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Fill in a Valid Missouri 68 B Form

The Missouri 68 B form, also known as the Parenting Plan Checklist, is a crucial document required in all parenting plan submissions to the Circuit Court of any county in Missouri, except when the 68-A form applies. This form outlines the detailed arrangements that both parties believe are in the best interest of the children, covering aspects from physical custody schedules to decision-making processes regarding the child's welfare. It serves as a comprehensive framework to ensure that the care and decision-making for a child are clearly established, prioritizing the child’s needs and well-being.

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In Missouri, navigating the complexities of child custody and divorce proceedings demands meticulous attention to detail and adherence to specific legal stipulations. One vital component in this intricate process is the Missouri Form 68-B, a comprehensive document that the Circuit Courts of Missouri counties require for laying out parenting plans during custody arrangements. This form serves as a foundational blueprint for establishing a framework that both parties believe aligns with the best interests of their children. It goes beyond the mere allocation of physical custody and visitation rights to cover a wide array of essential considerations. These considerations include detailing holiday and school break schedules, defining the decision-making process for the child's education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities, outlining the coordination of childcare providers, and setting clear communication protocols between the parents. Furthermore, Form 68-B addresses the financial responsibilities pertaining to the child's upbringing, including health insurance, educational expenses, childcare, and extraordinary costs. The requirement of this form underscores Missouri's commitment to ensuring that notwithstanding the circumstances leading to the separation of parents, the welfare and developmental needs of the child or children remain at the forefront of parental responsibilities and legal considerations. Through its comprehensive checklist, Form 68-B ensures that parents, counselors, and the court can collaborate to craft a parenting plan that honors the child's needs and interests, promotes a sense of stability and security, and anticipates the inevitable adjustments required as children grow and family dynamics evolve.

Example - Missouri 68 B Form

 

FORM 68-B

CIRCUIT COURT OF

 

COUNTY, MISSOURI

 

)

 

 

)

 

Petitioner,

)

 

 

)

 

vs.

)

 

 

)

 

 

)

 

 

)

 

Respondent. )

Case No.

PARENTING PLAN CHECKLIST

Form required for all Parenting Plans except when Form 68-A is used.

Section 452.310.7 RSMo (1998) provides "the proposed parenting plan shall set forth the arrangements that the parties believe to be in the best interest of the children and shall include but not be limited to" the items set forth below. Enter the paragraph number of the parenting plan that contains applicable language.

1.A specific schedule detailing the physical custody and visitation for each child with each parent including:

________

a.

Major holidays (including which holidays a party has each year);

________

b.

School holidays and winter, spring, summer and other vacations for

 

 

school age children;

________

c.

The child's birthday, Mother's Day and Father's Day;

________ d.

Weekday and weekend schedules;

________

e.

The time and place of transfer of the child in connection with the

 

 

residential schedule;

________

f.

A plan for transportation duties associated with the residential

 

 

schedule.

________

g.

Appropriate times for telephone access;

________

h.

Procedures for notification when a party requests a variation from

 

 

the residential schedule;

________

i.

OPTIONAL Any suggested restrictions to access and the reasons

 

 

for such restrictions.

2.A specific plan regarding legal custody detailing how the decision-making will be shared by the parties including:

1

________ a.

Educational decisions and methods of communication from school

 

to both parents;

________ b.

Medical, dental and health care decisions including how health care

 

providers will be selected and a method of communication medical

 

conditions and how emergency care will be handled;

________ c.

Extracurricular activities, including method of determining which

 

activities the child will participate in when those activities involve

 

time during which each parent is the custodian;

________ d.

Child care providers, including how such providers will be selected;

________ e.

Communication procedures including access to telephone numbers

 

as appropriate

________ f.

A dispute resolution procedure;

________ g.

OPTIONAL If sole legal custody, the reasons for no shared

 

decision-making.

2. How the expenses of the child will be paid including:

________ a.

Supreme Court Form 14;

________ b.

Which party will provide health insurance and how uncovered

 

expenses will be paid;

________ c.

The payment of educational expenses, if any;

________ d.

The payment of extraordinary expenses of the child, if any;

________ e.

Child care expenses if any;

________ f.

Transportation expenses, if any.

