When there’s no legal documentation confirming parenthood, challenges can arise. For example, individuals may struggle to visit their children while incarcerated. Establishing legal parentage can be a complex process.

NOTE: Showing you’re the parent with Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) doesn’t mean you have to give money for the child right away. But, if the other parent asks for it from DSS or the courts later, proving you’re the parent makes you eligible to help with money for the child.

Here is a link to MSPD HDS’s “How to” establish parenthood

And here are my series of posts regarding all HDS’s resource handouts.

Here is a separate post regarding establishing paternity.

If you are facing a criminal non-support charge, this page may be of interest to you but is not likely relevant to your defense to the charge as you might imagine — click here for information about paternity as a (usually non) defense to criminal non support.

---

Holistic Defense Services (HDS) is a program within MSPD that focuses on addressing the underlying social, economic, and health issues that contribute to a client’s involvement with the criminal justice system. HDS aims to provide comprehensive support to clients, beyond traditional legal representation, to help them overcome barriers and achieve better outcomes.

Here is a like to all of HDS’s “How To” Guides > here