Paternity

Establishing Paternity and Protecting Your Parental Rights

Establishing paternity is an important step in protecting the rights of both parents and their child. Whether you are a mother seeking child support or a father who wants to establish custody or parenting time, determining legal parentage provides the foundation for resolving many important family law issues.

At Frago & Lasswell, P.A., our attorneys help clients establish paternity and understand the legal rights and responsibilities that come with being a child’s legal parent. We work with mothers and fathers to protect their interests while keeping the focus on the child’s best interests.

Why Is Establishing Paternity Important?

Under Minnesota law, when parents are not married, legal paternity is not established automatically. Until paternity is legally established, a father does not have the legal right to seek custody or parenting time. Legal parentage can be established voluntarily or through a court proceeding, depending on the circumstances.

Establishing paternity may allow parents to:

  • Seek custody or parenting time.
  • Establish child support obligations.
  • Protect a child’s legal rights and benefits.
  • Provide access to medical history and health information.
  • Create a legal parent-child relationship recognized under Minnesota law.

How Is Paternity Established?

When parents agree on a child’s parentage, they may be able to establish legal parentage by signing a Recognition of Parentage. If there is a dispute regarding parentage, either parent may ask the court to determine legal parentage. In some cases, the court may order genetic testing before making a decision. Once paternity has been established, the court may also address child custody, parenting time, and child support.

Every family’s circumstances are different. Our attorneys can explain your options, help you understand the legal process, and advocate for your interests every step of the way.

Experienced Guidance for Mothers and Fathers

Whether you are seeking to establish paternity, respond to a paternity action, or resolving related issues involving custody, parenting time, or child support, Frago & Lasswell, P.A., provides practical legal guidance tailored to your family’s needs. Our attorneys answer your questions, explain your options, and work towards solutions that protect your rights and your child’s future.

To schedule a consultation, call 507-663-7998 or contact us online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Establishing paternity creates a legal parent-child relationship. It allows the court to address issues such as custody, parenting time, and child support while protecting important legal rights for both the parent and the child.

Yes. When both parents agree, they may be able to establish legal parentage by signing a Recognition of Parentage. If there is a dispute, a court proceeding may be necessary.

Yes. If parentage is disputed, the court may order genetic testing to help determine whether a man is the child’s biological father.

No. Establishing paternity creates the legal parent-child relationship, but custody, parenting time, and child support may require separate court orders if the parents cannot reach an agreement.