Missouri law requires courts to determine custody and parenting time based on the best interests of the child. Under § 452.375.2, RSMo, judges must consider eight specific factors (plus any other relevant circumstances) when making these critical decisions.This guide breaks down each of the eight factors with practical insight, strategic analysis, and real-world application drawn from Jackson County family court experience. Whether you are facing a divorce, custody dispute, modification, relocation, or high-conflict parenting time issue in Lee’s Summit or anywhere in the 16th Judicial Circuit, understanding these factors is essential.

 

Missouri’s 8 Best Interests Factors (§ 452.375.2)

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1. The wishes of the child’s parents as to custody and the proposed parenting plan submitted by both parties.
   Read Factor #1 
   How to strategically present your wishes and parenting plan so the court sees you as reasonable and child-focused.

2. The needs of the child for a frequent, continuing and meaningful relationship with both parents and the ability and willingness of parents to actively perform their functions as mother and father.
   Read Factor #2 
   The foundation of Missouri’s equal parenting presumption and how courts evaluate actual parenting involvement.

3. The interaction and interrelationship of the child with parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interests.
   Read Factor #3 
   How healthy (or harmful) relationships influence custody outcomes, including issues involving step-parents, extended family, and alienation risks.

4. Which parent is more likely to allow the child frequent, continuing and meaningful contact with the other parent.
   Read Factor #4 
   Often the game-changer. This factor addresses gatekeeping, refusal of parenting time, and parental alienation head-on.

5. The child’s adjustment to the child’s home, school, and community.
   Read Factor #5
   Stability matters. How courts weigh school success, extracurriculars, and community ties — and why unnecessary disruption is penalized.

6. The mental and physical health of all individuals involved, including any history of abuse.
   Read Factor #6 
   A serious and protective factor. When mental health, substance issues, or domestic violence patterns affect parenting, courts must act to protect the child.

7. The intention of either parent to relocate the principal residence of the child.
   Read Factor #7 
   High-stakes relocation battles. How proposed moves are evaluated and what makes a relocation request likely to succeed or fail.

8. The unobstructed input of a child, free of coercion and manipulation, as to the child’s custodial arrangement.
   Read Factor #8 
   The child’s voice matters — but only when it is authentic. Why courts are extremely cautious about involving children directly and how alienation tactics are exposed.

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Why These 8 Factors Matter in Jackson County

 

Every custody decision in the 16th Judicial Circuit is guided by these eight factors. Judges and Guardians ad Litem weigh them together — no single factor automatically controls the outcome. However, certain factors (especially #4, #6, and #7) can become decisive in high-conflict cases involving alienation, safety concerns, or relocation. Understanding how each factor works — and how the strategy sages (Sun Tzu, Musashi, Lao Tzu, the Tengu, and others) would approach them — gives you a significant advantage in building a compelling, child-centered case.

 

Ready to Protect Your Child’s Best Interests?

 

If you are involved in a contested custody case, modification, relocation dispute, or high-conflict parenting time matter in Lee’s Summit or Jackson County, having experienced strategic counsel makes a real difference.

At the Law Office of Kirby L. Minor, we help parents navigate all eight best interests factors with clarity, discipline, and a proven warrior mindset. Whether you need help building evidence, working with a GAL, responding to a relocation notice, or addressing mental health or alienation concerns, we provide the focused representation your family deserves. Text or Call today for a consultation: 816-888-0632
 

Visit kirbyminor.com to explore the full series and learn more about our unique approach to family law in Jackson County.