Northland Mediation |   Kids Law |    Legal Dads |   Kids First | Home



Being a parent can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience.

But parents also have many responsibilities. They must provide their children with food, clothing, a place to live, education, medical care, and love.

These responsibilities can be hard when you and an adult are married. They are even harder when you and a teen are unmarried.

What Is Paternity?
Paternity is the legal establishment of fatherhood.

Why Should Paternity Be Established?

• So the child can receive financial and medical support from both parties.
• So the child can receive emotional support from both parents.
• So the child knows who the father is.
• So the child can receive Social Security and insurance benefits if the father is hurt or killed.
• So the child has access to the fathers health history.

How Is Paternity Established?
Paternity is established through a court order.

How Is Paternity Established In Court?
When the division of Child Support receives a referral or application for services, and paternity has not been established, they send the case to the county prosecutor. The prosecutor notifies both parties and arranges for genetic testing.

What If Genetic Tests Show That I am Not the Father?
Your case will be dismissed, and the mother will be asked to name other possible fathers.

How Is Child Support Set?
The court order will set child support based on both parents' incomes and according to the Child Support schedule.

How Do You Collect Child Support?
The Division of Child Support can attack the non custodial parent's pay.

What Are The Most Important Things I Need To Remember?
If you are the mom and paternity has not been established for your child, call Child Support Services in your area.

If you are the dad and receive notice from Child Support Services, respond immediately. If you do not respond, you may be required to pay what you cannot afford.

If You Find You Need Help With Establishing Paternity Or Child Support
Talk to your parents. They can help you sort things out and determine what to do.

Talk to a favorite teacher or councilor.

Call Child Support Services.

Contact the Volunteer Attorney Program or your local Legal Aid Office to talk about your options.

If you have questions about teen parenting, establishing paternity, or collecting child support please contact one of the following organizations:

• St. Louis County: 218-726-2016
• Carlton County: 218-384-9550
• Lake County: 218-834-8400
• Cook County: