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The Big Picture

Parentage is the legal relationship between a parent and a child. It includes both maternity (mom and child relationship) and paternity (dad and child relationship). When parentage is formed, it…

More on Parentage basics
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 going to court, 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 1-800-447-4278 (TTY: 1-800-526-5812) or get the application online.

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
March 29, 2018
Last revised by staff
May 24, 2020

About our legal information

Forms

Parentage and allocation petition for father Blank form
Use this form to ask a judge to establish parentage if you think you are the father of a child.
Voluntary acknowledgment of paternity - VAP Easy Form
A program to help you complete the forms to acknowledge that someone is the father of a child.
Parentage and allocation petition for mother Blank form
Use this form to ask a judge to establish parentage if you are the mother of a child.

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

Apply Online

The Big Picture

Parentage is the legal relationship between a parent and a child. It includes both maternity (mom and child relationship) and paternity (dad and child relationship). When parentage is formed, it…

More on Parentage basics

Forms

Parentage and allocation petition for father Blank form
Use this form to ask a judge to establish parentage if you think you are the father of a child.
Voluntary acknowledgment of paternity - VAP Easy Form
A program to help you complete the forms to acknowledge that someone is the father of a child.
Parentage and allocation petition for mother Blank form
Use this form to ask a judge to establish parentage if you are the mother of a child.