St. Louis Paternity Lawyer

We strongly believe that men who father children are responsible for looking out for their child’s well-being despite any bad feelings they might have towards their child’s mother. In these cases, we work with single mothers to help prove paternity so that they can be provided with any support they might need in raising the child.

What is Paternity?

A child born to parents who are not legally married technically has no legal male guardian. Paternity is establishing the legal rights and responsibilities of a man to his biological child. This is helpful to the father who wishes to exercise his right to visit or obtain custody of the child. The mother benefits by being able to file a petition for child support. The most significant benefit is to the child, who will now be eligible to receive health care from the father’s insurance, be eligible for social security if his father passes away, and have the chance to build a relationship with his father.

Establishing Paternity

Unmarried Missouri residents who both acknowledge that the man is the biological father of a baby can immediately sign an affidavit at the hospital where the baby is born. Once both parties sign that affidavit acknowledging paternity, the father’s name will be added to the birth certificate, and he will become the legal father.

If a man is questioned as to whether he is the father of a child, a paternity or DNA test may be performed. We can help if one of the parents does not wish to have the paternity of a child confirmed by assisting you in filing a petition with a St. Louis family court that will compel the opposing party to be compliant.

When Should Paternity be Established?

As experienced family law attorneys, we recommend establishing paternity as soon as possible after birth to ensure everyone’s rights can be recognized. Beyond that, paternity can be established anytime until the child’s 18th birthday. Before turning 21, a child can pursue their paternity through the Missouri family court system.

Does It Make any Difference Whose Last Name the Child Uses?

The child’s last name has no bearing on child support and visitation matters. We recommend that an unwed mother who will be maintaining sole custody of her child use her last name on the birth certificate to make things easier on her and the child, especially once he enters school. A child’s name can be changed on his birth certificate when the affidavit acknowledging paternity is completed. If the parent or parents wish to wait, a court order will be required to change the child’s last name.

Can My Baby Be Adopted Without My Consent?

If you have conceived a child outside of the ties of marriage and have reason to believe that the mother intends to give the baby over for adoption, we can help you confirm that your consent will be required. You must file a claim with the Putative Father Registry stating that you strongly believe you are the child’s father. This must be completed no later than 15 days after the baby is born. While it is not a legally binding paternity order, it does put his name on an official record, indicating that he believes he may be the father. This will make it necessary for the people involved in the adoption of our child to notify you, verify your paternity, and obtain your consent.

Why is Establishing Paternity Important for the Mother?

To receive financial support from the father, the father must acknowledge that he is the biological father. We will not be able to file a petition for child support on your behalf until paternity is established. If the father is unwilling, we will file the necessary paperwork for the courts to compel him to submit to a paternity test.

A legal acknowledgment of paternity is also essential for the child’s future. Not only is it important to help your child build a relationship with their other parent, but they will also be legally entitled to any benefits that one of his beneficiaries should receive.

Why is Establishing Paternity Important for the Father?

Even if you are not listed on the child’s birth certificate, as a father, you have rights regarding your child. Allow us to help you establish your paternity so you can enforce your right to spend time with your biological child. Only after paternity is established will a St. Louis family court judge hear your petition for visitation or custody. We can help you obtain the order for a paternity test and help file the paperwork needed for a visitation petition.

Paternity Lawyer – St. Louis Family Court Attorney

Whether you are a single mother seeking financial support from the biological father or the dad who is 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.