How To Establish Paternity in Colorado
When a child is born to unmarried parents, mothers automatically have legal custody rights, but fathers must establish paternity to have parental rights. This may be done at birth or later on, depending on the situation. If you wish to establish paternity, talk to a Broomfield family law attorney about how to navigate the legal requirements.
Options for Establishing Paternity in Colorado
By determining parentage and legally establishing it, you can ensure that you have parental rights, can provide for your child physically or financially, and have access to them. There are three different ways you can establish paternity, and each one involves taking different steps. Below is a closer look at the options available to you.
Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity
A voluntary acknowledgement of paternity (VAP) is the most straightforward method for establishing paternity. After a child is born, a father can choose to be legally recognized as the parent by completing and signing a VAP form. When done at birth, the father’s name can also be added to the child’s birth certificate. Both parents must agree to paternity and sign the form.
Administrative Paternity Order
Paternity can also be established through an administrative paternity order. This process can be useful when paternity must be established in order to recover benefits such as child support, where a father’s parental status must be valid. If both parents agree to establish paternity, or a DNA test is a match to the child, then parents can complete the process through Child Support Services. This option does not require court involvement.
Judicial Paternity Order
When parents do not agree, or the child’s father is uncertain, paternity can be established through a judicial paternity order. This process goes through the court and often requires a paternity test to establish parentage. Courts also hear and handle disputes between parents regarding a child, such as establishing child support, contesting parentage, birth certificate changes, and more. At the end of the process, a court can establish the father’s paternity.
Reasons for Establishing Paternity in Colorado
There are several reasons why establishing parentage is important for your child. Children can benefit from knowing who both of their parents are, as well as potential genetic conditions they may have inherited. Establishing paternity also means that you can provide child support or health insurance for your child, which can help provide them with a better quality of life. It also means that your child may be an heir to your estate and death benefits in the event that you pass away.
Experienced Colorado Lawyers Can Help You Establish Paternity
To successfully establish paternity in Colorado, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process and ensure that you complete all the necessary requirements. Lawyers can also help you navigate complications if they arise and work diligently to protect your rights and the parent rights you are seeking to establish. Discuss your options with Danielsen Westhoff when you contact us to schedule a free consultation.