It's important to remember that while parents cannot waive child support obligations entirely, they do have the right to request modifications through the Missouri Family Support Division (FSD).
If the financial situation of either parent changes dramatically and they jointly agree that child support is no longer necessary, they can jointly petition the court to terminate the child support obligation. A change in the child's situation can be grounds for termination of child support as well.
No, a parent cannot decline or waive child support obligations in Missouri. It's the duty of both parents to support their child, whether as a custodial parent or a parent sending monthly payments. Once the court has ordered child support, that order stands until it is terminated or modified.
The good news is yes, child support arrears can potentially be forgiven. You would need to have a joint petition filed along with the other parent though, showing that you are both in mutual agreement and jointly requesting that the arrears be waived or forgiven.
If a parent believes that a child support obligation should be terminated, he or she should write a letter to the local county FSD office, which can be found at the Missouri Child Support County Offices website. The letter should include the following: Parent's name, the other parent's name, and the child/ren names.
If a parent believes that a child support obligation should be terminated, he or she should write a letter to the local county FSD office, which can be found at the Missouri Child Support County Offices website. The letter should include the following: Parent's name, the other parent's name, and the child/ren names.
Both parents must agree on how the arrears are settled, such as by paying only part of the total amount and waiving the remaining balance. They must then put this agreement in writing, and submit it for the court's review and approval. An attorney's guidance is valuable in this process.