Establishing Paternity in Wisconsin
How paternity is established in Wisconsin: the voluntary acknowledgment form, court orders, genetic testing and deadlines.
Short answer: The parents may sign a statement acknowledging paternity and file it with the state registrar (a minor may not sign). Wis. Stat. §§ 69.15(3m), 767.805, 767.84
| Establishing paternity | The parents may sign a statement acknowledging paternity and file it with the state registrar (a minor may not sign). Either signer may rescind by filing a rescission with the state registrar, with the fee, before the earlier of 60 days after the statement was filed or a court order in a family action involving the father and child. After that, the filed statement is a conclusive determination of paternity with the same effect as a judgment, and a custody, placement or support case may be brought on it. In a paternity action, the court must order genetic tests of the child, mother and any man for whom there is probable cause, generally on a sufficient petition or affidavit. Rescission rules: Wis. Stat. § 69.15(3m), https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/69.pdf |
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Where to get help in Wisconsin
More Wisconsin divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Wisconsin
- Adopting a Child in Wisconsin
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Wisconsin
- Changing Your Name in Wisconsin
- Child Custody Laws in Wisconsin
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Wisconsin
- Divorce Records in Wisconsin
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Wisconsin
- How to File for Divorce in Wisconsin
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Wisconsin
- All Wisconsin divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you establish paternity in Wisconsin?
The parents may sign a statement acknowledging paternity and file it with the state registrar (a minor may not sign). Either signer may rescind by filing a rescission with the state registrar, with the fee, before the earlier of 60 days after the statement was filed or a court order in a family action involving the father and child. After that, the filed statement is a conclusive determination of paternity with the same effect as a judgment, and a custody, placement or support case may be brought on it. In a paternity action, the court must order genetic tests of the child, mother and any man for whom there is probable cause, generally on a sufficient petition or affidavit.
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.