Child Custody And Support Attorney In Saint Charles County
Last updated on January 27, 2026
Without a doubt, the most important, and often contentious, issues in divorce involve children. Whether you have a disagreement about who should have custody of your children or how much financial support they need, you need a lawyer on your side who is committed to doing what is in the best interest of your children.
At The Law Office of Baerveldt & Boedefeld, LLC, in Saint Charles County, our lawyers have extensive experience handling child custody, visitation and child support cases in Missouri. While our guiding principle is making sure children are taken care of, we will do everything in our power to make sure that your rights are protected as well.
We provide honest legal advice and skilled representation to men and women during difficult times. Contact us today for a free initial consultation with a dedicated family law attorney.
Working Hard For You And Your Children
While the most contentious divorce issues involve children, it doesn’t have to be that way. We strive to help parents find amicable solutions to these issues, but will aggressively fight to protect your rights when the situation calls for it.
We handle a wide variety of family law issues involving children, including:
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Parental relocation
- Post-decree modification and enforcement
There are a lot of myths out there about child support and child custody, such as the belief that having more children can allow you to receive more child support from your ex. Not true. Also false is the idea that if you are moving you will be able to get sole custody over your child. We can help you dispel the myths and fully understand both your rights and your responsibilities.
Missouri Child Custody And Support Determinations
Courts in Missouri evaluate child custody and support issues by focusing on what best protects the child’s stability, safety and long‑term well‑being.
In custody matters, judges review each family’s circumstances individually and consider several factors to determine how parents will share responsibilities and financial support. Examples include:
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to meet daily needs
- The child’s adjustment to home and school
- Any history of abuse or neglect
Custody decisions involve two separate issues. Legal custody covers decision‑making authority, while physical custody determines parenting time and where the child lives. Missouri encourages parents to develop a parenting plan outlining schedules, communications and methods for resolving disagreements. When parents cannot agree, the court creates a plan based on the child’s best interests.
Child support is calculated using Form 14, which applies the state’s income shares model to evaluate financial matters. Examples include both parents’ gross incomes, the cost of health insurance work‑related childcare expenses and the amount of overnight parenting time. The resulting figure represents each parent’s proportional financial responsibility for the child’s needs.
Modifying Child Custody And Support In Missouri
Support or custody order modifications may be necessary when circumstances change in ways that affect the child’s well‑being or the fairness of the existing order. Missouri law requires a substantial and continuing change before a court will adjust custody or support terms.
Common reasons for modification include relocation that affects parenting time, a significant change in income, evolving educational or medical needs, or concerns about abuse or neglect. These situations may require updated arrangements to protect the child’s best interests.
Parents seeking modifications must file a motion with the court and present evidence supporting the requested change. The judge will review the new circumstances and determine whether an updated order is appropriate.
Child Support And Child Custody/Visitation Enforcement
Missouri provides several enforcement tools to ensure compliance with child custody and support orders. These measures exist to protect the child’s stability and ensure that both parents meet their obligations.
Enforcement options may include income withholding, interception of tax refunds, license suspension or contempt of court proceedings for serious violations. These actions are designed to encourage compliance while giving the court authority to address ongoing problems. An experienced lawyer can provide crucial legal support during enforcement proceedings.
Contact Us Today
Your relationship with your children is priceless. You need to know your rights. Call 636-260-2515 for a free initial consultation.
For your convenience, we offer evening and weekend appointments and accept credit cards for payment.