When unmarried parents in Colorado have a child together, but are no longer in a relationship with one another, the only way a mother can seek child support, or a father can seek custody or visitation with the child is through the establishment of paternity. There are two ways paternity can be established in Colorado.
Admission of Paternity
If the purported father agrees that he is the child’s biological father, he can file an Admission of Paternity with the court. A father cannot be forced to sign an Admission of Paternity. Furthermore, a father who signs an Admission of Paternity gives up the right to have genetic tests taken to determine if he is the child’s biological father. After signing the Admission of Paternity, the father may be responsible for paying child support. However, he can also seek custody or visitation with the child.
Genetic testing
If the purported father does not agree that he is the child’s biological father, a Motion of Genetic Testing or an Agreement for Genetic Testing can be filed to determine whether the purported father is the child’s biological father. Parents are responsible for the fees of genetic testing. After the test results are received, a hearing will be held to determine paternity. If the purported father is determined to be the child’s father, he will be responsible for paying child support, but he may also seek custody or visitation with his child.
Learn more about child custody in Colorado
It is important for a child to have a relationship with both parents, absent cases of abuse. This provides a child with a sense of security and love. This post is for educational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Those who want to learn more about child custody in Colorado may find our firm’s website to be a useful resource.