Step-parent adoptions usually require the parents to have been married for six months first. Otherwise, you meet the requirements for adoption. Get married first, and then after six months, contact an adoption attorney in your area to assist you.

Unless the two of you are married, or have an existing court order, you are the only one with rights to the child; he can't take the child anywhere. Furthermore, it does depend a little upon the conditions of his release, but typically, if he has been released on bond, he won't be able... View More

While an unwed father does not have rights to a child without a custody orders from the court; the damage here is already done. You might be able to sue him for the costs of having the tattoo removed but otherwise I can't think of many other remedies in Missouri. If all the parties are in... View More

That's incorrect. If an unwed father has not be proven to be the father in court, then he has no rights to the child; only the mother does. While the police are very knowledgeable about what constitutes a crime, they tend to be lacking about civil matters. Your sister may claim her child,... View More

If the two of you were never married, then he has no rights to the child and you may move as you wish. He does have the option of pursuing a custodial rights through a paternity action; but until that time, you are the only one with rights to your child.

They have to first demonstrate that the current order is too difficult for him to reasonably make.

Yes. Maintenance terminates once the receiving spouse remarries, the assumption is that the new spouse will support the person originally receiving maintenance.

You need to file a modification based upon a change in the child's residential custody to terminate the current child support order. Contact an attorney local to you to assist you.

Yes, you can contact the court and request that the court abate his payments, or tell them that the payments are being made directly.

Unless the child has been adopted by your older daughter, then your parental rights have not been severed, and you have a right to your child. Contact the police to help you retrieve your child; some jurisdictions will do this, some will require a court order first. Your older daughter was... View More

If the child was born in your marriage, you are the legal father and have equal rights to the child, even if you are not the biological father. You should talk to an attorney local to you as soon as possible about pursuing physical custody of your son as part of either a legal separation or a... View More

Just texting in general, no, that's not illegal. Sexting, however, depends on how old is the minor.

In order for a non-parent to be awarded guardianship, they must prove that the parent is unwilling, unfit or unable to continue with the parental responsibilities. So long as you are willing, fit and able to care for your children, it should be fairly easy to contest the guardianship. Talk to an... View More

There are approximately 80 cases a year which are argued in the Supreme Court. About another 100 cases are resolved without argument.

There are about 7,000 to 8,000 cases a year filed with the Supreme Court. The likelihood of getting a case to the Supreme Court is about 1%.

I... View More

If you have no court order for custody, you each have equal rights to the children. So you may move with them, but she may also come and reclaim them. Talk to an attorney local to you about getting a legal separation with temporary custody.

You will need to seek guardianship over the child. Some counties will have forms for child guardianship on their websites, but it is best to talk to an attorney local to you to assist you,

Until she is 18, she does not have a legal right to leave against your wishes. That being said, even if she were 18, she would only have a legal claim to her clothing and toiletries, items she purchased, or items that were given to her as a gift. She would not be able to take furniture or bedding... View More

If father wants parenting time, he needs a court order that establishes a parenting plan in Missouri. Only the father can petition for it. Mother is not obligated to send a child to another state if nothing has been ordered. It is not clear who you are referring to as "we" in your... View More

If you don't currently have a court order for custody and visitation, then she can deny you time when ever she wants. You should talk to an attorney local to you as soon as possible about seeking a Paternity action or a Declaration of Paternal Rights, so your time with your son is enforceable... View More

It would all depend on whether or not she is permanently unable to care for the child or if she will be able to make a sufficient recovery. If she is permanently unable to care for your son, then you have grounds for a modification, however if she is simply ill temporarily, then the court is... View More