Missouri basketball fans may be interested in a recent child-custody case involving professional basketball player Paul George. Reportedly, the star player for the Indiana Pacers intends to fight for custody of a 2-month-old girl provided that a scientific paternity test proves that he is the biological father of the child.
According to a petition filed in family court by George, the National Basketball Association all-star has the resources and means to care for the 2-month-old child. Furthermore, the petition states that the mother is unable to care for the child, claiming that she is unemployed and dependent upon other people to care for the girl.
George is petitioning the court to limit the parental responsibility of the girl’s mother. After an earlier, prenatal paternity test had indicated that George is in all likelihood the father of the child, George said that he would embrace fatherhood if he is legally confirmed to be the girl’s father. The mother of the child has filed her own petition for sole custody of the girl. In the mother’s court filing, she cites George’s professional travel schedule in arguing that he is unfit to be the child’s custodial parent.
George met the child’s mother in Florida, reportedly. Although she filed for sole custody in New York, he petitioned for the case to be moved to Florida. Reportedly, the case has been delayed pending a decision on jurisdiction.
This case illustrates the contentious nature that often defines child-custody disputes. In Missouri, family courts reserve the power to decide custody cases based on the best interests of the child if the biological parents cannot resolve their differences and arrive at a reasonable agreement.
Source: INDY Star, “Pacers’ Paul George seeks sole custody of child“, June 30, 2014
