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Paternity
How can I establish paternity for my child in Wyoming?

How can I establish paternity for my child in Wyoming?

Q: Is Wyoming a mother or father state?

Wyoming does not designate itself strictly as a mother or father state. Instead, paternity laws apply equally to both parents. The law focuses on the best interests of the child when determining custody and support, regardless of which parent is seeking rights.

Q: Is a paternity test required for a birth certificate?

In Wyoming, a paternity test is not required to obtain a birth certificate if both parents are married or if they sign an affidavit acknowledging paternity. However, if there is a dispute or uncertainty about paternity, a DNA test may be necessary to establish legal fatherhood.

Full question:

I live in Wyoming with my boyfriend. We have a baby together and my boyfriend has been performing all the responsibilities of a father. At present, our child is 4 years old. How can I establish the paternity in this scenario?

Category: Paternity
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Wyoming

Answer:

In Wyoming, a man is presumed to be the father of a child if he lived with the child for the first two years of their life and openly recognized the child as his own. This is outlined in Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-504, which states that a man is presumed to be the father if he resided in the same household with the child and held the child out as his own.

Since your boyfriend has lived with you and your child for the first two years and has taken on the role of a father, paternity may be established based on these circumstances.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can a father establish paternity without the mother?

Yes, a father can establish paternity without the mother's involvement in Wyoming. This can be done through a court order or by signing an affidavit of paternity. If the mother is uncooperative, the father may need to file a petition in court to establish his paternity rights. It's advisable to seek legal assistance to navigate this process effectively.

Is Wyoming a mother or father state?

Is a paternity test required for a birth certificate?

What are the paternity laws in Wyoming?

Paternity laws in Wyoming state that a man is presumed to be the father if he lived with the child for the first two years and openly recognized the child as his own (Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-504). If paternity is disputed, a court may order a DNA test to determine biological fatherhood. Establishing paternity is important for custody, support, and inheritance rights.

What are the custody laws for unmarried parents in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, custody laws for unmarried parents focus on the best interests of the child. Both parents can seek custody rights, and the court will consider factors like the child's relationship with each parent, living arrangements, and the ability to provide for the child. Establishing paternity is a crucial step for fathers seeking custody or visitation rights.