When parents aren’t married, paternity can be confusing, and the reasons to seek to establish it can vary. If you’re a father, you might want to prove paternity in order to seek custody or to take an active parenting role. If you’re a mother, you might want to prove paternity in order to make a case for child support. For either, there is a lot to worry about — everything from a denial to a false accusation to an outright disregard for obligations.

In the state of Missouri, the courts don’t consider whether you had a one-night stand that resulted in a child or were in a long-term domestic relationship. Under the law, someone who fathered a child must fulfill his legal obligation for financial support of the care, upbringing, and overall well-being of his child. Considered as part of this obligation is the expectation, and right, to be an active parent. Feel free to reach out to me for a personal consultation. We will find a time and place that will work best for you, and you won’t be disappointed.

Understanding Paternity Issues

Whether you’re a worried mother or anxious father, my 30 years of experience can help you. I diligently work to move your case through the courts effectively and efficiently. In my paternity action experiences, I regularly help clients with:

• Visitation rights and custody
• Visitation rights of extended family members, including grandparents
• Enforcement or modification of child support
• Petitions to relocate out of the area with a custodial child
• Family adoption

Paternity issues can be stressful, and you need someone who will help ease the stress of the process. Please call me at 573-303-3015 or email me for an individual, private consultation with no obligation or pressure. Even if you choose another lawyer, I am certain you will gain knowledge from our conversation and be able to determine the best path to move forward.