Paternity
Paternity Rights and Responsibilities
Dealing with paternity issues can be complex and emotional. This page provides important information and resources to help you through the process. Whether you need to establish paternity or understand your rights and responsibilities, we offer guidance and support to assist you. Our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to handle paternity matters effectively and with confidence.
Paternity Resources
Establish Paternity
If either of you questions whether or not the man named as the father in your case is the father, the court will order genetic testing at the initial hearing. If the man names as the father is found not to be the father by genetic testing, the case will be dismissed.
Read
Read the Local Rule to learn what the Courts expect of you and find important information about how paternity cases will be handled to build cooperation, protect the best interests of the children, reduce conflict, and ensure safety.
Complete Online Exercises
If the Court makes a finding of paternity, both parents must complete the work on www.UpToParents.org. Both parents should then merge and exchange answers. Give a copy of this completed work to your attorney and bring it to all court appearances and meetings. In addition, a court may order both parents to attend a co-parenting class. If so, take this completed work to your class.
Living Arrangements
Establish your own plan for decision-making and living arrangements that will be best for your child. Download and review the following documents:
Finances
You must both complete and exchange Financial Declaration Forms with all required attachments.