Services

Paternity Action Attorneys in Missouri

We have unconditional love for our children that has no limits, and we do anything in our power to keep them healthy, happy, and safe. Every parent wants the best for their child and strives to have a close, strong relationship with them. While some families know who the father of a child is, some do not, and further testing is required to determine who the father is.

Paternity actions may include testing that determines if an individual is the biological father of a child. Some case examples include a potential father who wants to share custody of his child so he undergoes paternity testing or a mother wanting the father to pay child support. DNA testing helps prove who the father is before any other matters like child support or custody can begin. In certain circumstances, DNA testing is not necessary.

The team at The Law Office of Young, Kuhl & Frick, LLC will work with you on all aspects of your paternity action, including paternity testing. Our expert team has over five decades of combined legal experience and will assist you in establishing paternity, gaining legal rights as the father, establishing child support, custody, etc.

The Legal Paternity Process at a Glance

Every case is different and no two are the same, but the legal process is the same. When someone wants to establish themselves as the father of a child or the mother wants to prove someone is the father of her child, things can get complicated. However, here is a quick, general glance at the paternity process:

A judge/commissioner hears your case
The court may order paternity testing
The case may go to mediation, where the judge/commissioner makes a final decision on what legal rights the father has, custody, child support, etc.

Again, complications may arise during a paternity process, but the above is a general guide to the legal process. Family law matters like child custody and child support will be addressed at mediation.

Paternity Action FAQ

Question: Is paternity testing required to establish parentage?
Answer: Not in all cases. If the potential father of a child is the Respondent (the one who was served) then he may choose to submit to paternity testing or acknowledge in front of the judge or commissioner that he is the biological father of the child. If he doesn’t admit to being the father, the judge may order that a paternity test be done to prove whether he is or is not the father.

Question: If a paternity test comes back as a match what are the father’s rights?
Answer: If a paternity test comes back as a DNA match, the father can seek legal custody/physical custody of the child. If the father is granted legal custody then he can be involved in decision-making for the child.

Question: If a paternity test comes back as a match, can the father be forced to pay child support?
Answer: The mother may request child support after paternity is established. A judge/commissioner will determine if the father will pay and, if so, how much child support is a fair amount.

Question: Who pays for the paternity test?
Answer: A paternity action lawyer in Missouri can help determine who pays for the DNA testing. Both parties may agree to do the DNA testing voluntarily and can work out who pays for it. Testing can also be done through the Family Support Division- Child Support Enforcement (FSD) and the cost of the test will be covered. If the test is court-ordered, a judge or commissioner will include who should pay for the testing in the order.

Question: How can I establish paternity and get a paternity case started?
Answer: You can start by meeting with a paternity action attorney in Missouri at any point. Once the paperwork is filed with the court, the paternity case will begin and paternity can be established.

Why Choose The Law Office of Young, Kuhl & Frick, LLC?

The Law Office of Young, Kuhl & Frick, LLC will help guide you through the entire legal process of your paternity case every step of the way. Why should you hire The Law Office of Young, Kuhl & Frick, LLC?

Decades of Experience

Our family law attorneys have decades of combined experience - over 50 years! James H. Young, founder of The Law Office of Young, Kuhl & Frick, LLC, has been practicing family law for over 30 years and now serves as a full-time mediator. Our attorneys Abraham D. Kuhl, Jared T. Frick, and P. Chandler Frick have been serving families in the Kansas City area for many years and won multiple awards. Our very own Abraham D. Kuhl was recently named “Lawyer of the Year” for Family Law in Kansas City for 2023 by Best Lawyers.

Compassionate & Zealous Attorneys

There’s no question about it - a paternity case can be emotionally draining for both parties and their families. Our team is compassionate and zealous, always putting our clients’ needs first and focusing on what’s best for them and their families. We’re always here to listen and lend a helping hand throughout the entire process from start to finish.

Know for Demonstrating Amiability in the Kansas City Legal Community

When you hire a paternity action attorney in Missouri, you expect them to handle your case with expert knowledge and professionalism. That’s exactly what you’ll get with the team at The Law Office of Young, Kuhl & Frick, LLC; we’re known for demonstrating amiability in the Kansas City Legal Community.

Mediation Services

Our mediation services are an efficient and easier way to solve issues that relate to family law, including paternity actions that involve child custody and child support. The Law Office of Young, Kuhl & Frick, LLC provides mediation services in our office and, on rare occasions, where we travel for the benefit of all involved.

Other Family Law Services

The Law Office of Young, Kuhl & Frick, LLC is dedicated to family law, offering many services. We provide virtually all services that pertain to family law, including, but limited to, the following:

Contact Our Family Law Firm

Are you considering filing a paternity action? Or are you currently in the process of looking for a family law lawyer in Kansas City to assist with your case? Contact us to reach out and inquire about our services. We look forward to hearing from you!