__________________________________

[Attorney for (Petitioner)(Respondent)] (GAL)*

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

The above signature hereby certifies that a true and accurate copy of the above and foregoing was mailed/faxed/hand-delivered on ______________ to

______________________.

___________________________________

2

File Attributes

Fact Number Fact Detail
Fact 1The Missouri Form 68-B is a Parenting Plan Checklist required for circuit court cases involving parenting plans, except when Form 68-A is applicable.
Fact 2Governing Law: Section 452.310.7 RSMo (1998) mandates the inclusion of a proposed parenting plan detailing arrangements believed to be in the children's best interests.
Fact 3The form must outline a specific schedule for physical custody and visitation, detailing holidays, school breaks, birthdays, and regular weekday and weekend schedules.
Fact 4Includes requirements for legal custody specifics, detailing how parents will share decision-making responsibilities on education, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and child care providers.
Fact 5It contains a section for outlining how child expenses will be covered, including health insurance, educational expenses, childcare, and transportation costs.
Fact 6The form facilitates communication between parents regarding parental decisions and changes in scheduled custody or visitation, including protocols for emergency situations.
Fact 7It allows for optional restrictions to access with detailed reasons for such restrictions, emphasizing the child’s welfare and safety.
Fact 8Unique to this form, a section on dispute resolution procedures is required, offering a structured method for resolving disagreements regarding the parenting plan.
Fact 9A Certificate of Service must be included at the end of the form, confirming delivery of the document to the other parent or their attorney.
Fact 10By focusing on detailed scheduling, decision-making, and financial responsibilities, the form aims to reduce conflicts and clarify parental responsibilities post-separation.

How to Write Missouri 68 B

After deciding to proceed with a parenting plan in Missouri, individuals are required to fill out the Form 68-B, a crucial step in establishing an organized and legally binding agreement regarding the care and support of children involved. This form, as mandated by the state law, includes comprehensive sections addressing custody and visitation schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and financial aspects pertaining to the child's welfare. It is designed to ensure that the finalized plan reflects the best interests of the children while facilitating a cooperative framework for the parents. Following a methodical approach to completing this form not only simplifies the process but also aids in creating a clear, effective parenting plan.

  1. Start by entering the case number and the county name in the designated spaces at the top of the form.
  2. In the "Petitioner" and "Respondent" fields, write the full legal names of the parents or guardians involved.
  3. For each item listed under the section detailing physical custody and visitation (number 1), input the paragraph number from your parenting plan document that corresponds with the specific requirements, such as holiday schedules, weekday and weekend routines, and transportation arrangements.
  4. Under the section for legal custody arrangements (also number 1, mistakenly not labeled as number 2), again match the paragraph numbers pertaining to decision-making responsibilities. This includes educational decisions, medical care, extracurricular activities, and methods of communication.
  5. In the section on financial responsibilities towards the child (number 2), indicate how expenses will be covered by referencing the appropriate paragraphs of your parenting plan that discuss child support as calculated by Supreme Court Form 14, health insurance provisions, education expenses, and any other extraordinary expenses.
  6. If an attorney or guardian ad litem (GAL) is involved, have them fill in their information at the bottom of the form under "CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE," confirming who will deliver a copy of this form and to whom it will be sent.
  7. Finally, ensure that the filled form, along with a true and accurate copy, is mailed, faxed, or hand-delivered to the other parent or their attorney as documented in the Certificate of Service section at the bottom. Include the date of delivery and the recipient's details for official record.

Completing the Missouri Form 68-B is a vital step in forming a parenting plan that aligns with the laws of Missouri, intended to protect the interests of the child while clearly outlining the responsibilities and expectations of each parent. By accurately filling out each section and providing detailed information corresponding to the agreed-upon parenting plan, parents can help ensure a smoother transition for everyone involved, especially the children.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the Missouri 68 B form used for?

The Missouri 68 B form, known as the Parenting Plan Checklist, is used in the Missouri Circuit Courts during family law cases involving child custody arrangements. This form is part of the legal process to establish a detailed plan for the parenting and custody of children, outlining the physical custody and visitation schedule, legal custody decisions, and financial responsibilities concerning the children's needs. It is required for all Parenting Plans unless Form 68-A is applicable. Its primary goal is to ensure that any arrangements made are in the children's best interests, covering various aspects of their care and upbringing.

