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Paternity testing for father and son.
Father and son going through paternity testing.

 

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Many fathers mistakenly believe that if they were not married to the mother of their child, they lack legal rights as a parent. However, this is far from the truth. For unmarried fathers, it is important to establish paternity through either DNA testing or the submission of a Paternity Affidavit to legally confirm their fatherhood. Once paternity has been established, the father is entitled to pursue custody rights through a Parenting Plan or Visitation Schedule, just as if the parents were married.

Paternity

Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child. It establishes a biological and legal relationship between the father and the child, providing essential rights and responsibilities. In Colorado, establishing paternity allows unmarried fathers to assert their parental rights, such as custody, visitation, and decision-making authority. It also benefits the child by providing access to financial support, medical insurance, and inheritance rights. Establishing paternity ensures that both the father and the child have a meaningful and lasting relationship, promoting the child's well-being and fostering a sense of identity and belonging. It is a fundamental step in protecting the rights and interests of both the father and the child in the context of family law proceedings.

 

Establishing paternity is an important legal process that determines the legal rights and responsibilities of a father in relation to their child. In Colorado, paternity can have significant implications for child support, custody, visitation, and other parental rights. However, concerns related to mistaken paternity or paternity fraud can arise, leading to questions and uncertainties. This article aims to shed light on the process of establishing paternity in Colorado and address the potential issues surrounding mistaken paternity or paternity fraud.

 

Understanding the Importance of Establishing Paternity

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Establishing paternity provides numerous benefits for both the child and the father. For the child, it allows for a legal relationship with their father, which can lead to emotional support, access to medical history, financial support, and inheritance rights. For the father, it grants the opportunity to develop a meaningful and ongoing relationship with their child, including custody, visitation rights, and involvement in decision-making processes. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure accurate and reliable paternity determination.

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Additionally, establishing parentage can significantly impact a child's access to medical insurance. Children may gain access to health insurance through either parent’s employers, unions, or military branches. This access ensures that the child can receive necessary medical care and support, adding another layer of security and well-being.

By legally recognizing the father, doors open for the child not only in terms of emotional and financial benefits but also in practical aspects such as healthcare coverage. This comprehensive support system underscores the importance of establishing paternity for the overall development and welfare of the child.

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The Process of Establishing Paternity in Colorado

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I. Presumed Parent

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A person is presumed to be the natural parent of a child if:

 

(a) The person and the mother are or have been married to each other or are in a civil union, and the child is born during the marriage or civil union, or is born within 300 days after the marriage or civil union is terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity of marriage or civil union, dissolution of marriage or civil union, or divorce, or after a decree of legal separation is entered by a court;


(b) Before the child’s birth, the person and the mother have attempted to marry each other but the marriage or civil union is or could be declared invalid, and:


     (I) If the attempted marriage or civil union could be declared invalid only by a court, the child is born during the      attempted marriage or civil union or within 300 days after its termination by death, annulment, declaration of    invalidity of marriage or civil union, dissolution of marriage or civil union, or divorce; or


     (II) If the attempted marriage or civil union is invalid without a court order, the child is born within three hundred    days after the termination of cohabitation;


(c) After the child’s birth, the person and the mother have married or entered into a civil union, or attempted to marry each other but the marriage could be declared invalid, and:


     (I) The person has asserted parentage of the child in writing filed with the court or registrar of vital statistics; or


     (II) With the person’s consent, the person is named as the child’s parent on the child’s birth certificate; or


     (III) The person is obligated to support the child under a written voluntary promise or by court order or by an administrative order;


(d) While the child is under the age of majority, the person receives the child into the person’s home and openly holds out the child as the person’s natural child;


(e) The genetic tests or other tests of inherited characteristics have been administered, and the results show that the alleged genetic parent is not excluded as the probable genetic parent and that the probability of the person’s genetic parentage is ninety-seven percent or higher. However, this does not apply to a donor.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Step forward for your child's future. Call our law firm at 303-928-0660 for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, navigate the paternity process, and build a strong foundation for your family. Your journey begins today!

Parentage

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Parentage means being the parent of a child, which includes both the special relationship they share and the responsibility to take care of and love the child.  “Parent and child relationship” means the legal relationship existing between a child and his natural or adoptive parents incident to which the law confers or imposes rights, privileges, duties, and obligations. “Parent and child relationship” includes the mother and child relationship and the father and child relationship.

