St. Louis Paternity Lawyer

Trial-Tested Representation for St. Louis Paternity Cases Since 1962

A paternity case is a legal action to determine the legal father of a child. For unmarried parents, establishing paternity is a necessary step to gain legal rights to child custody, parenting time, and child support. A paternity action may be necessary if the child’s father won’t voluntarily establish paternity or the mother won’t recognize the father. Whether you’re a father seeking to establish parental rights or a man contesting a paternity claim, you need sound legal guidance before taking any action.

At Cavanagh & Associates, we handle paternity matters for clients in and around St. Louis, St. Charles, and Chesterfield. We represent both parents: those seeking to establish paternity and those seeking to contest it. Our firm is led by Attorney Jack Cavanagh, licensed in Missouri since 1962 and a former Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for St. Louis County. Clients work directly with Attorney Cavanagh throughout their case, not a paralegal or junior associate.

To learn more about your paternity rights and obligations, call (314) 309-2799 and arrange a consultation with a knowledgeable St. Louis family lawyer.

How Is Paternity Established in Missouri?

Either biological parent can file a petition to establish paternity in state court or with the Missouri Family Support Division. Once filed, the opposing party has 30 days to respond. A paternity action may be brought by the mother, the alleged or presumed father, the child, or the Division of Child Support Enforcement.

In Missouri, paternity may be established in two ways:

• Through DNA testing, which is required when the biological father’s identity is in question. The Missouri Family Support Division offers free DNA paternity testing, and under Missouri law, a result showing at least 98% certainty of biological fatherhood creates a presumption of paternity.
• By signing an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity. This is the most straightforward method and can be completed even after the child’s birth through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records.

How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity in Missouri?

Under Missouri’s paternity statute, a father may establish paternity until the child turns 18. The child has until age 21 to establish paternity independently.

How Paternity Affects Parental Rights & Responsibilities

Paternity determination has real consequences for both parents and the child. Once paternity is legally established in Missouri, a court can enter orders covering decision-making authority, parenting time schedules, and child support obligations. Children also gain important rights, including potential inheritance rights, access to the father’s medical history, and eligibility for certain benefits. Without a formal determination of parentage, a father can’t assert parental rights even if he has been actively involved in the child’s life.

Paternity may affect parental rights and responsibilities in the following ways:

• Establishing paternity may give a father the right to seek custody or parenting time with his child.
• Establishing paternity may allow a mother to pursue child support from the father.
• Contesting paternity may prevent a man from gaining custody or parenting time.
• Contesting paternity may relieve a man of support obligations for a child who is not his biological child.

Whether you’re seeking to establish or contest paternity in the St. Louis area, Attorney Jack Cavanagh can discuss your options. Call (314) 309-2799 to schedule a consultation with Cavanagh & Associates today.