On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Fathers’ Rights on Wednesday, February 7, 2018.
For some, having a child outside of marriage could prove to be problematic when it comes time to see and form a relationship with the child. A recent news story gives details of one man’s fight for his paternal rights in an atypical case. Although the incident did not occur in Missouri, the details of the case may provide useful information for other individuals experiencing similar issues of paternity.
Apparently, this individual was having an on-again, off-again relationship with a woman who was still married, although separated from her husband. She ultimately got pregnant, and then got back with the husband. Under the law of the state in which the incident occurred, the child’s legal father would then be the individual who was married to the mother. Any child born in a marriage would be recognized as a product of the marriage in this case.
The man, who said that until now he refrained from going through the courts, is now attempting to become part of the child’s life. He says that he formed a bond with the child within the first 18 months of his life, but now he is being prevented from seeing the child. The woman, who said that she only let the man see the child because she was unaware of the state law about children born in marriage, and objects to the man’s claims of paternity.
Whether this individual will be able to get a DNA test, and later paternal rights, will depend on the judge overseeing the case. In Missouri, an individual seeking fathers’ rights may wish to have assistance through the trying time. An experienced family law attorney can be the right guide in these circumstances.
Source: wptv.com, “Testimony wraps up in biological father’s paternity rights petition“, Michelle Quesada, Feb. 2, 2018
