Article Guide
The CAFC201 Missouri form serves as a crucial tool for individuals seeking to establish or modify child custody arrangements within the state of Missouri. Designed for ease of use, this form requires the petitioner—typically a parent—to provide comprehensive information about themselves, the other party involved, and the children at the center of the custody dispute. Essential details include the full names and addresses of both parties, the case number if it’s an amended petition, and the nature of the custody arrangement being sought. The form also prompts the petitioner to disclose their relationship to the children and any relevant background information that may impact custody decisions, such as previous custody proceedings or claims of abuse. Additionally, it outlines specific requests for relief, including child support and attorney fees, ensuring that the court has a clear understanding of the petitioner’s needs and circumstances. By adhering to the structured format of the CAFC201, individuals can navigate the often complex landscape of family law with greater confidence and clarity.
Cafc201 Missouri Preview
Form CAFC201 – Petition for Child Custody
In what Missouri county will this case be filed?
If this is an amended petition, what is the case number of the pending case?
In the Circuit Court of
MISSOURI
Case Number |
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Division Number |
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Answer all questions on this form completely.
Your Information
1.My full name is: (You are the “Petitioner” in this case.)
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(First Name) |
(Middle Name) |
(Last Name) |
(Jr./Sr./III) |
2.
This is the first petition I have filed in this case. (Original Petition)
This is the second petition I have filed in this case.
This is the third petition I have filed in this case.
3.
I am the Mother
I am the Father
4.The last four numbers of my Social Security Number are:
5.My mailing address is:
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(Street)
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Other Party’s Information
6.The full name of the other party is: (He or she is the “Respondent” in this case.)
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(First Name) |
(Middle Name) |
(Last Name) |
(Jr./Sr./III) |
7.The last four numbers of the other party’s Social Security Number are:
8.The other party’s mailing address is:
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(Street)
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Petition for Child Custody – Page 1 of 5 |
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This form is available for free at www.selfrepresent.mo.gov |
Service Information
Case Information
Form
9.
The other party has signed a verified “Answer to Petition for Determination of Custody” which is being filed with this motion. Therefore, do not issue a
summons.
The other party should be served at his or her residence.
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(Street)
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(City) |
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The other party should be served at his or her place of employment.
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(Employer’s Name - if applicable) |
(Hours of Employment) |
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(Street)
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(City) |
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(Zip) |
Service by publication. I don’t know where the other party is and I have no way of locating him or her. Therefore, I am requesting that he or she be served by publication. I have filed an Affidavit for Service by Publication and a Notice of Publication.
Other method of service: ____________________________________________________
10.
The parent receiving support is not receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
The parent receiving support is receiving TANF and therefore the State of Missouri must be served. Summons to issue to be served on:
Director, Family Support Division
615 Howerton Court
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
11.I am entitled to ask for custody because:
Paternity was acknowledged by both parties and father’s name appears on the birth certificate of each child listed in this petition. Copies of these birth certificates are attached to this petition.
An administrative order was entered that determined paternity. A copy of this administrative order is attached to this petition.
Father and Mother were married at the time of the birth of each child listed in this petition and there are no existing custody judgments.
Other __________________________________________________________
(Explain)
Petition for Child Custody – Page 2 of 5
This form is available for free at www.selfrepresent.mo.gov
Military Information
Employment Information
12.
The other party is NOT on active duty in the United States military. 
The other party is on active duty in the United States military.
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I am |
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I am unemployed |
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I am employed at: |
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The other party is |
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The other party is unemployed |
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I don’t know the other party’s employment status |
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The other party is employed at: |
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Children’s Information
Form
15.There is/are ____________ child(ren) who is/are the subject of this proceeding as listed below.
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Petition for Child Custody – Page 3 of 5
This form is available for free at www.selfrepresent.mo.gov
Additional Information about the Children
Proposed
Parenting
Plan
Request for Relief
Form
16.State all addresses at which the children have resided during the past six months and the name of the person with whom said children resided.
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17.Do you know of anyone other than you or the other parent that has physical custody of any of the children or claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to any of the children?
Yes - State the name(s) and address(es) of these people in Paragraph 19. 
No
18.Do you have any information of any other custody proceeding concerning any of the children pending in a court of this or any other state?
Yes – Attach a copy of the petition or judgment from all other cases. 
No
19.Have you participated in any other litigation concerning the custody of any of the children in this or any other state?
Yes – Attach a copy of the petition or judgment from all other cases. 
No
20.Have any of the child(ren) been a victim of abuse or neglect?
Yes
No
21.If you answered “Yes” to questions 17, 18, 19 or 20 please explain.
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22.The custody arrangement that is in the best interests of the minor children is set forth in Part A of the attached parenting plan marked Exhibit 1. (You must attach a completed copy of Parenting Plan Form CAFC501 to this petition.)
THEREFORE, I want the court to enter a judgment concerning custody as per Part A of the attached parenting plan marked Exhibit 1.
I also request the following relief:
Child support should be set as set forth in Part B of the attached parenting plan marked Exhibit 1.
I am without sufficient funds to pay for my attorney and I request that the other party pay my attorney’s fees for this case.
Other (Please state the other requests)
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Petition for Child Custody – Page 4 of 5
This form is available for free at www.selfrepresent.mo.gov
Petitioner, being of lawful age and duly sworn on his or her oath, states that he or she is the petitioner named above and that the facts stated in this Petition to Determine Child Custody are true according to his or her best knowledge and belief.
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SIGN HERE |
PRINT YOUR NAME HERE |
Subscribed and sworn to this ___________ day of __________________, 20____.
