Missouri Child Custody State Law

Vernon’s Annotated Missouri Statutes, Chapter 452, Section 452,375 (AM.S. Sec. 452.375).

The court shall determine custody in accordance with the best interests of the child. The court shall consider all relevant factors including: the wishes of the child’s parents as to custody and the proposed parenting plan submitted by both parties; 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; the interaction and interrelationship of the child with parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interests; which parent is more likely to allow the child frequent, continuing and meaningful contact with the other parent; the child’s adjustment to the child’s home, school, and community; the mental and physical health of all individuals involved, including any history of abuse or violence of any individuals involved; the intention of either parent to relocate the principal residence of the child; and the wishes of a child as to the child’s custodian.

The court will determine the custody arrangement which will best assure both parents participate in such decisions and have frequent, continuing and meaningful contact with their children so long as it is in the best interests of the child. Both parents will have access to the child’s medical and school records unless visitation has been denied, subject to special conditions in domestic violence cases. If the parties have not agreed, the court will consider joint custody prior to sole legal custody. Any judgment providing for custody shall include a specific written parenting plan either submitted
by the parties or determined by the court. In cases of domestic violence the court shall make specific findings of fact to show that the custody or visitation arrangement ordered by the court best protects the child and the parent or other family or household member who is the victim of domestic violence from any further harm.

Fathers Rights Blog | Child Custody State Law List .. Above info from a 2004 legal publication.
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