MISSOURI

REVIEW AND MODIFICATION

Goal:Give high priority to review and modification of child support orders due to income change of custodial and noncustodial parents called to active duty for a period of more than 30 days.

Strategic Plan:Supports Strategies 1, 4, 8 of the National Child Support Strategic Plan.

Description:Since September 11, 2001, many reservists have been called to active duty. When called to active duty, men and women leave their civilian employers and are assigned to military duty both at home and abroad. As a result, these individuals may see an increase or decrease in their income.

When a custodial or noncustodial parent is called to active duty for a period of more than 30 days, upon request, a review and modification is conducted because it is likely that there was a change in income. The income change is considered a substantial change in circumstances for purposes of review and modification. That is, the child support enforcement staff will complete a review of the order regardless of the age of the order and complete a modification even though the amount differs by 20 percent from the existing obligation. The statute can be found at: http://www.moga.state.mo.us/statutes/C400-499/4520000416.HTM

Parents may obtain information about this policy via the Missouri website at: http://www.dss.mo.gov/cse/index.htm. Additionally, the Federal OCSE website highlights information for recently activated parents and directs parents to contact their state child support agency. Parents also receive a notice every three years which addresses their right to request a review and adjustment.

Prior to completing the review, the child support enforcement investigator (CSEI) will require the person called to active duty and requesting the review to provide:

• A copy of his/her latest leave and earnings statement
• A copy of his/her orders to appear for active duty

Child support enforcement staff is encouraged to give these requests high priority.

Income Withholding:

For some custodial and noncustodial parents, being called to active duty may mean a reduction in monthly income. If a custodial or noncustodial parent called to active duty requests a reduction or increase in his/her periodic arrearage

payment, the child support enforcement staff will review the income withholding order to determine if a change in the arrearage payment is warranted.

Medical Support:

Child support enforcement staff will also review whether a noncustodial parent's access to health care coverage has changed. If a noncustodial parent is called to active duty for more than 30 days, his/her dependents are eligible for health benefit plan coverage through the military. Additional information about this practice is available on the Child Support Enforcement website at: www.dss.mo.gov/cse/index.htm

Results:Approximately 15-20 noncustodial parents request a modification review annually.

Location:Statewide

Funding:Regular IV-D funds are used.

Contact:

Nancy Crocker

Program Development Specialist

Phone: (573) 526-5356

Email: Nancy.J.Crocker@dss.mo.gov