Missouri · Custody and support · Updated Oct 2026

Child custody and support in Missouri

Custody and child support in a Missouri divorce: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, custody mediation and the child support agency.

In short

In Missouri, custody is called “legal and physical custody (joint or sole) under a parenting plan”. About the parenting class: Yes, usually.

Custody term
Legal and physical custody (joint or sole) under a parenting plan
Parenting class
Required (with conditions)
Child support agency
Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division - Child Support

Custody terms in Missouri

Legal and physical custody (joint or sole) under a parenting plan

Mediation

Courts may order mediation of custody and visitation disputes (except where there is domestic violence); many circuits do so routinely.

Parenting class in Missouri

  • Yes, usually.
  • In divorces with minor children the court must order parents to attend educational sessions on the effects of custody and divorce on children, unless there's good cause (for example, you've agreed on custody and visitation, or attending would endanger someone) or a local rule says otherwise (RSMo 452.605).

Child support in Missouri

Children in a Missouri divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Missouri's term for custody: legal and physical custody (joint or sole) under a parenting plan.

  2. Parenting class

    Yes, usually.

  3. Mediation

    Courts may order mediation of custody and visitation disputes (except where there is domestic violence); many circuits do so routinely.

  4. The child support agency

    Missouri's child support agency: Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division - Child Support

Questions about custody and child support in Missouri

What is child custody called in Missouri?

Missouri uses the term “legal and physical custody (joint or sole) under a parenting plan”.

Do parents have to take a class in a Missouri divorce?

Yes, usually. In divorces with minor children the court must order parents to attend educational sessions on the effects of custody and divorce on children, unless there's good cause (for example, you've agreed on custody and visitation, or attending would endanger someone) or a local rule says otherwise (RSMo 452.605).

Which agency handles child support in Missouri?

Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division - Child Support.

Is mediation required for custody in Missouri?

Courts may order mediation of custody and visitation disputes (except where there is domestic violence); many circuits do so routinely.

More about divorce in Missouri

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.