⦁ Custody

Child custody needs to be determined whenever a separation of the parents occurs. If you and the other parent separate amicably, you and the other parent can agree on a parenting plan which details the period of time you and the other parent has custody of your child. But if you and the other parent cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court will have to decide on a parenting plan that is based on the best interest of your child. This aspect of Missouri and Kansas family law can be very complicated and is ever evolving. Therefore it is essential that you speak with an experienced child custody attorney. Give our office a call to discuss your child custody matter.

⦁ Paternity

needs to be legally established when the parents of a child were not married when the child or children were born. If you believe that you are the biological father of the child, but you are not married to the mother, you do not have any legal rights or responsibilities to the child until you legally establish your paternity. Thus, it is in your best interest to contact a lawyer who will help you to legally establish paternity. Parentage needs to be established before the court can order custody, visitation, child support, name change, and reimbursement of pregnancy and birth expenses. Thus, paternity becomes an issue in many child custody and child support cases. When parentage is in doubt, the court may order the alleged father, mother, and child to submit to genetic testing. This aspect of Missouri and Kansas family law can be very complicated. Therefore, it is essential that you speak with an experienced attorney. Give our office a call to discuss your paternity matter.