| Paternity – Minnesota
Legal issues can arise when a child is born outside of marriage. This is known as paternity.
The purpose of a paternity proceeding is to judicially determine parentage and set the parental rights and obligations. In Minnesota, paternity is established in one of two ways: through a Recognition of Parentage, or by a court hearing or trial. Either method may require a blood test, whether voluntary or by the decision of a judge.
Establishing Paternity
Establishing paternity is important. A father has no right to custody or visitation until paternity is established, and the child has no right to child support until paternity is established. It is important to note that when a child is born out-of-wedlock, the mother automatically has sole legal and sole physical custody. Signing a Recognition of Parentage does not give the father any custodial or visitation rights, but it does afford them the right to bring an action in Court.
Paternity Mediation
Joanathan can help navigate the Paternity process through mediation, or evaluation.