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Some State of Missouri websites can be translated into many different languages using Google™ Translate, a third party service (the "Service") that provides automated computer translations of web pages. The Google™ Translate Service is offered as a convenience and is subject to applicable Google Terms of Service. Providing the service as a convenience is not an endorsement of the product or the results generated and nothing herein should be construed as such an approval or endorsement.
The content of State of Missouri websites originate in English. If there are differences between the English content and its translation, the English content is always the most accurate. By selecting a language from the Google Translate menu, the user accepts the legal implications of any misinterpretations or differences in the translation.
As Google's translation is an automated service it may display interpretations that are an approximation of the website's original content. You should not rely on Google™ Translate to provide an exact translation of the website. There are circumstances where the service does not translate correctly and/or where translations may not be possible, such as with certain file types, video content, and images. In addition, some applications and/or services may not work as expected when translated.
The State of Missouri has no control over the nature, content, and availability of the service, and accordingly, cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of the translation. Neither the State of Missouri nor its employees accept liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the translation or liability for any loss, damage, or other problem, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage arising from or in connection with use of the Google™ Translate Service.
Google Translate will not translate applications for programs such as Food Stamps, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, Child Care and Child Support.
For assistance call 1-855-373-4636
Or, visit your local Resource Center. To find a location near you, go to dss.mo.gov/dss_map/
Establishing paternity is the process used to determine whether or not a man is a child’s biological and legal father. This must be complete before we can establish a child support order.
Parents who are not married can establish legal paternity for a child by:
When the mother is married, but not to the father of the child, the mother and her husband will need to fill out the Husband's Denial of Paternity, which is part of the Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity. If the husband is not cooperative or his location is unknown, the married mother may apply for Child Support services to assist with getting an order that establishes paternity.
If paternity has not already been established, you can get free paternity testing through the Family Support Division. Paternity testing (also known as DNA testing or genetic testing) involves a simple swipe of a Q-tip©–like swab inside the cheek of the child, mother, and the man. The samples are then sent to a laboratory for testing. If the results of the genetic test show at least a 98 percent probability that the man is the father, then the man is the presumed father under Missouri law.
It is important to note that genetic testing alone does not establish legal paternity. Parents must complete an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity or obtain an order naming the man as the father of the child.
For help with paternity questions, such as how to get the father’s name listed on the child’s birth certificate or how to get free paternity testing, please call 855-454-8037.
