Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Custody Rights

I am in a very difficult situation. I made the mistake of getting involved with a married man. We secretly met a few times over the course of a couple years, and the last time I got pregnant. I didnt know the whole pregnancy if the baby was his or my boyfriend of 8 years. But, I called him and told him I was pregnant and he said it couldnt be his. By the way, my boyfriend and I are white and the other man is black. So I knew it would be evident when I had the baby who the dad was. My boyfriend decided to stay with me either way, we have a child together also. So, the baby was the married mans. I called him after and he was ignoring me. I finally got him to talk to me on the phone and he said it was my choice to stay pregnant and he has no responsibility to the child. He also said I took him out of the picture when I decided to stay pregnant and not have an abortion. He threatned me saying if I told anyone he would take the baby away. He said he makes great money, has great insurance and great lawyers and that he would get him. His wife has no idea. There is no father listed on the birth certificate. He has never seen him. Ive tried to call and he hangs up on me. Also, im 23 and hes 46. Please any advice I dont know what to do.


Asked on 1/15/09, 12:17 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: Custody Rights

First of all stop allowing this man to intimidate you. You must stand up for yourself and for your child! You need to hire an attorney and file a suit seeking a determination of paternity. Since he makes so much money it is likely that you will obtain a substantial amount of child support. He might be granted some rights to visitation with his child if he desires any, but he will not obtain sole custody of the child unless he can prove that you are an unfit parent which seems unlikely. do not put this off. You will only be entitled to child support beginning with the date of service of process upon your child's father, and your child is entitled to the support of his or her father. You may also, under the law, obtain a court order requiring the father to pay attorney's fees and costs although you will need to hire your attorney and pay your attorney in the first place. I have handled many similar cases in the thirty years I have been practicing law. If you do not aready have an attorney, you may call me for a free telephone consultation.

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Answered on 1/15/09, 12:25 am


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