Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Termination of parental rightsby father.

Is it possible to terminate parental rights to children after you have been divorced for seven years.I have not been able to see them in five years.The childrens mother would not let me have any contact with them.She says they are not mine,but refuses to have a DNA test done,which I have already paid for.Her lawyer says that has nothing to do with it.If she says they are mine he said they are.


Asked on 4/12/02, 10:01 pm

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

Re: Termination of parental rightsby father.

Were these children born after your marriage and before the divorce? If so, they are presumed under the law to be your legal children. If you went through a divorce, didn't you receive some Court Ordered visitation or temporary custody? If not, why not? If so, and the mother refused your visitation, did you obtain any legal relief? If not, why not? What is this DNA testing you refer to? Did you contest paternity in the divorce? Did the Court Order a DNA test? Who did you pay for this DNA test? Your question implies that you want to terminate your parental relationship with these children. Why? I would advise you to consult with an attorney concerning your legal rights and duties in regards to these children as soon as possible. Please be prepared to provide your attorney with ALL of the relevant information so that he or she can provide competent legal advice.

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Answered on 4/14/02, 6:24 pm


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