Trustworthy Paternity Lawyer in Independence, MO
As with any family law issue involving children, paternity is emotionally charged. When you have children with your partner and your relationship with your partner ends, that does not mean your relationship with your children must end. Every paternity action has different circumstances, but each one involves issues of responsibilities and rights whether you are the mother or father.
At Jennifer Benedict Law Office, we help protect the rights of mothers and fathers. A paternity action protects the paternity rights of an unmarried father and allows an unmarried mother to receive child support. Our attorney is with you through every step in the process, answering your questions along the way and advocating for your rights.
Advocating for the Rights of Mothers and Fathers
In Missouri and Kansas, a paternity action is the equivalent of a divorce for unmarried people who have children together. It allows unmarried parents to do the following:
- Establish legal paternity
- Set up a parenting plan or visitation schedule
- Establish child support
Until a judge of the circuit court orders a legal relationship between the father and the child, the father has no right to ask for visitation or have a say in how the child is raised, even if the father is already paying child support. Paternity determinations by child support enforcement are solely for the purpose of establishing child support and do not allow the father any parenting time.
Our experienced lawyer thoroughly explains your options and offers pragmatic advice on possible outcomes of your paternity action. When you are represented by us, you get straightforward legal representation.
