What if a woman claims my child is mine after previously denying it?

Full question:

What happens in a case where a woman decides that she wants to now say her child is yours when before you had a lawyer then she denied it to be yours now she wants to say the child is and sue for child support?

• Category: Paternity
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Minnesota

Answer:

If you haven't acknowledged paternity, genetic testing will likely be needed to establish parentage. Paternity can be established in three main ways: through a paternity affidavit, an administrative order based on genetic test results, or a court order. In some states, signing a paternity affidavit may waive the right to challenge parentage in court, except to rescind the affidavit.

Children born to unmarried parents do not automatically have a legal father without a paternity action. Some states allow paternity to be established by signing an acknowledgment of paternity form without a court action. Unmarried fathers have similar rights and responsibilities as married fathers. Both parents should ensure they are recognized as legal parents, which may include being listed on the birth certificate. If a father acknowledges paternity at or near the time of birth, his name may be added to the birth certificate.

To seek custody or visitation rights, a father must establish paternity. Parents are legally obligated to support their children, regardless of marital status. If parents cannot agree on child support, the court may intervene and determine the amount one parent must pay to the other.

A paternity action is typically a civil lawsuit. Only certain parties can initiate this action, including the mother, the alleged father, or the child. In many states, a child has a limited time after reaching the age of majority to establish paternity. If a court determines paternity and it contradicts the birth certificate, a new birth certificate may be issued reflecting the court's order.

A court will not automatically order paternity tests; it must find sufficient grounds to do so. If ordered, the mother, child, and alleged father will be tested at a designated facility. A court's determination of paternity is final, and a copy of the order is necessary to establish the child's rights.