Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Re: child custody

Since you were not married at the time the child was born, you are not the legal father of the child and you have no legal rights to the child whatsoever. You will have to file a lawsuit called a Paternity Suit asking the Court to declare you to be the legal father of this child.You may also ask for custody at that time. I charge a retainer fee in the amount of $1500.00 and bill for my time at the rate of $150 per hour on such cases. There are also court costs such as filing fees, service fees, the cost of a DNA test possibly and other expenses which you would be required to pay. Regarding your other questions, if you need to do so you may be able to file a Petition in Court under the Adult Abuse Act based upon the violence you mention, and the court in that case may deal with the issues of your possessions. You do not absolutely need to hire an attorney on that case, but it would be better if you did so. Good luck.