- Have a child but you're not married to the mother?
- Need a court order to establish a relationship with your child?
- Not sure you are the child's father?
What is Paternity?
Simply stated, paternity is the legal action of determining who a child's father is. This situation occurs when a child is born to an unwed woman. Typically there is no dispute as to the identity of a child's father. In Minnesota, the law automatically considers that an unmarried woman who gives birth to a child has sole legal and sole physical custody of that child. However, any man who believes he is the child's biological father may challenge this by bringing an action for paternity. In some cases a parent might request DNA testing to confirm that a man is or is not a child's biological father. In either case the mother or the father of the child may file a petition to establish a parental relationship with the child. Unless the parents reach their own legal written agreement (Stipulation), once paternity is established, the court will make decisions involving the child, such as child custody, child support, and child visitation.
What is Recognition of Parentage?
Recognition of Parentage (R.O.P.) is a form parents can sign to legally declare a man to be a child's father. By signing this form a man is given the legal right to bring an action before the court to establish a relationship with the child so that he may be granted all of the same legal rights towards the child that the mother has.
Questions About Paternity?
It is wise to act quickly to establish your future relationship with your child. Call us now at 952-373-0116 or contact us online to speak with an experienced family law attorney.