What should be included in the parenting plan detailed in the form?

The parenting plan outlined in the Missouri 68 B form must include, but is not limited to, the following elements:

  1. A specific schedule detailing physical custody and visitation, including holidays, birthdays, and school vacations, among other specifics.
  2. A plan for legal custody, indicating how decision-making is shared, covering areas such as education, medical care, extracurricular activities, and child care providers.
  3. Financial arrangements for the child, including how health insurance and educational, extraordinary, child care, and transportation expenses will be handled.

Is there any optional information that can be added to the Missouri 68 B form?

Yes, there are optional sections in the Missouri 68 B form that can be filled out based on the parties' circumstances. These include:

  • Suggested restrictions to access and the reasons for such restrictions.
  • If sole legal custody is sought, the reasons for no shared decision-making can be detailed.

These sections allow for flexibility and consideration of unique family dynamics or concerns regarding the children's welfare.

Who needs to complete the Missouri 68 B form?

Both parties involved in a custody arrangement within the state of Missouri must complete the Missouri 68 B form as part of their Parenting Plan submission. It is essential for both the petitioner and the respondent to contribute to and agree upon the details of the parenting plan, ensuring it reflects the best interests of their children. Legal representation or a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) may assist in filling out the form, but the final contents should be agreed upon by both parents.

How is the form submitted to the court?

Upon completion, the Missouri 68 B form, along with the comprehensive Parenting Plan, must be submitted to the Circuit Court handling the custody case. It is typically filed alongside other necessary documents either by an attorney or directly by one of the parties involved. Additionally, a Certificate of Service included at the end of the form must be filled out, certifying that a true and accurate copy of the plan has been delivered to the other party.

Can the parenting plan be modified after it’s been approved by the court?

Yes, parenting plans can be modified after court approval. However, to alter the agreement, the party requesting the change must show a substantial and ongoing change in circumstances that makes the modification necessary for the best interests of the children. The process typically involves filing a motion with the court, providing evidence of the changed circumstances, and possibly, renegotiating parts of the parenting plan with the other parent.

Where can I find more information or get assistance with the Missouri 68 B form?

Additional information and assistance with the Missouri 68 B form can be found through:

  • The Missouri Circuit Court's office where your case is being heard.
  • Legal aid organizations in Missouri that provide help to individuals in family law cases.
  • Private family law attorneys who specialize in child custody and parenting plans.
  • Online resources provided by the State of Missouri's judicial website.

Common mistakes

  1. Not providing a detailed custody and visitation schedule. Filling out Form 68-B requires specifics about when the child will spend time with each parent, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and vacations. A common mistake is being too vague, which can lead to misunderstandings.

  2. Overlooking the inclusion of transportation and transfer details. Parents must outline who is responsible for transporting the child to and from visits, including the time and place for pickup and drop-off. Neglecting to clarify these arrangements can result in confusion and conflict.

  3. Failure to specify how decisions will be made regarding the child’s welfare. The plan should include how parents will make decisions about school, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. When this is unclear, it creates a gap in understanding and can lead to disputes.

  4. Forgetting to outline communication methods. Whether it's how each parent will receive updates from the child's school or the time allowed for telephone access with the child, detailing these methods prevents disagreements on parent-child communication.

  5. Excluding how expenses will be divided. The form requires detailed information about who will cover costs like healthcare, education, and childcare. When omitted, this can result in financial disagreements later on.

  6. Not using the optional sections when needed. The form includes optional sections for certain restrictions or reasons for not sharing decision-making. Not using these when applicable can leave important considerations out of the plan, impacting the child's welfare and the enforcement of the agreement.

Documents used along the form

In the context of family law proceedings in Missouri, specifically those involving arrangements for children after a separation or divorce, the Form 68-B serves as an essential document for outlining a parenting plan. However, to comprehensively address all legal and administrative requirements, this form is frequently accompanied by additional documents that further define, support, or implement the parenting arrangements agreed upon or ordered by the court. Below is a list of other forms and documents commonly used alongside Form 68-B in Missouri court proceedings.

