Establishing Paternity in Colorado
How paternity is established in Colorado: the voluntary acknowledgment form, court orders, genetic testing and deadlines.
Short answer: A parent who gave birth and another person who is or believes they are a genetic parent (or an intended parent through assisted reproduction) may sign a voluntary acknowledgment of parentage; C.R.S. §§ 19-4-105(2), 13-25-126
| Establishing paternity | A parent who gave birth and another person who is or believes they are a genetic parent (or an intended parent through assisted reproduction) may sign a voluntary acknowledgment of parentage; a married or civil-union birth parent may sign with someone else only if the spouse or partner also signs. The acknowledgment takes effect when filed with the state registrar of vital statistics and is then equivalent to a court judgment of parentage. It may be rescinded within the earlier of 60 days after signing or the date of a court or administrative proceeding about the child to which the signer is a party; after that it can be challenged in court only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. In a court case where parentage is at issue, the court must order genetic testing on its own motion or a party's motion. Genetic testing statute: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-13.pdf Source: C.R.S. §§ 19-4-105(2), 13-25-126 |
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Where to get help in Colorado
More Colorado divorce & family law
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FAQ
How do you establish paternity in Colorado?
A parent who gave birth and another person who is or believes they are a genetic parent (or an intended parent through assisted reproduction) may sign a voluntary acknowledgment of parentage; a married or civil-union birth parent may sign with someone else only if the spouse or partner also signs. The acknowledgment takes effect when filed with the state registrar of vital statistics and is then equivalent to a court judgment of parentage. It may be rescinded within the earlier of 60 days after signing or the date of a court or administrative proceeding about the child to which the signer is a party; after that it can be challenged in court only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. In a court case where parentage is at issue, the court must order genetic testing on its own motion or a party's motion.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.