Legal Question in Family Law in Mississippi
paternity
A few days after Christmas, I recieved a phone call from, well, my daughter. I always new she was mine, but her mother was married to someone else when she was born. What I need to know is how did I need to go about making my legal claim to her?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: paternity
First you need to make sure the child is biologically yours. You can do this by having a blood test done. If everyone agrees to do it, things would go a lot smoother and you wouldn't need a court to get involved yet. Once the blood test is done, if the child is yours, you will need to talk about visitation with her mother. If visitation can be agreed upon, you're homefree. If visitation can not be agreed upon, then you can involve the court system to force visitation. Be aware that you need to know if the judge will require you to pay back child support. It is a possibility you need to be made aware of.
Let me know if I can be of further service.
Jeff Padgett
662-563-9625
Re: paternity
This response is not confidential and is not based on any particularized research. It is based on my general experience, and only the limited facts in your email. No attorney-client relationship is formed.
To make your legal claim, you will need proof from a DNA test performed on the mother, daughter, possibly the mother's ex-husband, and you. If necessary, the test can be compelled by the Chancery Court.