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Every child has the right to the financial resources of both parents, just as biological fathers have a right to be in their children’s lives. If the parents were married when a child is born, family law assumes that the husband is the biological father. Otherwise, you must establish paternity before the courts will order child support, visitation, or custody. Below is a guide to how this process works in Missouri.

Reasons to Establish Paternity

Being a legal parent carries certain rights and responsibilities, so either party may wish to establish paternity. Mothers may want to collect child support from the biological father of the child. Biological fathers often initiate the paternity process to gain visitation rights or shared custody of their child.

Establishing Paternity by Affidavit 

child supportThe simplest way to establish paternity is to sign an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity. This a voluntary agreement that requires the consent of both parents. Typically, you will fill out these forms when the child is born, although you may file one with the Bureau of Vital Records later. Once each parent signs and submits the affidavit, the state considers the man who signs as the legal father, with rights to a meaningful relationship and an obligation to provide financial support. If the mother is unsure about who the father is and receives DNA testing to establish it, the father must then sign this affidavit.

What Happens When Paternity Is Contested?

When you and the party can’t agree on paternity, you may have no choice but to file a petition with the court. They will settle most of these cases with a genetic test, which requires a 98% match to establish paternity. After this, the court may order child support and arrange a visitation schedule. In Missouri, free genetic testing is available from the Family Support Division if you wish to find the biological father of a child.

 

Whether you’re filing for child support or want to establish paternity of your child, the legal team at Rathjen-Decker Law, LLC, will advocate for your interests through every step of the process. They’ve been providing sound, effective legal counsel to clients throughout the St. Louis, MO, area for nearly 20 years, offering a friendly hand in your time of need. Visit their website to learn how they can help with your child support or custody case. Call (314) 727-6933 to speak with an experienced attorney.

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