If you are an unmarried parent, you may be wondering about Missouri child custody laws. In most states, children are divided equally between the parents, but in Missouri, there is no such rule. Often, child custody issues are decided based on the preferences of the child, so the child’s wishes must be considered by the court. This is why it is important to get quality legal representation to help you with the case.

There are several steps to establish paternity in Missouri. First, you need to file a petition in state court, and the other parent must respond within 30 days. Second, you must establish paternity to obtain custody of your child. This can be done through an agreement between the biological parents or through DNA testing. It is important to understand that Missouri child custody laws apply to both married and unmarried parents, so you should contact a lawyer today for help.

Third, you should learn about Missouri child custody laws before filing your case. A court will consider the best interests of the child, so joint custody is the most common option. In fact, Missouri courts tend to give joint custody if both parents want to raise their child. And if one parent is unfit, the court is more likely to award joint custody. This is because it will be in the child’s best interest to spend time with both parents.

There are many reasons to seek paternity in Missouri. One of the most obvious reasons is that you don’t want to place a child in an abusive situation. While a child needs both parents, it is best for him to have both parents involved in raising and supporting the child. In Missouri, this is not an easy process, but it is the only way to ensure that the child is raised by a supportive parent.

If you believe you’re the biological father of your child, you can file a paternity action in court. You must also provide proof of paternity to prove your eligibility for custody. If the mother has refused to sign voluntary acknowledgments, a court action may be filed to determine paternity. The court may order DNA testing and the results of the test may be used to get a court order. Genetic testing costs are covered by the state.

Once you have received a court order, the child will likely express a preference for which parent they want to live with. The judge will consider this preference and use it to make a final decision on custody. Even if the child does not wish to testify in court, they may be able to influence the outcome. This is an especially important aspect of a custody case, so you should discuss the possibility with your attorney before proceeding.