A child born to parents who are not married to each other has the same rights under the law as a child born to parents who are married to each other. Certain time limitations exist regarding the establishment of paternity.

There are situations where a man will be presumed to be the father of a child.  For example, if he is married to the mother of the child and the child is born during the marriage.  In those situations where a specific presumption of paternity exists, the presumption may be rebutted in some situations.

In some situations, the question of paternity must be litigated in court.  In a litigated paternity case, the court may order genetic testing.

 The mother of a child and a man claiming to be the biological father of a child may sign an acknowledgment of paternity with the intent to establish the man’s paternity.  Certain legal requirements must be met for an acknowledgement of paternity to be valid.