Does one have to file paternity results with the court before they can file for custody?
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Does one have to file paternity results with the court before they can file for custody?
How important is it to be the one who files first?
Asked on April 15, 2012 under Family Law, Missouri
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
I presume that from your question you are the father of the child that you are writing about seeking custody. In order to obtain some semblance of custody over one's child, a petition for custody can be filed by you where as part of the ultimate determination on the custody issue the court orders testing of you to determine whether you are or are not the biological parent of the minor child before making a ruling on the child custody issue.
I suggest that you consult with a family law attorney to help you further if you have additional questions to the answer to your question.
It is irrelevant under the laws of all states in this country as to who first files for custody of a minor.
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