Paternity Attorney in Joplin, MO
Establishing paternity is a crucial step in many family law cases, particularly when it comes to determining parental rights and responsibilities. At Flex Legal Group, we assist clients in Joplin, MO, with all aspects of paternity law, helping both mothers and fathers assert their legal rights and protect the best interests of their children. Whether you are seeking to prove paternity for custody, visitation, or child support purposes, our firm offers clear guidance and strong representation throughout the process.
Importance of Establishing Paternity
Paternity refers to the legal identification of a child’s biological father. For married couples, the husband is presumed to be the legal father of any child born during the marriage. However, for unmarried parents, paternity must be legally established to secure a father’s rights and responsibilities.
Establishing paternity benefits all parties involved. For fathers, it creates the right to seek custody, visitation, and a voice in important decisions about the child’s upbringing. For mothers, it allows them to request child support to help meet the child’s financial needs. For children, it provides emotional and financial stability, access to benefits such as health insurance or inheritance, and knowledge of their medical history.
Ways to Establish Paternity in Missouri
In Missouri, paternity can be established through one of two primary methods:
- Voluntary Acknowledgment: If both parents agree on the identity of the biological father, they can sign an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity, often completed at the hospital when the child is born. This document establishes legal paternity without the need for a court hearing.
- Court-Ordered Paternity Action: If paternity is disputed or not voluntarily acknowledged, either parent may file a petition for paternity in court. The court may order genetic testing to determine biological fatherhood. Once paternity is confirmed, the court can also issue orders regarding child custody, visitation, and support.
At Flex Legal Group, we represent clients in both uncontested and contested paternity matters. We handle all necessary paperwork, represent clients in court, and ensure that the legal process is completed effectively and in compliance with Missouri law.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities After Paternity
Once paternity is established, the legal father gains rights similar to those of a married parent. These rights include:
- Seeking custody or visitation
- Participating in decision-making about the child’s education, healthcare, and welfare
- Accessing parental benefits like health insurance coverage or tax benefits
Along with these rights come responsibilities, most notably the obligation to contribute child support. Missouri courts use the state’s Form 14 to calculate support amounts, considering each parent’s income, the number of children, and parenting time.
Whether you are seeking to establish paternity to gain access to your child or need to prove paternity to secure financial support, Flex Legal Group can help you understand your rights and ensure your case is handled with care.
Contact Flex Legal Group
If you need legal assistance with a paternity case in the Joplin, MO area, turn to the experienced team at Flex Legal Group. We are committed to helping parents protect their rights and provide for the best interests of their children. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you with your paternity matter.