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Steps to Create a Child Support Order After Parentage is Established

 

Once parentage is confirmed, several steps follow to establish a child support order:

  1. Locate the Parents: Both parents need to be located to proceed with the next steps.

  2. Work with Child Support Office: The local child support office will collaborate with both parents to draft a child support order if one doesn't already exist. This process sets a specific monthly amount that the paying parent must contribute for the child's support. If the child is in foster care, both parents might share this financial responsibility, and a fee could be charged to create the order.

  3. Legal Process: Creating a child support order is a legal procedure. Therefore, proper legal notice must be given to both parents before finalizing the support arrangement.

  4. Notice and Response: Parents are notified about the impending support order and are given a specific time frame to respond. Failure to respond within this period can lead to a "default order." This default order is legally binding and enforceable, which means the court can compel compliance from the non-responding parent.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Confirmation of Parentage: Essential before any steps are taken.

  • Parental Involvement: Both parents must be located and involved.

  • Legal Procedures: Compliance with legal notice requirements.

  • Response Window: Parents must respond in time to avoid default orders.

By understanding these steps, parents can better navigate the process and ensure that the child receives the necessary support.

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Notification Requirements for Finalizing Child Support and Parentage

 

Before finalizing child support and parentage, certain legal notification procedures must be followed to ensure that the parent is adequately informed. Here's a breakdown of what is required:

  1. Formal Legal Notice
    The parent must receive a formal legal notice, which typically comes in the form of a court summons or a notification letter. This document will outline the dates and details of upcoming hearings or procedures.

  2. Personal Delivery
    Legal notices should often be delivered personally to the parent. This can be carried out by a process server or a law enforcement officer to ensure the parent physically receives the information.

  3. Mail Service
    In some cases, legal notices may be sent via certified mail with a return receipt requested. This provides proof that the notice was received and acknowledged.

  4. Public Notice
    If personal delivery or mail service isn't possible due to unknown whereabouts of the parent, a public notice may need to be published. This is often done in local newspapers or online public records.

  5. Acknowledgment of Receipt
    The parent must confirm receipt of the notice, either by signing a document or through an affidavit of service provided by the process server.

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By meeting these notification requirements, legal proceedings for child support and parentage can move forward fairly and transparently.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Father and Son

The Legal Process to Create a Child Support Order

 

Creating a child support order involves several key steps, with the goal of establishing financial support for a child. Here's a breakdown of the process:

  1. Establishing Parentage

    • Before creating a child support order, it's essential to identify and locate the parents. This often involves legal verification of parentage.

  2. Engaging with Local Authorities

    • Once parentage is confirmed, the local child support office takes the lead in working with both parents to draft a child support order. This step formalizes the financial responsibilities.

    • If the child is in foster care, parents may incur a fee to create this order.

  3. Legal Notification

    • Parents must receive proper legal notice regarding the initiation of child support and parentage proceedings. This ensures fairness and transparency in the legal process.

  4. Default Orders

    • If a parent fails to respond within the stipulated time period, the child support office can issue a "default order." This order is immediately enforceable, carrying the same legal weight as if both parties had agreed.

  5. Setting the Payment Amount

    • The child support order specifies a monthly amount. This sum is meant for the child's needs and is determined based on various factors, including the parents' income and the child's requirements.

Important Considerations

  • Enforcement

    • Once established, the child support order is legally binding. This means non-compliance can result in legal consequences.

  • Modifications

    • Future changes in circumstances (e.g., changes in income or custody arrangements) can necessitate modifications to the order. Legal procedures are in place to handle such adjustments.

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Understanding the legal steps involved in creating a child support order helps ensure that the child's needs are met consistently and fairly. Parents should engage proactively with the process to avoid default orders and potential legal complications.

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What is a "Default Order" for Support and When Can it Be Entered?

 

A "default order" for support is a legally binding decision made by the court regarding child support. This order is issued when one parent fails to respond to a legal notice within a specified timeframe.

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Here's How it Works:

  1. Notification: The parent in question receives a legal notice informing them of the proceedings related to child support and parentage.

  2. Response Window: The parent must respond within a designated period, typically outlined in the notice.

  3. Non-Response Consequence: If the parent does not respond within this window, the court can proceed without their input.

