be treated like a case file—you’ll get advice tailored to your specific situation.
Get Answers and Support from Our Child Support Attorney
If you’re dealing with a child support issue in Kansas or Missouri, we’re here to help. Whether you need to establish support, seek enforcement, or modify an existing order, let a child support lawyer Kansas City parents rely on guide you through it. Contact the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward resolving your case with confidence.
Child Support Infographic
Kansas City Child Support Statistics
According to U.S Census Bureau data, approximately 19.2 million children, or 25 percent of all children in the United States, are owed child support. This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of child support issues in this country. Less than 50 percent of custodial parents actually receive the amount of child support awarded to them by the court.
Kansas City Child Support FAQ
How is child support calculated in Kansas and Missouri?
In both Kansas and Missouri, child support is based on state-specific formulas that consider each parent’s income, the number of children, health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and parenting time. These calculations help create a starting point for the amount owed each month. However, judges can deviate from the guidelines if circumstances call for it—such as if a child has special needs or if one parent is unemployed. It’s important to provide accurate financial documentation to make sure the calculation is fair and appropriate.
Can child support be changed after the original order?
Yes, child support orders can be modified when there is a material change in circumstances, such as a job loss, significant income increase, changes in custody, or major changes in the child’s needs. Either parent can file a motion requesting that the court revisit and revise the support amount. Supporting evidence is essential, and the court must find that the change justifies a new order. A child support attorney can help present the right information to support your request.
What if the other parent isn’t paying child support?
When a parent fails to meet their child support obligation, there are legal tools available to enforce the order. This may include wage garnishment, seizing tax refunds, suspending licenses, or holding the non-paying parent in contempt of court. Continued non-payment can result in serious legal consequences. Our team helps parents take the necessary steps to pursue what is legally owed for their child’s care.
Do both parents have to contribute to child support?
Yes. Child support is based on the idea that both parents are financially responsible for the child, regardless of custody arrangements. Even if one parent has primary custody, both incomes are considered to determine a fair support amount. Courts take into account the overall cost of raising a child and divide that responsibility proportionally. The goal is to support the child’s well-being, not to punish or favor either parent.
Does child support cover everything a child needs?
Child support is designed to cover essential expenses like housing, food, clothing, medical care, and basic educational costs. However, it typically doesn’t include discretionary items such as extracurricular activities, sports fees, private school tuition, or uncovered medical bills. These items can be addressed in a court-approved parenting plan or through separate financial agreements between parents. It’s important to discuss these extras clearly during the support process to avoid future disputes.
Child Support Glossary
At the heart of any child support case is the well-being of the child and the legal structure needed to uphold that support. As a Kansas City, KS child support lawyer, we regularly guide parents through the financial, procedural, and legal aspects of child support law. Understanding the specific terms used during the legal process can help both paying and receiving parents participate more confidently and effectively in their case.
Below are key legal terms frequently encountered in child support cases in Kansas and Missouri, including expanded definitions to provide clarity and context.
Parenting Time Adjustment
A parenting time adjustment refers to a modification in the child support amount based on how much time a child spends with each parent. In Kansas and Missouri, the courts may reduce a non-custodial parent’s support obligation if that parent exercises a significant amount of overnight parenting time. The adjustment is not automatic; it must be requested and justified with a specific parenting schedule or custody arrangement that meets the court’s requirements. This factor acknowledges that parents who provide regular care for their child also incur direct expenses, which should be considered in the overall support calculation.
Imputed Income
Imputed income is the income a court may assign to a parent who is unemployed or underemployed without a valid reason. Rather than relying solely on the parent’s actual earnings, the court looks at work history, education, skills, and available employment opportunities to estimate what the parent should be earning. This term often arises when a parent voluntarily reduces their work hours, changes careers for a lower salary, or claims little to no income in order to reduce support obligations. Courts use imputed income to protect the child’s financial interests and prevent manipulation of the process.
Motion To Modify Support
A motion to modify support is a legal filing used to request a change to an existing child support order. These requests are based on a substantial change in circumstances, such as a parent’s job loss, increase in income, changes in custody, or new medical or educational needs for the child. This motion must be submitted to the same court that issued the original order, and supporting documentation must be provided to justify the requested modification. The court will only grant a change if it determines the existing order no longer reflects the financial reality or best interests of the child.
Income Withholding Order
An income withholding order (IWO) is a court directive sent to a parent’s employer requiring automatic deductions from their paycheck to cover child support obligations. It is the most common method of collecting child support payments, reducing the chance of missed payments or late transfers. Once issued, the employer must comply by deducting the correct amount and forwarding it to the appropriate state child support agency. An IWO helps maintain consistency in payments and provides a structured system for both parents, especially when communication is limited or strained.
Contempt Of Court For Non-Payment
Contempt of court for non-payment applies when a parent willfully fails to follow a court-ordered child support arrangement. If the receiving parent files a motion and the court finds that the paying parent has violated the order without valid justification, the judge may issue penalties. These can include fines, driver’s license suspension, wage garnishment, or even jail time in extreme cases. The goal of a contempt action is not to punish but to compel compliance and secure the funds owed to support the child. This legal remedy ensures that child support obligations are taken seriously and enforced.
At the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A., we take the time to explain each step of the child support process clearly, using terms that help parents feel more prepared and in control. We believe that when both parties understand their rights and responsibilities, outcomes are more fair, efficient, and focused on the child’s needs.
Whether you’re looking to set up support, request a change, or resolve an enforcement issue, we’re ready to help. Contact our office today to speak with a Kansas City child support lawyer and take the next step toward protecting your child’s future.
Get in Touch with the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. Today
At the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A., we know that a divorce can lead to families being torn apart. We also know that you deserve a fighting chance to see your kids as much as possible. Get in touch with us today and see how a Kansas City child support lawyer can make a difference. We know how important children are to their parents. We hope that you consider contacting our team to help you through this difficult period. Family law issues tend to be emotionally driven and complex, so you must hire a lawyer who knows how to handle these delicate cases. Call a Kansas child support lawyer in Kansas City from Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. to have us get started right away on your case.