  • Form 14 Child Support Amount Calculation Worksheet: This worksheet is utilized to calculate the recommended child support amount based on the parents’ income, custody arrangements, and other factors. It ensures that the financial needs of the child are met according to state guidelines.
  • Parenting Plan Proposal: While Form 68-B outlines the requirements, one or both parents may also submit a more detailed parenting plan proposal. This document elaborates on custody schedules, holiday arrangements, and special considerations unique to the family’s situation.
  • Financial Disclosure Statement: This document provides a comprehensive overview of a parent's financial situation, including income, expenses, assets, and debts. It is vital for determining child support obligations and ensuring that financial arrangements regarding the child's care are fair and adequate.
  • Relocation Notice: In cases where a parent intends to move with the child, a formal relocation notice must be filed. This document outlines the proposed new residence, the reasons for moving, and how the move will affect the current parenting plan.
  • Modification Petition: Circumstances change, and it may become necessary to modify the original parenting plan. The Modification Petition is the formal request for the court to reconsider and amend custody, visitation, or support arrangements as previously outlined in documents such as Form 68-B.

The combination of Form 68-B with these additional documents ensures a thorough approach to resolving custody and support issues in Missouri. Not only do they address the legal and financial responsibilities of each parent, but they also prioritize the wellbeing and best interests of the children involved. Such documents are integral to creating a structured, predictable environment for children post-separation, providing clarity and stability for all parties involved.

Similar forms

The Missouri 68 B form, namely designed for outlining parenting plans within the Circuit Court system, bears semblances to several other legal documents through its structured approach to addressing custody and visitation arrangements, decision-making responsibilities, and financial obligations. Several documents echo its purpose and structure, aimed at safeguarding the best interests of children involved in family law proceedings.

One such document resembling the Missouri 68 B form is the California Parenting Plan (FL-341). Like Missouri's version, this form requires detailed arrangements about physical custody, specifying how parents will share time with their children, including holidays, school breaks, and other significant dates. It also prompts for details on decision-making authority over the child's health, education, and welfare, mirroring the comprehensive approach of the Missouri form. The key similarity lies in their shared objective to define the parenting roles and responsibilities post-divorce or separation, ensuring the child's welfare remains paramount.

Another document closely aligned with Missouri's 68 B form is the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit. While primarily intended for jurisdictional purposes to prevent interstate child abduction and custody disputes, the UCCJEA affidavit demands detailed information on the child's current and past residences, similar to how the Missouri 68 B form gathers information to establish a stable and consistent environment for the child. Both forms serve as critical tools in establishing and enforcing custody arrangements, promoting the child's best interest across state lines.

The Child Support Worksheet, often used in various states, shares a fundamental similarity with the financial section of the Missouri 68 B form. It details how expenses for the child, such as healthcare, education, and extracurricular activities, will be divided between the parents. Although the Child Support Worksheet is primarily focused on calculating the financial contribution from each parent, its relevance to the Missouri 68 B form is undeniable in ensuring a comprehensive understanding and agreement on the financial responsibilities towards the child’s upbringing.

Dos and Don'ts

When you are completing the Missouri 68-B form for a parenting plan, it's essential to approach the task with care and attention to detail. This form plays a crucial role in defining the future relationship both parties will have with their children. Here are eight dos and don'ts to help guide you through the process:

  • Do thoroughly read and understand each section before filling it out. This form covers many aspects of your child's life, including physical and legal custody arrangements.
  • Do specify a detailed schedule that includes physical custody and visitation rights for each parent. It's crucial to include all holidays, school breaks, and special occasions.
  • Do clearly outline how educational, medical, and extracurricular decisions will be made. This ensures both parents remain involved in key aspects of their child's life.
  • Do include a dispute resolution procedure. Agreeing on how to handle potential disagreements is essential for cooperative co-parenting.
  • Don't leave sections blank unless they truly do not apply to your situation. If a section is not applicable, indicate this clearly to avoid confusion.
  • Don't forget to discuss and agree upon how the child's expenses will be shared, including medical expenses, insurance, educational costs, and any extraordinary expenses.
  • Don't use vague language. Be as specific as possible in your entries to prevent misunderstandings and disagreements in the future.
  • Don't sign the form without reviewing it with your attorney, if you have one. Legal advice can help prevent potential issues and ensure that the agreement is in your child's best interest.

