Paternity

[Nikki74]

What is the name of your state? Missouri

A friend of mine is getting a divorce and was never sure the child was his and wants to have a paternity test done especially since the mother won't let him see the baby. He moved back to Illinois with his parents and the mother is in Missouri. She has child support established but she is pregnant with someone elses baby and can't get the divorce until after she has the baby. Right now he can't afford an attorney or the cost of a paternity test. Does anyone know what his options are for paternity testing? Like getting it done the cheapest possible? Thanks!

 

[stepmom&mom]

I believe, if they are married, that he is the presumed father until there is a paternity test establishing who the father is.

 

[Nikki74]

He married her after she was pregnant and said it did'nt matter if the baby was his or not...well, the marriage didn't last but a few months and she won't let him see the baby....so he wants to make sure the baby is his before he pays support for the next 18 - 21 years. So I'm wondering what the steps are to the cheapest way of getting a paternity test done.

 

[rmet4nzkx]

There is no getting around the cost of the test, it must be court ordered, he will need to file a paternity action, the judge will order the test. The court clerk should be able to tell him the cost of the test, it will be worth it if he does this no matter the results either in the money saves in child support etc if it isn't his child and if it is, he can petition the court for custody and visitaiton. Has he responded to all the court papers so far?

 

[Nikki74]

There is no getting around the cost of the test, it must be court ordered, he will need to file a paternity action, the judge will order the test. The court clerk should be able to tell him the cost of the test, it will be worth it if he does this no matter the results either in the money saves in child support etc if it isn't his child and if it is, he can petition the court for custody and visitaiton. Has he responded to all the court papers so far?

He hasn't responded to the court papers. I think he thought he could runaway from it all.

Do you know where I can download the forms or do I have to go to the court house? The reason I ask where "I" can get the forms is because he is out of state and I'm trying to help him out because I can't stand his wife who is my sister-in-law and she is very mean to this baby.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Nikki74]

He hasn't responded to the court papers. I think he thought he could runaway from it all.

Do you know where I can download the forms or do I have to go to the court house? The reason I ask where "I" can get the forms is because he is out of state and I'm trying to help him out because I can't stand his wife who is my sister-in-law and she is very mean to this baby.

Thanks for the help.

Also, do you know if he has to pay up front for the paternity test and can he have her pay if the baby isn't his?

 

[rmet4nzkx]

He needs to respond to court papers and not ignore them or he will lose everything by default. http://www.courts.mo.gov/circuits/index.nsf