Supporting a Child

How do I become my child’s legal parent?

Parentage—a word you’ve probably never read before—is defined as the legal relationship between mothers/fathers/parents and their children. Think of it as the “law” recognizing someone as the parent of their child. While some child support forms and laws refer to “paternity” to identify the father of a child, Colorado is moving toward the more gender-neutral term of parentage.

When parents are married, paternity is automatically established when a child is born, and both parents are listed on the child’s birth certificate. When a child’s parents are not married, you can legally establish parentage (paternity).

There are several ways to establish the parentage of your child if you are not married:

• Signing an Acknowledgment of Parentage (AOP)
• Through a paternity order from the child support program (this will also create a child support order)
• Through a court or administrative order

Unwed parents can voluntarily acknowledge a child by signing an AOP until the child turns 18. AOP forms are available at the hospital, local child support offices, and online or at local vital records offices.

Colorado children should have legal parents in their lives. It is the responsibility of both parents to support their children (in all ways, not just financially). Establishing the parentage of a child is not a punishment! It’s voluntary to complete. The AOP is a very easy way to ensure a child has two legal parents. And it will help your child in the long run.

Why should you establish parentage for your child?

•  Identity. Children have a right to know both of their parents. Establishing parentage means that both parents are listed on the birth certificate.
• Financial support. Children can receive child support, and if one parent dies, they are eligible to receive social security and survivor benefits, inheritance, veteran’s benefits, and life insurance. 
• Medical care. Children can receive access to their medical history and get health insurance through either parent’s employer.

If you aren’t sure that you are the child’s “biological father,” you can request a genetic test before a child support order is established. After the order is in place, it is much more difficult for it to be reversed. If parentage is established, your county child support office will charge you for the cost of the test. 

One thing to remember is that establishing parentage will not give you custody and visitation rights. They can only be determined through a court hearing.