Missouri joint legal custody allows both parents equal access to their children and all legal decisions. Generally, judges evaluate the following when determining the best placement for a child:
Parents’ wishes and written parenting agreements
Children’s wishes once they are of legal age to decide
Each parent’s capability and compliance to serve as a responsible parent
Children’s relationships with siblings
Parent-child relations
Child’s ability to adjust to a new home, school, or community
Physical and mental health of the family
Parent’s location and relocation plans
By law, you cannot leave Missouri without the consent of the other parent or the court. MO judges are not permitted to grant sole custody simply based on a parent’s gender, income, or race.