  4. Issuance of Default Order: The county child support office then enters a default order based on the available information.

 

Key Points to Remember:

  • Legally Enforceable: Once entered, the default order carries the same legal weight as if both parents had participated in the process.

  • Implications: The parent will be required to follow the terms set forth in the default order, including making the specified support payments.

 

In summary, a default order ensures that child support obligations are met even if one parent fails to engage in the legal process.

 

Parents have the option to start the process of establishing parentage at any point until the child reaches 18 years old. In specific circumstances, this timeframe can extend up to the child's 21st birthday.

Take the important step towards establishing paternity today. Contact our law firm at 303-928-0660 to schedule a confidential consultation. Together, we will unravel the truth, safeguard your parental rights, and build a strong and nurturing foundation for your child's bright future.

Can Parentage Be Established If a Parent Lives in Another State?

 

Yes, parentage can be established even if one parent resides in a different state. Modern legal systems provide various avenues to ensure that parentage is recognized across state lines.

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Methods for Establishing Parentage Across States

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  1. Uniform Parentage Act (UPA): Many states have adopted the Uniform Parentage Act, which provides consistent legal standards for determining parentage. This act helps streamline the process, irrespective of where the parents live.

  2. Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage:

    • Hospitals and Birth Certificates: Parents can sign a voluntary acknowledgment of parentage at the hospital when the child is born. This document is legally binding and recognized in other states.

    • Form Submission: Parents can also complete and submit the form to the appropriate state offices if they are not present at the birth.

  3. Court Orders:

    • Interstate Cooperation: Courts often cooperate with each other across state lines to establish parentage. A court in one state can issue a parentage order that will be enforced in another state.

    • Genetic Testing: Courts may order genetic testing to prove biological parentage if disputed.

  4. Child Support Enforcement (CSE) Agencies:

    • These agencies facilitate interstate cases involving parentage and can help with both establishing and enforcing parentage orders.

By utilizing these methods, parents can ensure their parentage is legally recognized, ensuring rights and responsibilities are upheld regardless of state boundaries.

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Addressing Concerns of Mistaken Paternity or Paternity Fraud

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While rare, cases of mistaken paternity or paternity fraud can cause significant distress and uncertainty. Mistaken paternity occurs when there is a genuine belief that an individual is the biological father, but it later turns out to be incorrect. Paternity fraud, on the other hand, involves intentionally misrepresenting or withholding information about the child's biological father. If an individual suspects mistaken paternity or paternity fraud, it is important to seek legal advice promptly. In most cases, a father only has two years to contest paternity following the establishment of a child support order.  

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Hanging Baubles

When a child is placed in foster care, a specific process is followed to establish a child support order. Here's what happens:

 

Establishing Parentage and Location

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First, the parentage needs to be confirmed, and both parents must be located.

 

Creating the Child Support Order

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Once parentage is established, the local child support office collaborates with the parents to formulate a child support order if one is not already in place. This is a legal procedure designed to determine a monthly support amount.

 

Applicable Fees

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If the child is in foster care, parents may be required to pay a fee to set up the support order. This fee is assessed to cover administrative costs associated with creating the order.

 

Payment Responsibilities

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For children in foster care, the support amount may be determined for one or both parents. This ensures that the child's needs are met through financial contributions.

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By setting a structured monthly payment, the foster care system ensures ongoing support for the child's welfare.

 

Key Points:

  • Confirm parentage and locate both parents.

  • Collaborate with parents to establish a support order.

  • Pay applicable fees (if the child is in foster care).

  • Establish financial responsibilities for one or both parents.

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Legal Remedies and DNA Testing

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In cases of mistaken paternity or paternity fraud, legal remedies are available to address these concerns. Colorado law allows for genetic testing to determine biological paternity. This involves DNA testing, which provides accurate and conclusive results. A court order may be required to initiate the genetic testing process. If the test confirms non-paternity or fraud, the legal system can rectify custody, visitation, and child support arrangements accordingly provided it is completed within within a two year period from the date a person is legally determined to be the father. 

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Conclusion

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Establishing paternity is a vital step in determining the legal rights and responsibilities of a father in Colorado. While mistaken paternity or paternity fraud can create complex and sensitive situations, the legal system provides avenues to address these concerns. Seeking legal advice and pursuing DNA testing can help ensure accurate and fair outcomes, safeguarding the rights and best interests of both the child and the involved parties. By navigating the process of establishing paternity with care and diligence, families can lay a foundation for a stable and supportive environment for their children.

