Test may not end Anna custody fight
DNA tests to identify the father of Anna Nicole Smith's baby may
not resolve legal struggles over custody, a lawyer for the star's
former partner said today.
Howard Stern, who has been caring for six-month-old Dannielynn in
the Bahamas, was complying with the court ordered tests, but may
not relinquish custody even if they prove the father is Anna
Nicole's ex-boyfriend Larry Birkhead, attorney James Neavitt
said.
"Howard is the legal father. If Mr Birkhead's DNA matches, then he
can come and say he's the biological father, and then you'll have
that court battle," Neavitt said.
Neavitt did open the possibility of a negotiated settlement if the
test proves his client isn't the biological father.
He said Stern respects Birkhead and that the pair will likely reach
an agreement if the Los Angeles-based photographer is proven to be
the father.
"At that point, it will be a whole different scenario, and the two
guys will have to work something out," he said by phone from Los
Angeles.
"Dannielynn's interests are the most important, and Howard's been
protecting her from the start."
A Bahamian judge yesterday granted Birkhead's request for a DNA
test on the child.
