Clayton Echard Speaks Out After Winning Paternity Case (Exclusive)

Echard tells PEOPLE his family is ⁘excited to see that justice is actually being served⁘ after he won the paternity suit that was filed against him

The former Bachelor, 31, tells PEOPLE that he is happy about the legal victory as "accountability needed to be had" nine months after an unidentified woman — who has since been named as Laura Owens in recent court filings — claimed he had fathered her unborn twins during a one-night stand.

According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Arizona Judge Julia Ann Mata noted Owens "knowingly presented a false claim, knowingly violated a court order compelling disclosure or discovery."

Mata found that "[Owens] acted unreasonably when she initiated litigation without basis or merit. Without an authentic ultrasound, sonogram, physical examination, and in conjunction with a belief she passed tissue in July 2023, the Court finds the underlying Petition premature at best. At worst, however, fraudulent and made to incite communication, a relationship, or both, with the [Echard]."

The former reality star was consequently granted in Petition for Non-Paternity and his attorneys fees.

The court also "determined that Laura Owens has a pattern of similar, if not identical behavior, and court involvement" and referred the matter to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for further review of her actions.

He calls the referral to Maricopa County Attorney's Office for possible criminal charges "the ultimate win for me."

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