Missouri § 210.838 - Pretrial recommendation — actions, effect of party's refusal to accept.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 210.838 — Pretrial recommendation — actions, effect of party's refusal to accept., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 210.838. Pretrial recommendation — actions, effect of party's refusal to accept.
1. If a pretrial hearing is conducted under section 210.832, the master conducting the hearing shall, on the basis of the information at the pretrial hearing, evaluate the probability of determining the existence or nonexistence of the father and child relationship in a trial and whether a judicial declaration of the relationship would be in the best interests of the child. On the basis of the evaluation, an appropriate recommendation for settlement shall be made to the parties, which may include either of the following:
(1) That the action be dismissed with or without prejudice; or
(2) That the alleged father voluntarily acknowledge his paternity of the child.
2. If the parties accept a recommendation made in accordance with subsection 1 of this section, judgment shall be entered accordingly.
3. If a party refuses to accept a recommendation made under subsection 1 of this section, and blood tests have not been taken, the court shall require the parties to submit to blood tests, if practicable. Thereafter, the master shall make an appropriate final recommendation. If a party refuses to accept the final recommendation, the action shall be set for trial.
4. The guardian ad litem may accept or refuse to accept a recommendation under this section.
5. The informal hearing may be terminated and the action set for trial if the master conducting the hearing finds it unlikely that all parties would accept a recommendation he might make under subsection 1 or 3 of this section.
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(L. 1987 S.B. 328 § 13)
Effective 7-15-87
---- end of effective 15 Jul 1987 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 210.838
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 210.838 cover?
Section 210.838 ("Pretrial recommendation — actions, effect of party's refusal to accept.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 210.838?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 210.838" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 210.838 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.