MO SB863

Changes requirement for parties to submit parenting plans upon court finding of paternity from optional ("may") to mandatory ("shall"), either separately or jointly.

When parenting plans are filed separately, court must determine whether to refer parties to mediation services or appoint a guardian ad litem for the child during custody determination proceedings.

Court shall order a parenting plan if submitted plan is determined to be in the child's best interests, considering available community resources such as mediation services, parenting coordination, and parenting classes.

Court must transfer cases to an appropriate court with proper jurisdiction if the current court lacks jurisdictional authority over the matter.

Directs family support division to pursue federal Access and Visitation grant program funding or successor grants to finance the cost of community resources specified in the section.