Dakota County can help establish paternity or legally determining the father of a child.
Married couples
If the parents of a child are married to each other, the husband is the legal father of any child conceived or born while the parents are married.
Unmarried couples
If the parents of a child are not married to each other, it is important that paternity be legally established, so that the child has a legal father.
How to establish paternity
There are two ways that paternity can be established in the state of Minnesota.
- Recognition of Parentage: Parents can sign a form called Recognition of Parentage. When this form is filed with the State Registrar of Vital Statistics, it legally establishes the father and child relationship. Find out more about a Recognition of Parentage. (link)
- Court Action: A court can determine the paternity of a child. A court can order genetic testing if the issue of paternity is disputed.
Genetic testing
Dakota County will initially pay for the costs of genetic testing when Dakota County is providing paternity establishment services. The courts can determine if these costs will be reimbursed to the County. Most genetic testing is done at the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul.
These tests can be done if the mother and alleged father live in different states. A collection kit will be sent to a hospital or lab near where the parties live.
Samples can be collected from children at any age. Four cotton swabs that are similar to ordinary Q-tips are rubbed on the inside of the cheek for about 30 seconds each.
Results are usually received approximately three weeks from the date the last sample is received. Results will not be given out over the phone. Results are mailed or an appointment is scheduled for you to come in and discuss the results.