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Notary Public |
Sign this in front of a |
My Commission Expires: |
Notary Public |
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This should only be completed if a lawyer helped you with this form
ATTORNEY INFORMATION (To be completed by your attorney)
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Attorney – SIGN HERE |
Missouri Bar Number |
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Attorney for Movant – PRINT YOUR NAME HERE
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(Street)
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Do not enter any information here if you are filing this case without the assistance of a lawyer.
This information should be completed by your attorney.
I have assisted Petitioner in the preparation of these pleadings, but I am not entering my appearance on behalf of Petitioner.
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Petition for Child Custody – Page 5 of 5 |
Form |
This form is available for free at www.selfrepresent.mo.gov |
Common PDF Templates
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Dos and Don'ts
Filling out the CAFC201 Missouri form can be a crucial step in your child custody case. To ensure that you complete the form correctly and efficiently, here is a list of things to do and avoid:
- Do read the entire form carefully before you start filling it out.
- Do provide complete and accurate information in all sections.
- Do use clear and legible handwriting or type your responses.
- Do double-check your Social Security number and the other party's information for accuracy.
- Do attach any required documents, such as birth certificates or previous court orders.
- Don't leave any questions unanswered; if a question does not apply, indicate that clearly.
- Don't use correction fluid or tape on the form; if you make a mistake, simply cross it out and write the correct information.
- Don't forget to sign and date the form where indicated.
- Don't submit the form without making copies for your records.
- Don't hesitate to seek help if you are unsure about any part of the form; resources are available to assist you.
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the process more smoothly and increase the likelihood of your petition being processed without delays. Take your time, and make sure every detail is correct before submission.
Key takeaways
Filling out and using the CAFC201 Missouri form requires careful attention to detail. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Complete All Sections: Ensure that every section of the form is filled out completely. Incomplete forms may lead to delays or rejections.
- Identify Yourself Clearly: Clearly state your full name and role as the “Petitioner.” This identifies you as the person initiating the custody petition.
- Provide Accurate Information: Include accurate details regarding both parties, including Social Security numbers and addresses. This information is crucial for court records and service of process.
- Attach Required Documents: Attach any necessary documents, such as birth certificates or previous custody orders, as indicated in the form. Missing documents can hinder the process.
- Understand Service Options: Familiarize yourself with the various methods of serving the other party. Choose the most appropriate method based on your knowledge of their whereabouts.
- Request for Relief: Clearly articulate what you are requesting from the court, including custody arrangements and any financial support. Be specific to ensure your needs are addressed.
Misconceptions
- Misconception 1: The CAFC201 form can only be filed by mothers.
- Misconception 2: The form is only for parents who are divorced.
- Misconception 3: You cannot file the form without a lawyer.
- Misconception 4: The form is too complicated to fill out correctly.
- Misconception 5: You do not need to provide any proof of paternity.
- Misconception 6: You must have a completed parenting plan before filing the form.
- Misconception 7: Once filed, the process is automatic and you will receive custody without a hearing.
This form can be filed by either parent, whether you are the mother or the father. Both parents have equal rights to petition for child custody in Missouri.
The CAFC201 form is applicable to any situation where custody needs to be established, including unmarried parents or those who were never married.
While legal assistance can be helpful, individuals can file this form on their own without an attorney. The form is designed for self-representation.
The CAFC201 form is structured to guide you through the process. By answering each question carefully and completely, most individuals can fill it out without difficulty.
In many cases, proof of paternity is required, especially if it is not established through marriage. This could include birth certificates or administrative orders.
While it’s beneficial to have a parenting plan, it is not a prerequisite for filing the CAFC201 form. However, you will need to attach it once you have it ready.
Filing the CAFC201 form does not guarantee custody. A court hearing may still be required to determine the best interests of the child, and both parties will have the opportunity to present their case.
Similar forms
- Form CAFC501 – Parenting Plan: Similar to the CAFC201, this form outlines the proposed parenting plan, detailing the custody arrangements and responsibilities of each parent regarding their children.
- Form CAFC202 – Petition for Modification of Custody: This document is used when a parent seeks to change an existing custody arrangement. Like the CAFC201, it requires information about the parties involved and the children.
- Form CAFC203 – Petition for Visitation: This form is for individuals seeking visitation rights. It shares similarities with the CAFC201 in that it also requires details about the children and the parties involved.
- Texas Bill of Sale: This legal document is crucial for proving the transfer of ownership of personal property, such as vehicles and equipment. For more details, visit topformsonline.com/texas-bill-of-sale/.
- Form CAFC204 – Response to Petition for Custody: This form allows the respondent to reply to a custody petition. It mirrors the CAFC201 in structure, requiring personal information and details about the custody dispute.
- Form CAFC205 – Motion for Temporary Custody: This document is filed when urgent custody decisions are needed. It follows a similar format to the CAFC201, focusing on immediate needs regarding the children.
- Form CAFC206 – Petition for Child Support: This form is utilized to request child support. It aligns with the CAFC201 in that it addresses the financial responsibilities of each parent concerning their children.
- Form CAFC207 – Motion for Change of Venue: This form is used to request a change in the court where the case is being heard. It shares procedural similarities with the CAFC201, focusing on the jurisdictional aspects of custody cases.
- Form CAFC208 – Affidavit of Support: This document is filed to provide financial information in support of a child support request. It complements the CAFC201 by detailing the financial circumstances of the parties involved.
- Form CAFC209 – Notice of Hearing: This form informs parties of upcoming court hearings related to custody. It is essential for ensuring that all parties are aware of proceedings, much like the notifications required in the CAFC201.