Contesting paternity

[JoBarry]

State = Missouri

Scenario: Couple had baby out of wedlock. Father signed birth certificate, a year later they married. Later there was significant reason to believe baby was fathered by someone else (will not go into detail here). Couple now divorced and mother filed for child support. Child Support enforcement in MO states that because he signed the birth certificate he is responsible for support. Since he signed the birth certificate when he had no reason to believe he wasn't the father is there any way to contest it now that it is doubted? The above-mentioned father is now paying monthly support, but I just wanted to see if there was a chance to fight it (either in court or with paternity test).

 

[TxStep]

How old is the child now?

 

[smh33]

Look in state laws about paternity and establishing,etc....most have limitations on trying to do such.

 

[JoBarry]

I think the child would be 3 1/2-4 and they have been divorced/separated since Feb 2001. I went to the MO child support website but cannot find information I need...only how to contest "accusation" of paternity, not what to do if signed BC. He's pretty much rolled over and accepted that he has to pay but I thought I'd check anyway. So, if you have a website suggestion please let me know and I'll pass it on to him. Thanks, J.

 

[TxStep]

I looked on the website also, but did not find any information pertaining to your situation. i do have a suggestion, though. Try calling the Division of Family Services. You called the child support division, but they will not help you get out of a CS obligation. They want to get money.

You may be out of luck because the child is almost 4. There may be a time limit to contest the paternity. Does the father have a relationship with the child? If so, I think he would have to give that up if he contests paternity.

In any case, the number I found for Family Services is 1-800-735-2466.

 

[JoBarry]

Thanks for your help!!

I will pass this onto the father. As far as I know he does not have relationship w/child (he's in AZ and Mother/child are in MO). The father mentioned in this discussion is actually my ex from 7 years ago (obviously prior to this situation). He has been good in financially supporting our 9 year old child we have together so I wanted to try and return the favor to him and help him out of a situation I don't think he should be responsible for. Hopefully this will help. I appreciate your response! JO

 

[smh33]

Try www.paternityfraud.com for info
Try state laws but look for establishing non relationship with child,etc....If doubt, need to get DNA test now...many laws affected by date of this test....if no contact with child...may have outlet....reference non parentage, etc in state laws....