Executive Summary:
Raising a child takes more than love and patience, it takes financial stability. One of the biggest expenses parents face after separation is childcare. Whether it’s daycare, after-school programs, or summer camps, these childcare costs can heavily influence how courts calculate child support. In this blog, you’ll learn how childcare costs affect the amount of child support expenses ordered in Kansas and Missouri, what factors judges look at, and how both parents can ensure child support expenses are divided fairly.
Why Childcare Costs Are Part of Child Support
Childcare is more than a convenience; it’s a necessity. When parents separate, both still share responsibility for their child’s care, and reliable childcare allows each parent to work, go to school, or manage daily life while knowing their child is safe and supported.
In both Kansas and Missouri, courts view childcare as essential when they calculate child support. These costs aren’t optional, because without childcare, many parents couldn’t maintain steady employment or provide stability for their children. Including childcare costs in the total child support expenses helps ensure both parents contribute fairly to the real cost of raising a child.
How Courts Divide Childcare Expenses
How childcare costs are divided depends on each parent’s income and ability to pay. Courts in both states generally calculate child support expenses based on income percentage. If one parent earns more, they’ll likely be responsible for a larger share of the childcare expense.
There are subtle differences between Kansas and Missouri:
- In Kansas: Judges consider whether the cost is necessary for employment or education. If a parent works full-time or attends school to increase their earning potential, those costs are factored in when courts calculate child support.
- In Missouri: Courts take a similar approach but focus on whether the expense is work-related and reasonable. Missouri judges typically include only costs that are necessary for employment, not for personal convenience.
In both states, the court’s goal is fairness, ensuring each parent shares the financial responsibility of child support expenses while maintaining stability for their child.
Common Childcare Costs Included in Support Calculations
Childcare expenses look different for every family, depending on the child’s age, the parents’ work schedules, and the type of care needed. Courts typically include reasonable expenses that allow parents to work or attend school. These can include:
- Daycare tuition: Full-time or part-time care so parents can maintain employment.
- Preschool programs: Early education programs that also serve as childcare during the workday.
- After-school programs: Supervised activities that cover the hours between school and pickup.
- Summer camps: Necessary supervision during school breaks when both parents work.
- Babysitters or nannies: Especially relevant for parents with irregular or overnight shifts.
Courts in both Kansas and Missouri consider childcare costs legitimate child support expenses when determining how much financial support will be ordered. The key is proving that the expense is necessary and reasonable based on the family’s circumstances.
When Childcare Costs Change
Childcare needs rarely stay the same. As children grow, start school, or move into new activities, the cost and type of care often shift. When these changes affect your family’s finances, parents in both Kansas and Missouri can ask the court to modify the existing child support order.
Common reasons for requesting a modification include:
- A child starts school and no longer needs full-time daycare.
- A parent changes jobs or work schedules.
- A parent loses employment or begins a new training program.
- Childcare expenses increase due to inflation or a new provider.
In Kansas, judges review whether the current order still reflects each parent’s income and the child’s ongoing needs. In Missouri, parents must show that the new expenses make the current order unfair or unreasonable.
How to Prepare for Child Support Calculations
When childcare plays a role in your child support case in Kansas City, preparation makes all the difference. Courts rely on accurate information to calculate child support in a way that is fair.
Here’s how to prepare:
- Keep records of all childcare payments: Save receipts, invoices, and payment confirmations for daycare, babysitters, or after-school programs.
- Document your work or school schedule: Courts want to see that childcare is necessary to maintain employment or education.
- Communicate with the other parent: Agreeing on providers and sharing documentation can help prevent future conflicts.
- Be transparent about costs: Underreporting or exaggerating expenses can hurt credibility in court.
In Kansas City, where many families rely on dual incomes, clear documentation helps the court understand your reality. Whether you’re seeking child support or expected to contribute to child support expenses, having organized records strengthens your case.
Work With an Experienced Family Law Attorney
Childcare costs can add stress to an already emotional process, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Kansas Legal Group, we help parents throughout Kansas City, whether you are in Kansas or Missouri, navigate child support expenses with confidence. Our attorneys understand how local courts evaluate childcare costs, income, and parenting arrangements, and we work to ensure every client receives a fair and balanced order.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you protect your financial stability while keeping your child’s well-being at the center of every decision.
Amanda Showalter
Attorney at Kansas Legal Group
Amanda Showalter is a dedicated family law attorney at Kansas Legal Group, serving clients across Kansas and Missouri since 2009. She focuses on divorce, custody, support, and other domestic matters, offering compassionate guidance and strong advocacy. Known for her steady leadership and thoughtful counsel, Amanda is committed to achieving positive outcomes while supporting clients through life’s most difficult challenges.
Education: University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law
Years of Experience: 15+ years of high-level divorce experience