Missouri Lawyers for Paternity Matters
As a devoted father himself, our founding attorney Craig Ritchie understands the role that fathers play in the lives of their children. He also understands the desire of both parents to be actively involved with their kids.
For this reason, our Missouri law firm — the Law Office of Craig D. Ritchie, P.C. — represents parents in paternity actions. We work with both mothers and fathers who need legal advice and representation involving paternity. Sometimes, these are parents who have a child born out of wedlock and need to resolve a child support, custody or visitation dispute. Other times, paternity becomes an issue in a divorce.
What Is Paternity?
Paternity establishes a legal relationship between a father and his child. Although an affidavit of paternity establishes the identity of the father of the child, it does not provide for child custody and visitation or child support. To address these issues, a separate court order must be sought by filing a motion in Missouri family law courts, or the parents can create an agreement through mediation.
Many people assume that just having the father's name on the birth certificate gives him legal rights. It doesn't. Listing the name on the birth certificate just creates a presumption that he is the father. If the child was born outside of marriage, a parent should talk to a lawyer about legally establishing paternity of the child, and the rights and responsibilities that go along with it..
Contact Us With Your Paternity Questions
Contact the Law Office of Craig D. Ritchie, P.C., by calling 816-396-8334 or toll free at 866-621-8229. You may also complete our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation with an attorney.
