There are several ways to establish paternity in Colorado, depending on whether the identity of the father is known or disputed. Whether you are a mother or a potential father, you can use this helpful step-by-step guide to establish paternity in Colorado.
This is the route that unwed parents generally go when fathers are known and they are willing to submit a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity to the proper authorities. Depending on the circumstances, this could involve a father completing an “acknowledgment of paternity” (AOP) form:
In either of these cases, the father’s name would be on the birth certificate once the AOP has been submitted.
If there are disputes over the father’s identity, it’s often necessary to file a paternity case, putting the matter in the hands of the family courts to resolve. In these situations, either the state or the mother can initiate the paternity case. The state can be involved for several different reasons, like, for instance, when child support issues have already entered the picture.
When mothers are opening a paternity case, they will need to complete a Petition for Paternity, a Case Information Sheet, and possibly other court forms (all court forms for Colorado paternity cases are here). Then:
Once paternity has been established by the courts, mothers and fathers can use those rulings in other, related cases—like child custody cases and/or child support cases.
Children who are born to women and men in the following situations are assumed to be the biological children of those adults, according to Colorado law:
In these situations, usually, there would only be a need to go to court if the male in that circumstance was not the father or if there were issues regarding custody or child support due to a current or impending divorce.
Find out more about your rights, options, and how to move forward in a paternity case by contacting an experienced Colorado family lawyer at The Cossitt Law Firm, LLC. We represent mothers and potential fathers in simple to complex paternity cases, providing exceptional support, advice, and advocacy from start to finish.
No matter what side of a paternity dispute you’re on, there can be a lot on the line. You don’t want to gamble the outcome by going to court alone—especially when the your paternity case may have far-reaching impacts on other family law cases. Make sure you are ready when it’s time to protect what matters most. Make sure you have a Colorado paternity lawyer at The Cossitt Law Firm, LLC on your side.
Call (970) 488-1887 or email our firm for a 100% confidential consultation.
Paternity consultations are available via phone and Skype to anyone who is unable to visit our conveniently located offices in Fort Collins, CO.
Our attorneys are thoughtful, strategic, and highly experienced advocates who work as true partners with our clients. We have a reputation for excellence and top-quality representation, and we are known for providing personal attention and practical solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Find out more about how we can help you in a paternity case by contacting The Cossitt Law Firm, LLC today.
Like other assets, businesses owned by divorcing spouses may be subject to the rule of equitable distribution in divorce. If a business is considered marital property, it will need to be valued to determine its worth so that a fair division of assets can be made. In general, a business that one or both spouses […]
When married couples split up, dividing assets is often one of the most sensitive and contentious issues they face. Can you divorce without splitting assets? Not every asset that you own is subject to division, so, yes, you may be able to divorce without splitting all of your assets. If there is a particular marital […]
Can Marijuana Use Affect a Divorce Case? With the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in Colorado, there has been increased research into the effects of the drug – including its effects on marriage. If your spouse uses too much marijuana you may wonder, Is smoking pot grounds for divorce? If you are concerned about […]
Social media is a regular part of life for many people. That also means that social media can affect your divorce. For regular users, we check on what friends are up to and learn about local events. We post about our trips, our pets, our favorite restaurants or cooking accomplishments, about our kids’ achievements. Some […]
