Section 9.9 Best Interests of the Child

• Library: Family Law (2019 Supp)

B. (§9.9) Best Interests of the Child

Judgment proceedings that attempt to modify existing child custody orders must demonstrate how custody modifications serve the child’s best interest.

See Moyers v. Lindenbusch, 530 S.W.3d 646 (Mo. App. W.D. 2017), in which the court noted the two-step inquiry to modify custody. First, the court must determine whether there has been a change in circumstances based on facts that either arose after or were unknown to the court at the time of the prior decree. Id. at 651. Then, if the court finds the requisite change in circumstances, the court will determine whether the modification is in the child’s best interest. Id.

See Soehlke v. Soehlke...