Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

You should file a lawsuit seeking a judicial determination of paternity unless you are already the legal father of the child. In this lawsuit you will be seeking at least joint legal custody and joint physical custody pursuant to the terms of a parenting plan that you will file with the court setting forth exactly what the terms of physical custody are to be together with a lot of other important terms concerning the child. Of course, "your ex" will be seeking approval of a parenting plan that she files and also an Order concerning child support. I have handled many of these in the thirty-three years that I have been practicing law. Please feel free to contact me if you do not already have an attorney.