Completing the Missouri 68-B form is a step toward establishing a structured, predictable environment for your child post-divorce or separation. By carefully considering each entry and discussing the plan candidly with the other parent, you can create a comprehensive parenting plan that fosters stability and cooperation.

Misconceptions

When dealing with the Missouri Form 68-B, which is a critical document for outlining a parenting plan in family law cases, several misconceptions can arise. Understanding these misconceptions is key to ensuring that parties involved in a custody or divorce proceeding can submit a comprehensive and effective parenting plan that serves the best interests of the children involved.

  • Misconception 1: The Form is Only About Physical Custody

    Some people mistakenly believe that Form 68-B solely addresses physical custody arrangements, such as where the child will live and the visitation schedule. However, the form also requires a detailed plan for legal custody, which includes decision-making responsibilities related to the child's education, health care, and extracurricular activities, among other aspects. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of the child’s welfare are considered and agreed upon.

  • Misconception 2: The Form is Optional

    Another common misunderstanding is that the submission of Form 68-B is optional. However, under Section 452.310.7 RSMo (1998), a proposed parenting plan is required in all cases except when Form 68-A is used. This requirement underscores the importance of establishing a formal arrangement that outlines how the child's time and decision-making will be shared or divided between the parents.

  • Misconception 3: Detailed Financial Plans Are Not Required

    It's also incorrectly assumed sometimes that Form 68-B does not require detailed information about how the child's expenses will be covered. In contrast, the form explicitly asks for detailed plans regarding expenses such as health insurance, child care, educational expenses, and any extraordinary expenses. This ensures that there's a clear understanding and agreement on financial responsibilities to prevent future conflicts.

  • Misconception 4: The Form Alone is Sufficient for Finalizing Arrangements

    Lastly, there is a misconception that filling out and submitting Form 68-B is all that's needed to finalize the parenting arrangements. While it's a crucial component, the parenting plan submitted through Form 68-B often requires approval by a judge and may be subject to negotiations or modifications before it is finalized. Additionally, the form serves as a proposal and must be accompanied by proper legal procedures to become enforceable.

In summary, the Missouri Form 68-B is an essential document designed to capture a comprehensive parenting plan, covering not just where a child will live, but also how parents will share decision-making responsibilities and handle financial obligations. By clearing up these misconceptions, parties can better prepare and submit a plan that fully addresses all aspects of their child’s care and upbringing.

Key takeaways

The Missouri 68 B form is a crucial document for individuals navigating through the process of establishing a parenting plan amidst family court proceedings. It serves as a checklist to ensure that all necessary aspects of parenting are considered and agreed upon by both parties. If you're involved in such a case, understanding the key takeaways about this form can make a significant difference in the process and outcomes.

  • Comprehensive Coverage: The form requires parties to detail physical custody and visitation schedules, including holidays, school vacations, birthdays, and regular weekday and weekend arrangements. This thorough approach helps prevent future conflicts by addressing common oversight areas.
  • Decision-Making Plans: It mandates a specific plan for legal custody, outlining how decisions regarding the child’s education, health care, extracurricular activities, and childcare will be shared or managed. This ensures that both parents remain involved in significant decisions affecting their child's well-being.
  • Financial Responsibilities: The form includes a section on the financial aspects of parenting, detailing how the child’s expenses will be covered. This includes health insurance, educational expenses, extraordinary expenses, childcare, and transportation, providing a clear understanding of each parent's responsibilities.
  • Flexibility and Modifications: It allows for optional restrictions to access and adjustments to the residential schedule, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in parenting plans and the need to consider the child’s best interests at all times.
  • Focus on Communication: Both legal custody and physical custody sections stress the importance of open communication between the parents regarding the child’s needs and activities, as well as how emergencies and changes in the arrangement will be handled.
  • Dispute Resolution: The document encourages parties to establish a method for dispute resolution, which is instrumental in resolving disagreements amicably and preventing lengthy court disputes, thereby focusing on the well-being of the child.
  • Legal Requirement: Submitting this form is a requirement in Missouri for all parenting plans, except when Form 68-A is applicable, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that the arrangements made are in the child's best interests.

By filling out the Missouri 68 B form diligently, parents can lay down a solid foundation for co-parenting that prioritizes their child's welfare and minimizes conflicts. It's a vital step in the process that demands careful consideration and, often, legal counsel to navigate properly.

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