Much like other states, Missouri differentiates between biological and legal parents. Excluding cases involving adoption, a child’s biological mother serves as a child’s legal parent from day one. Fathers, on the other hand, must establish paternity if their name is not on the birth certificate. Even those who are actively involved in their children’s lives do not have parental rights unless they assume responsibility, which may require paternity testing. While this seems like a mere legality, establishing the paternity of your children provides the following benefits.

Why You Should Establish Paternity

1. Confirm Your Children’s Medical History

Regardless of any personal conflicts between parents, establishing paternity provides peace of mind when it comes to their children’s health. Knowledge of family history helps prevent, diagnose, and treat illnesses now and in the future. Until you confirm parentage, your child's medical records are essentially half complete.

2. Implement a Custody Arrangement

Fathers who have officially assumed their role by undergoing paternity testing may be entitled to custody or visitation, depending on the circumstances. Although it can be challenging for all parties involved to adjust to a custody arrangement, it’s generally in a child’s best interests to maintain a close relationship with both parents.

3. Secure Benefits 

Until fathers go through the courts to establish paternity on paper, their children could be missing out on all kinds of benefits, like health insurance coverage, tuition assistance, and pension payouts. Establishing children as legal dependents also ensures they're entitled to various Social Security benefits if they—or their parents—are eligible.

4. Ensure Financial Security

When someone dies without a will, the laws of intestate succession determine who gets their property. Generally speaking, spouses and children are the first in line for any such assets. If parents fail to prove paternity to the courts, however, their children may not be entitled to any of the father’s property when they pass.

For prompt and accurate paternity testing, turn to EMSI – BiState Professional Services in Chesterfield, MO. Backed by more than three decades of experience in the medical and insurance fields, this AABB®-accredited laboratory offers a broad range of tests for individuals, families, and businesses. Their results are legally admissible in court because they follow the highest testing standards. To schedule paternity testing for you or your loved ones, reach out online or call (636) 537-3200.