Minnesota Paternity Attorneys & Lawyers

Establishing paternity is important because the father of a child has no legal right to custody or parenting time until paternity is established. The mother of a child has sole physical and legal custody until a court decides otherwise. If there is a paternity hearing, the court will decide custody, child support and parenting time in the same manner as if it were a divorce.

 Establishing Paternity

There are two ways to establish paternity under Minnesota law. The first involves a Recognition of Parentage, while the second involves a court order. With a Recognition of Parentage, both parents sign a sworn statement that the man is the child’s father. A ROP is only valid when it is filed with the Minnesota Department of Health. If the mother is not married to someone else, and the parents are at least 18 years old, this statement of paternity is final. A ROP can be done at any time. It is best to speak with a lawyer before you sign it, to learn how it will affect your rights.

Call us today at 763.323.6555 or contact us by e-mail to schedule a free consultation. Protect your rights if you're facing divorce.

The second way to establish paternity involves a court order. One parent may not want to sign a ROP, or more than one man may claim to be the father, or the mother may have been married to someone else when the child was born. The court will look at the evidence, including genetic tests and the past relationship between the mother and the possible father. You can ask for a genetic test but you do not have to have one to establish paternity.

Client Testimonial: "Cindy discussed all avenues and scenarios with me concerning my case and crafted responses and arguments in anticipation of what the other side would offer. At trial Cynthia was professional and concise. I felt well prepared and confident in the courtroom and know that I could not have had better representation" - Dick J., St. Paul, Minnesota

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you're facing paternity issues, we know you have many unanswered questions. The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better able we will be to gather evidence and address other important elements of your case. Contact our Minnesota family law firm now at 763.323.6555 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced paternity attorneys.

Twin Cities Paternity Lawyers & Attorneys

Our Minnesota paternity attorneys represent clients from throughout the Minneapolis metropolitan area, including the city of Albertville, Andover, Anoka, Arden Hills, Becker, Blaine, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Buffalo, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Crystal, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Fridley, Golden Valley, Ham Lake, Hopkins, Independence, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Medina, Melrose, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Minnetrista, Monticello, Mound, New Hope, Norwood Young America, Oak Grove,  Orono, Otsego, Plymouth, Princeton, Ramsey, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Rockford, Rogers, Shorewood, Spring Lake Park, St. Francis, St. Louis Park, St. Michael, Wayzata and Zimmerman.

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