How Do the Courts Determine Paternity?

A paternity test can be ordered by the court and provide concrete evidence of the biological father.

When a child is born, we come together as a community. A wave of congratulations on social media, the mailbox stuffed with heartfelt cards, phone calls from friends and family, and baby showers. It is a time of joy as a new baby is brought into the world. Unfortunately, sometimes the identity of the father is either unknown or mistaken. While this can create a certain amount of vexation, family law courts come prepared with decades of experience.

Whether you are a single mother seeking financial support from the biological father or the dad trying to get to know their child, our team of experienced paternity lawyers can help you through every stage of the process.

Court-Ordered Paternity Test

In Courtney v. Rogg, 302 S.W.3d 141 (Mo. App. W.D. 2010), a love triangle resulted in a child’s birth. The mother and biological father were engaged in an affair. However, the mother listed her husband as the father of the child on the birth certificate. The abovementioned affair lasted six years. At the summation of this extra-marital relationship, the mother attempted to remove the biological father from their child’s life. A court-ordered paternity test found the biological father as just that and ordered visitation and support. Upon appeal by the husband and wife, the court upheld the decision.

As colorful as the example above is, it illustrates a rather cut-and-dry approach to paternity. A paternity test can be ordered by the court and provide concrete evidence of the biological father. This approach is applied when there is a question of paternity when no father is listed on the birth certificate, or potentially if a child is born out of wedlock. If you believe that a determination of paternity is necessary, be sure to contact your trusted St. Louis family law attorney. With expertise and understanding, your local Missouri lawyer can help ensure that the child’s best interests and the rights of all individuals involved are respected.

Paternity Lawyer – St. Louis Family Court Attorney

Whether you are a single mother seeking financial support from the biological father or the dad trying to get to know their child, our team of experienced paternity lawyers can help you through every stage of the process. We recognize that this is often a delicate situation between the parents and will work diligently to ensure that the child’s needs are met first and foremost. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis Family Court Lawyer.