Homepage Fill in a Valid Missouri 68 B Template
Article Guide

The Missouri 68 B form plays a crucial role in family law, particularly in the context of parenting plans. This form is required for all parenting plans unless the simpler Form 68-A is utilized. It focuses on the best interests of the children involved, as mandated by Missouri law. The form outlines essential components, such as a detailed schedule for physical custody and visitation, which includes major holidays, school breaks, and special occasions like birthdays and parental holidays. It also specifies how parents will share legal custody, detailing decision-making processes regarding education, health care, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, the form addresses financial responsibilities, including child support, health insurance, and any extraordinary expenses. By providing a structured approach to these matters, the Missouri 68 B form aims to foster cooperation between parents while prioritizing the welfare of their children.

Missouri 68 B Preview

 

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

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Missouri 68 B form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here is a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do provide a detailed schedule for physical custody and visitation for each child.
  • Do include all major holidays and special occasions in the schedule.
  • Do clearly outline the plan for transportation duties associated with the residential schedule.
  • Do specify how legal custody decisions will be shared between parents.
  • Don't leave out any important details regarding medical or educational decisions.
  • Don't forget to mention the payment responsibilities for child-related expenses.
  • Don't use vague language that could lead to misunderstandings.
  • Don't submit the form without reviewing it for errors or omissions.

Key takeaways

When completing the Missouri 68 B form, several important aspects must be considered to ensure clarity and compliance with legal requirements. Here are key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Purpose of the Form: The Missouri 68 B form is required for all Parenting Plans, except when using Form 68-A. It serves to outline arrangements that are in the best interest of the children involved.
  • Detailed Schedule: A specific schedule for physical custody and visitation must be included. This should cover major holidays, school breaks, and special occasions such as birthdays and holidays.
  • Legal Custody Plan: The form requires a clear plan for legal custody, detailing how decision-making responsibilities will be shared between parents regarding education, health care, and extracurricular activities.
  • Financial Responsibilities: The form should outline how the expenses related to the child will be managed. This includes health insurance, educational costs, and any extraordinary expenses.
  • Communication Procedures: It is essential to include methods for communication between parents regarding the child’s needs, including emergency contacts and dispute resolution procedures.
  • Optional Restrictions: If there are any suggested restrictions on access to the child, these should be clearly stated along with the reasons for such restrictions.

By addressing these key points, parents can create a comprehensive parenting plan that prioritizes the well-being of their children while fulfilling legal obligations.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Missouri 68 B form can be challenging, and misconceptions often arise. Here are seven common misunderstandings about this important document:

  • Misconception 1: The Missouri 68 B form is optional.
  • This form is required for all Parenting Plans, except when the Missouri 68 A form is used. It serves as a structured guideline for custody arrangements.

  • Misconception 2: The form only addresses physical custody.
  • While it does detail physical custody and visitation schedules, it also includes legal custody arrangements and decision-making processes for both parents.

  • Misconception 3: The form does not require specific details.
  • On the contrary, the Missouri 68 B form mandates a comprehensive schedule that includes major holidays, school breaks, and other significant dates.

  • Misconception 4: Only one parent needs to fill out the form.
  • Both parents should collaborate to create a Parenting Plan that reflects their mutual agreement and best interests of the child.

  • Misconception 5: The form is only for parents going through divorce.
  • The Missouri 68 B form is applicable in various situations where custody arrangements need to be established, not just during divorce proceedings.

  • Misconception 6: There is no need to update the form.
  • As circumstances change, such as relocation or changes in the child’s needs, the Parenting Plan should be reviewed and updated to remain relevant.

  • Misconception 7: The form guarantees equal custody for both parents.
  • The Missouri 68 B form outlines a proposed plan, but the court ultimately decides custody based on the best interests of the child.

Similar forms

  • Missouri Form 68-A: This form is used for parenting plans when the parties agree on all terms. It is similar to Form 68-B but is less detailed and does not require a checklist.
  • Missouri Form 14: This form calculates child support obligations. While Form 68-B addresses custody and visitation, Form 14 focuses on financial responsibilities related to the child.
  • California Form Reg 262: Essential for vehicle or vessel transfers in California, similar in importance to the Missouri 68 B form, and can be accessed at https://smarttemplates.net.
  • Parenting Plan Agreement: This document outlines the terms of custody and visitation between parents. Like Form 68-B, it aims to serve the best interests of the child but may not follow a specific format.
  • Child Custody Evaluation Report: This report is produced by a professional evaluator. It provides recommendations on custody arrangements, similar to the best interest standard in Form 68-B.
  • Temporary Custody Order: This document grants temporary custody arrangements while a case is pending. It shares similarities with Form 68-B in that it outlines custody and visitation terms.
  • Joint Custody Agreement: This agreement specifies how parents will share custody and make decisions. It parallels Form 68-B in detailing parenting responsibilities and schedules.
  • Visitation Schedule: This document outlines specific visitation times and conditions. Like Form 68-B, it aims to clarify the child's time with each parent.
  • Modification of Custody Order: This document requests changes to an existing custody arrangement. It is similar to Form 68-B in that it addresses custody and visitation but focuses on changes rather than initial arrangements.