Establishing Paternity in Connecticut
How paternity is established in Connecticut: the voluntary acknowledgment form, court orders, genetic testing and deadlines.
Short answer: Under the Connecticut Parentage Act, the person who gave birth and an alleged genetic parent (or a presumed or intended parent) may sign an acknowledgment of parentage, witnessed or notarized, after receiving oral and written notice of their rights. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 46b-476, 46b-477, 46b-479, 46b-480, 46b-482, 46b-483, 46b-497
| Establishing paternity | Under the Connecticut Parentage Act, the person who gave birth and an alleged genetic parent (or a presumed or intended parent) may sign an acknowledgment of parentage, witnessed or notarized, after receiving oral and written notice of their rights. Once filed with the Department of Public Health, which charges no filing fee, it has the same effect as a court judgment of parentage. A signer may rescind by filing a witnessed or notarized rescission with the Department of Public Health before the earlier of 60 days after the acknowledgment takes effect or the first court hearing about the child to which the signer is a party. After that, it can be challenged only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. Parentage can also be decided in court; the Superior Court, Probate Court or a family support magistrate must order genetic testing on a party's sworn request. |
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Where to get help in Connecticut
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FAQ
How do you establish paternity in Connecticut?
Under the Connecticut Parentage Act, the person who gave birth and an alleged genetic parent (or a presumed or intended parent) may sign an acknowledgment of parentage, witnessed or notarized, after receiving oral and written notice of their rights. Once filed with the Department of Public Health, which charges no filing fee, it has the same effect as a court judgment of parentage. A signer may rescind by filing a witnessed or notarized rescission with the Department of Public Health before the earlier of 60 days after the acknowledgment takes effect or the first court hearing about the child to which the signer is a party. After that, it can be challenged only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. Parentage can also be decided in court; the Superior Court, Probate Court or a family support magistrate must order genetic testing on a party's sworn request.
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.