HB 932 -- Paternity

Sponsor:  Harris (23)

This bill changes the laws regarding the establishment of
paternity.  The Family Support Division within the Department of
Social Services is required to provide an identification of
presumptive father form when a child is born to an unmarried
woman or a woman who is married but whose husband is not the
father.  The form will contain information on the identity and
location of the presumptive father, including his Social Security
number and last known employer.  The form is not an affidavit and
does not subject the mother to civil or criminal penalties
provided she acted in good faith.

The division will provide documents on child support, parenting,
visitation, and health insurance to the mother to help establish
a parent and child relationship.  The division will maintain a
file on each child and take the necessary steps to locate the
presumptive father.

If a presumptive father is located, the division will attempt to
obtain a DNA sample to establish paternity.  If the DNA test
confirms paternity, the division will notify the presumptive
father of his rights and responsibilities regarding the child.
Once paternity has been established, the Attorney General may
recover any administrative costs related to the test.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:20 pm