Kansas City Paternity Lawyer

Aggressive Paternity Representation in the Greater Kansas City Area

If you are involved in a paternity case, you are probably facing a stressful situation. Paternity cases can be emotionally and financially draining. At Easter Law, LLC, our attorneys have the experience and skill necessary to effectively represent you in this type of case.

Our firm understands how to navigate the complex legal system in order to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients. We understand that paternity cases can be extremely stressful and emotional. Our attorneys will work hard to make sure your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly.

Call (816) 208-0912 today to book a consultation.

What Is a Paternity Case?

In Missouri, there are two types of paternity cases: legitimation and paternity establishment.

Legitimation refers to the process of conferring legal fatherhood on a child who was born out of wedlock. In order to legitimize a child, the mother and father must sign an agreement stating that the father is the legal father of the child. If the parents do not sign an agreement, the father can ask a court to establish his paternity.

Paternity establishment is the process by which a father's legal fatherhood is legally recognized. In Missouri, the mother, the child, and the alleged father must all appear in court in order to establish paternity. If the parents were married at the time of the child's birth, the father's name is already on the birth certificate. If the parents were not married at the time of the child's birth, the father must sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity form in order to establish his paternity.

If the parents cannot agree on a custody and visitation arrangement, the matter will proceed to court. In Missouri, there is a rebuttable presumption that the mother is the child's primary caretaker, and the father has a right to request 50/50 joint custody. In order to deny joint custody, the mother must prove that it would be detrimental to the child.

How Does Paternity Work in Missouri?

In Missouri, paternity can be established either through a voluntary acknowledgment or by court order.

Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity
A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity is a document signed by the mother and the father acknowledging that the father is the biological father of the child. This document is filed with the Office of Vital Records, which then records the father's name on the child's birth certificate.

Once paternity is established, the father has legal rights, including the right to request custody, visitation, and child support. The mother and father can also agree to a 50/50 custody arrangement.

Court Order of Paternity
If the parents do not agree on paternity, the matter will proceed to court. In court, a judge will determine whether the man is the child's biological father based on the evidence presented. The judge will consider things such as the mother's testimony, the child's physical characteristics (e.g. hair, eye color, etc.), and the results of a DNA test. If the judge determines that the man is the child's biological father, his name will be recorded on the child's birth certificate.

Once paternity is established, the father has the same rights as in a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity. These include the right to request custody, visitation, and child support.

What Are the Consequences of not Pursuing Paternity?

Missouri law allows the mother to request that the father's name be omitted from the child's birth certificate if she can prove that the man is not the child's biological father. However, this may cause the mother to lose any child support payments. If the mother fails to pursue the establishment of paternity, she may also be prohibited from receiving any child support.

How Can a Paternity Attorney in Kansas City Help?

Paternity cases can be highly stressful, especially if the mother and father cannot agree on a parenting plan. Our firm can help you pursue and protect your rights in this type of case.

We Can Help You With:

• Preparing and filing documents with the court
• Representing you in court
• Negotiating with the other party

Our firm can help you pursue and protect your rights in this type of case. We can help you prepare and file documents with the court, represent you in court, and negotiate with the other party.

Contact Our Firm

At Easter Law, LLC, our attorneys have the experience and skill necessary to effectively represent you in a paternity case. We understand how to navigate the complex legal system in order to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients.

Our firm offers flexible appointment times and is committed to providing personalized and high-quality legal representation. Call (816) 208-0912 today to book a consultation.