Father and Son Fishing

Top Related Paternity Readings...

Paternity Rights and Parental Alienation: Addressing the Impact on Father-Child Relationships

The article discusses the importance of paternity rights and the detrimental impact of parental alienation on father-child relationships. Parental alienation involves psychological manipulation that distances a child from one parent, leading to emotional distress and attachment issues. Strategies to address and prevent parental alienation include open communication, mediation or counseling, court intervention when necessary, and staying actively involved in the child's life.

https://www.creagerlegal.com/post/paternity-rights-and-child-support-ensuring-fair-financial-responsibilities-for-fathers

Understanding the legal rights and responsibilities of unmarried fathers regarding paternity establishment is crucial. This includes access to custody, visitation, financial support, and decision-making rights for their child. Seeking legal assistance is recommended to navigate the complexities and ensure a positive and involved father-child relationship.

https://www.creagerlegal.com/post/paternity-rights-and-child-support-ensuring-fair-financial-responsibilities-for-fathers

The significance of paternity rights and child support in ensuring fair financial responsibilities for fathers is highlighted. Paternity rights offer legal standing, emotional bonding, and financial obligations, fostering meaningful relationships with their children. Child support provides financial stability, covering basic needs, education, healthcare, and overall well-being, while effective communication and flexibility in changing circumstances are essential for fair child support arrangements.

  • What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
    Legal custody refers to decision-making authority, while physical custody relates to where the child resides. In Colorado, "custody" is referred to as the "allocation of parental responsibilities" (APR). APR refers to (1) parenting time, and (2) decision-making responsibility.
  • How to change jurisdiction for child custody?
    To change jurisdiction for child custody, you typically need to file a petition in the current jurisdiction, providing valid reasons for the requested change, and seek approval from the court.
  • Can parenting time be modified or adjusted?
    Parenting time can be modified or adjusted if there is a significant change in circumstances or if it is determined that the modification is in the best interests of the child. The court will consider factors such as the child's needs and the parents' ability to co-parent effectively when making a decision.
  • Can you lose custody for not paying child support?
    Yes, you can potentially lose custody for not paying child support, as failure to fulfill financial responsibilities may be seen as neglecting the child's well-being and can be grounds for a change in custody arrangements.
  • Do I need a lawyer for child custody?
    While it is not mandatory to have a lawyer for child custody cases, consulting with a family law attorney is highly recommended to understand your rights, navigate the legal process effectively, and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
  • Why do I pay child support with 50/50 custody?
    Even with 50/50 custody, you may still be required to pay child support if there is a significant disparity in the incomes of the parents or other factors considered by the court to ensure the child's financial well-being.
  • How does relocation or moving to another state impact existing custody arrangements?
    Relocation can significantly impact custody arrangements, often requiring court approval or modification of the existing order.
  • Should co-parents spend time together?
    Co-parents should spend time together if they can maintain a respectful and cooperative relationship for the benefit of their children's well-being, but it's essential to prioritize the children's needs and avoid it if unresolved conflicts or emotional distress are involved.
  • Who pays attorney fees in child custody cases?
    In child custody cases, the party responsible for paying attorney fees is typically determined by the court and may vary depending on the specific circumstances and laws of the jurisdiction.
  • Can you lose custody for child endangerment?
    Yes, child endangerment can be a significant factor in child custody cases, and engaging in behavior that puts the child's safety at risk may lead to the loss of custody rights.
  • Can you get custody of a child that's not yours?
    Obtaining custody of a child who is not biologically yours may be possible through legal means, such as adoption or obtaining guardianship, depending on the specific circumstances and the laws in your jurisdiction.
  • How to fight false allegations in child custody?
    To fight false allegations in child custody, gather evidence, maintain clear and open communication with legal representation, and work with your attorney to present a strong defense in court.
  • Can I fight for custody from another state?
    Yes, you can fight for custody from another state, but it can be legally complex, and it's essential to understand the relevant laws and seek legal counsel.
  • How long does a custody hearing take?
    The duration of a custody hearing can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the number of witnesses and evidence presented, and the court's schedule, but it typically lasts anywhere from a few hours to several days.
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