Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

i know that i am not the bio-dad, But i am willing to raise this child as my own from the moment the baby is born. The bio-dad is unknown. i want to place my name on the birth certificate. The baby's mother and I are planning to marry. My question is: In the state of Missouri can I get into any legal trouble for this action. I don't want the child to see an "unknown" or "adoptive" father listed on the b.C. I already think of this baby as my own and have no second thoughts about being the baby's father.


Asked on 10/23/09, 10:04 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

When a woman has a baby in Missouri, her husband is presumed to be the biological father until someone proves otherwise. If you plan to marry this gal soon, and the baby has nto yet arrived, then marrying before birth can resolve all your concerns. Be careful. The presumption would survive a divorce. If you are presumed to be the father and thn you and her split up, you could be required to pay child support, even if a paternity test proves you are not the biologicval father. You might possibly be in the situation of having th efind the baby's Daddy and bring him to court to get out from under a support order. You say you want to marry her. Make sure you know why she wants to marry you.

Good luck

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Answered on 10/28/09, 1:50 pm


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