When a parent is deployed (sent away for military service), a court can make a temporary custody order. The order must be labeled as temporary and explain where the parent is going, how long they will be gone, and any special conditions. The order also lays out who takes care of the child and makes decisions while the parent is away, how the deployed parent can stay in contact with the child (including video calls or phone), and how often that parent can see the child when they come home on leave or return for good. The order ends after the deployed parent comes back from service.
452.1240. Content of . — 1. An granting under sections 452.1224 to 452.1244 must:
(1) the order as temporary; and
(2) Identify to the extent feasible the destination, duration, and conditions of the .
2. If applicable, an order for custodial responsibility under sections 452.1224 to 452.1244 must:
(1) Specify the of , , or among the , the other parent, and any ;
(2) If the order divides caretaking or decision-making authority between individuals, or caretaking authority to one individual and limited contact to another, provide a to resolve any dispute that may arise;
(3) Provide for between the deploying parent and the child during deployment, including through , unless contrary to the , and allocate any of communications;
(4) Provide for between the deploying parent and the child during the time the deploying parent is on leave or otherwise available, unless contrary to the best interest of the child;
(5) Provide for reasonable contact between the deploying parent and the child after from deployment until the is terminated, even if the time of contact exceeds the time the deploying parent spent with the child before of the temporary order; and
(6) Provide that the order terminate sections 452.1246 to 452.1252 after the deploying parent returns from deployment.
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Source & history notes
(L. 2024 S.B. 912)
Related Missouri laws
Order for child support
RSMo 452.1242
Nature of authority created by temporary custody order
RSMo 452.1238
Modifying or terminating grant of custodial responsibility to nonparent
RSMo 452.1244
Grant of limited contact
RSMo 452.1236
Procedure for terminating temporary grant of custodial responsibility established by agreement
RSMo 452.1246
Grant of caretaking or decision-making authority to nonparent
RSMo 452.1234
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.