MO HB997

Repeals section 452.340 and enacts two new sections (452.339 and 452.340) governing child support obligations, including post-secondary education expenses.

Creates section 452.339 establishing a new framework for parental support of children's educational expenses at vocational schools or higher education institutions, including tuition, room, board, books, and living expenses.

Requires children seeking educational support to enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester, maintain grades sufficient for reenrollment, and remain eligible until age 22 or graduation, whichever occurs first; support terminates if a child fails half or more of courses in any semester.

Allows courts to order either or both parents to provide educational expenses based on factors including each parent's financial resources, the child's academic performance, available financial aid, and the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the marriage not dissolved.

Maintains existing child support termination provisions in section 452.340, specifying support obligations end at age 18 (or 21 if in secondary school or post-secondary education) unless the child is physically or mentally incapacitated.