St. Charles Paternity Attorney

Legal Paternity Establishment in St. Charles

Matters of family law and divorce can be extremely stressful and overwhelming, especially when you are forced to establish paternity in a legal matter. At Smith Law Offices, LLC, our St. Charles paternity lawyers represent clients who are dealing with issues of paternity, from matters of child support and custody to adoption and visitation rights.

We understand just how uncomfortable it can be to have a lawyer tell you that you need to establish the paternity of a child. With 30+ years of combined experience, we are here to help you establish your legal rights or hold the other parent of your child accountable.

Need to establish paternity? Contact our St. Charles lawyers by calling (636) 400-1177 or reaching out online now to get started!

When is a Paternity Test Necessary?

In order to reach any of the above goals, you must legally establish your place as a parent. Whether you are trying to determine who the father of your child is, or you are a father hoping to prove your paternity, we are here to address your concerns and provide you with solid legal counsel. When you reach out to our paternity lawyer in St. Charles, MO, you can rest assured that we work to provide you with the highest quality representation. Before you take any legal action, call Smith Law Offices, LLC for a consultation!

Why Paternity Matters in Missouri?

Paternity determination plays a critical role in ensuring that both parents fulfill their legal responsibilities to the child. If paternity is not established, the father may not have legal rights to the child, such as the ability to seek custody or visitation, or the right to make decisions concerning the child's health, education, and welfare. Establishing paternity can have a significant impact on a father’s relationship with the child and ensures that both parents are involved in the child's life.

Additionally, establishing paternity allows the child to benefit from important legal rights. These can include eligibility for the father's health insurance, inheritance rights, and other benefits related to the father's estate. For mothers, establishing paternity can secure child support payments and ensure the father meets his financial obligations to the child.

How to Establish Paternity in Missouri?

In Missouri, there are several ways to establish paternity, depending on whether the parents are married and whether there is a dispute about who the father is.

• Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP): If the parents are not married when the child is born, they can voluntarily establish paternity by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form. This form is typically completed at the hospital after the child is born, and both parents must sign it to acknowledge the father’s paternity. Once signed, the VAP form is filed with the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records and becomes a permanent part of the child’s birth certificate.
• Paternity Test: If there is doubt about the biological father, a paternity test can be ordered. A paternity test is the most reliable way to determine whether a man is the biological father of a child. These tests involve collecting a DNA sample from both the mother and the alleged father. The results of the test will conclusively determine whether or not the man is the biological father. A paternity test can be ordered by the court or arranged by the parties involved. A St. Charles paternity attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure that the test is carried out properly.
• Court-Ordered Paternity: If the parents cannot agree on the paternity of the child, either party can file a paternity action with the court. This is often the case in situations where the mother and father are not married, or when there is a dispute about who the biological father is. In these cases, a judge will review the evidence, including any DNA test results, and make a determination regarding paternity.

Comprehensive Paternity Representation in St. Charles

If you are seeking to obtain your legal rights as a parent, you may have to endure a complex legal battle. It is important to realize that establishing your paternity will completely change your rights and responsibilities. You can rely on us to handle your case with compassion and diligence, as we have spent years working personally with families all throughout Missouri.

Discuss your paternity case with Our St. Charles attorneys. To learn more about how we can help, contact us at (636) 400-1177!