Summer Masterson-Goethals
Summer Masterson-Goethals
Consumer and family lawyer, former legal aid attorney and Missouri Bar Leadership Academy member, Springfield Business Journal 40 under 40 Honoree.

The parents and their attorneys will present requests and evidence during a trial session. The judge will evaluate the argument before deciding on the final orders, which include the parenting plans, time, schedule, and child support necessities.
Issues that May Arise in a Child Custody Trial
Several child custody issues could come to light in a custody case as it is a sensitive and emotional issue for the parents and the child. The following are the most common issues:
Child Support
Issues may arise with child support if the non-custodial parent fails to provide their part of the agreement concerning the child’s support.
Visitation
Visitation is when the other parent visits the child; sometimes, issues arise with visitation, especially if plans are not made in advance.
Ex Parte Order
An Ex Parte Order is issued if the petitioner fears harm or child abuse from the other party.
How Long Do Custody Cases Take in Missouri?
The length of a child custody case in Missouri varies and can depend on several factors, such as the case’s complexity, the number of parties involved, and the schedule of the court. Further, deciding on custody arrangements involves the difficult process of allocating primary custody or joint custody. Several factors require discussion, negotiation, and agreement, such as custody preference, where the child lives, visitation rights, etc.
Generally, however, simple uncontested custody cases can be resolved in a matter of weeks, while complex contested cases can take several months or even a year or more to resolve. It is important to remember that each case is unique, and the process length will vary.