People who are preparing for a divorce typically understand that they have rights as parents. Both fathers and mothers can ask for parenting time and an allocation of parental authority as part of divorce proceedings. Fathers who never married the mothers of their...
Paternity
Can a mother refuse paternity testing for a minor child?
The father of a child typically needs to establish paternity if he intends to seek shared custody or parenting time. Paternity for a child is often established right at the time of birth. In Missouri, there is a presumption of paternity when a married couple welcomes...
Who is a putative father and what is their role in a child’s life?
In family law, the term "putative father" carries significant weight. What exactly does it mean, and what role do putative fathers play in a child's life? A putative father refers to a man who is presumed to be the biological father of a child but has not yet...
3 ways for Missouri fathers to establish paternity
Parenthood is one of the biggest commitments an individual can make and also one of the most life-changing experiences possible. New parents may find motivation to go back to school or develop their careers. They may change their family situations and living...
Are you a father who wants custody or visitation rights?
As a father, it’s natural to have concerns about child custody and visitation rights. After all, there’s a long-standing myth that mothers always end up with physical custody of their children as a result of divorce. While you’re sure to have questions and concerns,...
How can I be a good father after divorce?
Being a good father is not always easy. This is especially true after a divorce, which may complicate your ability to parent effectively. When there is animosity between you and your spouse it will unfortunately impact your relationship with your children. There...
How can I be a more effective parent to my child?
Divorce can complicate a parent's job quite a bit. This is especially true if there is a lot of animosity between you and your ex, which often results in squabbles and disputes on the best way to raise a healthy and happy child. If you're looking for ways to be a more...
I have questions about paternity, what comes next?
Facing suspicions about a child's paternity can be devastating. Many fathers aren't sure what to do next, especially when they're told their fears are unfounded. The American Pregnancy Association offers the following advice if you're thinking about asking for a...
Mothers do not automatically get full custody
A complex Missouri divorce is draining for everyone involved, especially if each parent wants sole custody of the children or one parent demands at least joint custody. The team at , has experience helping clients navigate the turbulent...
How can I know if paternity is established?
Fathers have a unique situation when they have a child. Nobody can deny who the mother is thanks to biology, but the father is not proven through biology in an obvious way. Having established paternity is very important. It gives you legal rights to your child....