Family Law Blog

Establishing Paternity in Colorado Protects a Father’s Rights

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on June 30, 2011

In Colorado, a man who is married to a woman when she gives birth is automatically assumed to be the child’s father. Fathers who aren’t married to the child’s mother, however, need to establish their relationship to the child. Men have several options for establishing paternity in Colorado. All of these options create a legal recognition of the father-child relationship and allow the father to see the children, provide for their care, and play a role in major life decisions that affect each child.

The requirements for establishing paternity vary in each state. In Colorado, a man can establish paternity by being listed as the father on a child’s birth certificate, by having a paternity test, or by living as the child’s father, which includes providing financial support as well as caring for the child and having a father-child relationship with his son or daughter. If there are doubts about who is the child’s biological father, however, a paternity test may be required.

Establishing paternity in Colorado allows a father to do several things. First, he can ask a court to grant him visitation, also known as “parenting time,” in which he can see his children. He can also request physical custody, legal custody, or both. Finally, the father can establish his right to be part of “parental decision making,” in which he and the child’s mother work together to make major life decisions - like schooling, religion, and medical care - for the child.

Having paternity legally recognized by a court protects the father’s relationship with his child. If you are facing questions about custody or parenting in Colorado, the experienced family law attorneys in Denver at Kaplan Law can help. Call us today at 1-877-527-5260 for a free and confidential consultation.