If a child is born to two unmarried persons, a Court proceeding is necessary to determine the "Father-child Relationship" (Paternity). An experienced family law attorney is necessary to set forth each parents rights with the child. Our approach in every case is to try to do everything that can and should be done to insure our client is in the strongest possible position to negotiate a settlement or present a contested case to the court in a trial.
Paternity Process
The person initiating the paternity action files a request with the Court (a petition); a statement listing all of their property; a statement of their current income and expense; and a custody schedule.
All of these papers are "served" on the other parent.
The other parent files a response (answer) to the request (petition); ); a statement listing all of their property; a statement of their current income and expense; and a custody schedule.
Each party has an opportunity to review documents, ask questions of the other parent in written or oral form, and ask for documents from third parties. (Discovery)
If the parties cannot agree on a custody schedule (Parenting Plan) or if there are concerns about the child a Guardian ad Litem may be appointed. (A guardian ad litem is a person that represents a child in a custody dispute.)
An opportunity for settlement negotiations with the other side will occur via written and oral correspondence.
Discussions with the Judge and the other side will occur during one or more settlement conferences.
A written agreement of all issues will be presented to the Court in a settlement agreement or the matter will be tried to the Judge.
ISSUES:
Child Custody-legal custody (who makes decisions)
physical custody (who has the child in their care)
Child support - Guidelines are set out in Missouri Child Support Guidelines. (link) (health insurance, daycare, educational and extracurricular activities......)
Name of the child -