Paternity can become an important issue when a child’s parents are not married. If there is any dispute or question, the court may need to step in and decide who the legal father is.
How to establish paternity
Often, the simplest way to establish paternity in Connecticut is by both parents signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity form. They may sign this document at the hospital when the child is born or later at a local office of the Department of Social Services.
After signing the form and filing it with the state, the man becomes the legal father of the child. He can have his name added to the child’s birth certificate, and he takes on legal responsibilities. If either parent disagrees or refuses to sign the form, the court may begin a paternity case to determine the legal father.
What the court considers
In most cases, the judge will order a DNA test to help make the decision. If the test confirms that the man is the biological father, the court will issue a legal order establishing paternity. From there, the court may also address child support, medical coverage, and other legal responsibilities.
While a DNA test is a strong piece of evidence, the court may also consider other facts. This includes written messages, photos, financial records, or anything else that shows a relationship between the parents or between the man and the child. Judges also consider whether the man has acted like the father, such as by living with the child, supporting the child, or spending regular time together.
Establishing legal paternity matters because it gives the child access to financial support, health insurance, and legal rights such as inheritance. It also allows both parents to take part in raising the child and making important decisions.
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