Paternity may be established in one of two ways: through a signed Recognition of Parentage, or through a paternity adjudication. 

 

A Recognition of Parentage (ROP) is a sworn statement, usually signed by both parents following the child’s birth, stating that the man is the father of the baby.  To be valid, the ROP must then be filed with the Minnesota Department of Health. 

 

If there is no ROP, more than one man claims to be the father of the child, or the mother is married to someone else when the child is born, paternity may be adjudicated by the court.  In such cases, the court will examine evidence, which may include genetic testing, to determine the identity of the father.