ANNA NICOLE SMITH - CLOSED HEARING HELD IN SMITH PATERNITY BATTLE

CLOSED HEARING HELD IN SMITH PATERNITY BATTLE

LATEST: California courts have jurisdiction over reality TV star ANNA NICOLE SMITH, but questions remain in the paternity suit filed by her ex-boyfriend whether DNA testing can be done on her infant daughter. Attorney DEBRA OPRI, who represents LARRY BIRKHEAD, Smith's ex-boyfriend who claims to be the father of her newborn daughter, claims the court has jurisdiction over Smith because she has sufficient contacts with California. Opri said before moving to the Bahamas this year (06), the former Playboy Playmate lived, worked and had a sexual relationship in California. Birkhead left Los Angeles Superior Court after a 75-minute private hearing and gave a thumbs-up sign as he left, but said nothing. If he is confirmed as the father of two-month old DANNIELYNN HOPE MARSHALL STERN, he could receive visitation or custody rights and possibly child support. The Los Angeles-based photographer also claims in a lawsuit filed in the Bahamas that Smith and her current companion, lawyer HOWARD K STERN, committed fraud and conspiracy. The baby's birth certificate lists Stern as the father. Smith's attorney RON RALE slammed Opri's comments on the case saying, "Her statements are inaccurate and reprehensible." He declined to confirm or deny specific rulings in the case and has repeatedly stated that paternity proceedings are confidential under California law.