Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / Mar 29, 2022
MEGAN B. WITHERSPOON, Respondent vs. JUAN THURMOND, Appellant
Juan Thurmond (Father) appealed the circuit court's judgment determining his child support arrearages, arguing the original paternity judgment was void ab initio for lack of personal jurisdiction. The circuit court found Father had waived this defense by actively participating in subsequent litigation without raising the issue. The appellate court affirmed, holding that Father's actions, including filing motions seeking affirmative relief, constituted a general appearance and waiver of the personal jurisdiction defense, even if the original judgment was entered without it.