Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

What To Do?

I recently filed for child support from my ex-boyfriend. He has NEVER paid any child support since she was born and she is now 2 years old. How do I go about getting the back support from him and in doing so, does he in turn have visitation rights? I fear for the safety of my child. He has threatened to take her from me if he ever gets his hands on her. He has been arrested for assulting a police officer and has a very bad temper. How can I go about protecting her from him? Please help!


Asked on 3/27/03, 10:37 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: What To Do?

You are probably limited to obtaining child support prospectively from the time you obtain either an administrative order or a court order determining this man to be the legal father of the child. I would normally advise filing a paternity suit, however, in such a suit the father may be awarded visitation. Of course, the court will protect the child and limit the visitation to supervised if there is reason to do so. Also, you may file a suit under the Child Protective Act seeking a restraining order against the father of the child based upon his past behavior and the threat of harm to the child. Normally, you may file one of these on your own if you are unable to hire an attorney, but I would strongly advise you to obtain legal representation as soon as possible for both your sake and the sake of your child. You may call me for a free telephone consultation at 314-727-2822.

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Answered on 3/31/03, 12:30 am


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