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Starting a case for parentage through DHFS How-To
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Parentage can be established at a hearing with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (DHFS) instead of a judge. It is easier than a parent filing a lawsuit on their own, but it can take a long time. Also, it only deals with parentage and child support.  Parenting time and parental responsibilities will not be decided.

Apply

To start the process, contact the DHFS Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) at (800) 447-4278 (TTY: (800)526-5812). Information about the process and an online application can be found on the DCSS website.

Get the test

With the mother, sign an agreement to be bound by the results of genetic testing. DCSS will provide the test. If they find you are a parent, they will enter an Administrative Parentage Order and tell the Vital Records Unit to add your name to the child's birth certificate. This means that legal parentage is established.

Last full review by a subject matter expert
January 23, 2025
Last revised by staff
May 24, 2020

About our legal information

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Establishing parentage when the mother agreesHow-To
If the mother agrees that you are a parent of their child, you can both sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage (VAP) to establish parentage. If it is only signed by one parent, it is not official.
Registering with the Putative Father RegistryHow-To
Steps to register with the Putative Father Registry to have a say in whether a child is adopted.
Starting a case for parentage in courtHow-To
Steps to establish parentage from the forms you need to the court hearing process.

Learn more

What is a paternity test? Text article
A paternity test compares the DNA of a child, mother, and an alleged father to see if the man is or is not the biological father of a child.
Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage or VAP basics Text article
A VAP is a legal form that establishes a legal relationship between a parent and a child. Both parents must sign the form. Once it is signed, it is very hard to undo.
My rights and responsibilities once parentage is established Text article
A parent has the right to parenting time (visitation) with a child. They can also ask for decision-making power over the child. They must also pay child support.
Undoing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP) Text article
Options for giving up a legal relationship with a child after the legal form has already been signed by both parents.
I want a person's name removed or put on a birth record Text article
Options for changing a birth record if paternity has been established or rejected.

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

The Big Picture

More on Parentage basics

Take action

Establishing parentage when the mother agreesHow-To
If the mother agrees that you are a parent of their child, you can both sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage (VAP) to establish parentage. If it is only signed by one parent, it is not official.
Registering with the Putative Father RegistryHow-To
Steps to register with the Putative Father Registry to have a say in whether a child is adopted.
Starting a case for parentage in courtHow-To
Steps to establish parentage from the forms you need to the court hearing process.

Learn more

What is a paternity test? Text article
A paternity test compares the DNA of a child, mother, and an alleged father to see if the man is or is not the biological father of a child.
Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage or VAP basics Text article
A VAP is a legal form that establishes a legal relationship between a parent and a child. Both parents must sign the form. Once it is signed, it is very hard to undo.
My rights and responsibilities once parentage is established Text article
A parent has the right to parenting time (visitation) with a child. They can also ask for decision-making power over the child. They must also pay child support.
Undoing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP) Text article
Options for giving up a legal relationship with a child after the legal form has already been signed by both parents.
I want a person's name removed or put on a birth record Text article
Options for changing a birth record if paternity has been established or rejected.