Where and how to send your Missouri child support payment

Missouri child support payments go to the Family Support Division (FSD), which is part of the Department of Health and Senior Services. You do not send money directly to the other parent. Instead, you send it to a state collection account, and FSD distributes it from there.

The standard method is automatic wage withholding. Your employer deducts the payment from your paycheck and sends it to FSD. This happens automatically once a court order is in place — you do not have to set it up yourself. Your employer receives the withholding notice from the court.

If you do not have a regular employer, or if you want to pay by another method, you can send payments directly to the FSD collection unit by check, money order, or electronic transfer. The mailing address and payment instructions appear on your court order and on the FSD website under "Make a Payment."

Key Takeaways

  • Wage withholding is automatic once a court order exists — your employer deducts the amount and sends it to the state, not to you or the other parent.
  • If you do not have an employer, you can mail a check or money order to the FSD collection unit address listed on your court order.
  • Payments must reach FSD by the due date on your order to avoid arrears and potential enforcement action.
  • You can check your payment history and current balance through the FSD online portal or by calling the FSD customer service line.
  • If your income changes significantly, you can request a modification of the order through the court — paying more or less than ordered without a new order does not change what you owe.

What happens if you miss a payment

If a payment is late, it becomes arrears — money you owe on top of your regular monthly obligation. Arrears accumulate interest in Missouri at a rate set by state law. The other parent or FSD can file a motion to enforce the order, which can result in wage garnishment, tax refund interception, or a contempt of court finding.

If you fall behind, contact FSD immediately. Some situations — job loss, medical emergency, a significant drop in income — may support a request to modify the order temporarily or permanently. A modification requires a court filing, but it stops the clock on new arrears if the court grants it before you fall further behind.

FSD also offers payment plans for arrears in some cases. Call the FSD customer service line to ask whether your situation qualifies. Do not ignore the debt or assume it will go away; enforcement actions can include driver's license suspension and passport denial.

Modifying your child support order in Missouri

You can request a change to your court order if your circumstances have changed substantially. In Missouri, "substantial" usually means a change of at least 10 percent in either parent's income, or a significant change in custody or parenting time.

To start a modification, file a motion with the court that issued your original order. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, and documentation of the change. FSD can help you file if you cannot afford an attorney. The process typically takes two to four months, depending on whether the other parent contests the request.

Until the court issues a new order, you still owe the amount in the current order. Paying a different amount without a modification does not reduce what you owe — it creates arrears. If you are struggling to pay, file the modification request as soon as possible so the court can adjust the amount before you fall behind.

Payment methods and where your money goes

Wage withholding is the most common method because it is automatic and reliable. Your employer receives a withholding notice from the court and deducts the amount from your paycheck each pay period. The money goes directly to FSD's collection account.

If you pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address on your court order. Include your case number on the check. Payments by mail typically take five to seven business days to post to your account. If you need the payment to arrive by a specific date, mail it at least one week early.

Some employers and banks offer online bill pay for child support. You can set up automatic monthly payments through your bank's bill pay service. Make sure the payment reaches FSD by the due date — do not rely on the date you initiate the payment.

FSD distributes the money as follows: first to any arrears you owe, then to the current month's obligation, then to the other parent's attorney fees or court costs if those are part of the order. The other parent receives their share through the state disbursement unit, usually within one to two business days of FSD receiving your payment.

Checking your payment history and balance

You can view your payment history and current balance through the Missouri FSD online portal. Go to the FSD website, select "Check Your Case Status," and log in with your case number and personal information. The portal shows all payments received, the date they posted, and any remaining arrears.

If you do not have online access or prefer to speak with someone, call the FSD customer service line. They can tell you your current balance, confirm that a payment posted, and explain any arrears on your account. Have your case number ready when you call.

If you believe a payment was not credited correctly, contact FSD within 30 days. Provide the date you sent the payment and the amount. FSD will investigate and correct the record if there was an error. Wage withholding payments are usually credited within five to ten business days of your pay date.

When you lose your job or income changes

If you lose your job, stop working, or experience a significant drop in income, you still owe child support unless and until a court modifies the order. However, you have options to prevent arrears from piling up.

File a motion to modify the order as soon as possible. Bring documentation of your job loss — a termination letter, unemployment benefits statement, or a letter from your employer. The court can temporarily reduce or suspend your obligation while you are unemployed, or adjust it based on your new income if you find lower-paying work.

If you do not file a modification and you cannot pay, arrears will accumulate. Once you return to work, you will owe both the current month's payment and the back amount. Wage garnishment can take up to 50 percent of your disposable income to cover both current support and arrears, so filing early protects you from a larger financial hit later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay child support directly to the other parent instead of through FSD?

No. Missouri law requires all payments to go through FSD, even if both parents agree. Payments made directly to the other parent do not count toward your obligation and do not stop arrears from accumulating. Always pay through the state system.

What if I pay late but before the end of the month?

Late is late. If your payment arrives after the due date on your order, it is considered arrears. Some courts allow a grace period of a few days, but do not count on it. Mail payments at least one week early to ensure they arrive on time.

Do I get credit for paying more than the monthly amount?

Yes. If you pay more than your monthly obligation, the extra amount goes toward arrears first. Once arrears are paid off, extra payments reduce your future obligation or may be refunded, depending on your order. Check with FSD about how overpayments are handled in your case.

What if the other parent is not using the money for the child?

That is a separate legal issue between you and the other parent, but it does not reduce your obligation to pay. If you believe the money is being misused, you can file a motion with the court to address it, but you must continue paying while the case is pending.

Can I get a receipt for my payment?

Yes. If you pay by mail, keep a copy of your check or money order receipt. If you pay through wage withholding, your pay stub shows the deduction. You can also request a payment history from FSD online or by phone. These documents serve as proof of payment if there is ever a dispute.