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Rights and Responsibilities of Unmarried Parents

         4th Edition Revised
         July 2011

     
 

PREFACE
 

This booklet provides basic information about the rights and responsibilities of unmarried parents.  It is a guide and is not meant to answer all questions.  The laws referred to in this booklet may change often, so be sure to check for changes.  This booklet only gives general rules, which may or may not apply to your situation.

If you are low-income you can get a free copy of this booklet from your local legal services office. The booklet is also available online at www.LawHelpMN.org to view or print out. Others can purchase the booklet for $7.00 plus applicable Minnesota sales tax.

Discounts are available on bulk orders by calling the Coalition office at 651-228-9105 ext. 6911.

For free information about this and other civil legal topics, visit www.LawHelpMN.org.

Fact Sheets on different legal subjects are also available online at the website listed above or from the Community Legal Education Program at the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis. Please call 651-228-9105, ext. 6915 for a list.

2011 Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance. This document may be reproduced and used for non-commercial personal and educational purposes only.  All other rights reserved.  This notice must remain on all copies.  Reproduction, distribution, and use for commercial  purposes are strictly prohibited.    

 


Table of Contents

Introduction: Learning about legal parenthood 
 

What Is Paternity? 
Why Should Paternity Be Established?
How Is Paternity Established?  
What Is the Recognition of Parentage (ROP)? 
What Is Paternity Adjudication? 
What Is a Presumption of Paternity? 
What Is the Declaration of Parentage? 
Can I Have a Lawyer Represent Me? 
Guardian Ad Litem 
Genetic Tests 
Differences Between a ROP and a Paternity Adjudication

Child Support, Medical Support and Childcare Support 
Medical Support 
Childcare 
What About Public Benefits? 
What About Tax Deductions? 
Who Decides What the Child's Last Name Will Be?

Rights and Responsibilities of Parents After Paternity Is Established by Court Order 
What Is Custody? 
13 Factors to Determine What Is in the Best Interest of the Child 
Can Custody Be Changed after the Court Has Made Its Order? 
Rights and Responsibilities of Each Parent When They Sign an ROP  

Parenting Time 
Reasonable Parenting Time 
Scheduled Parenting Time 
Additional Parenting Time to Provide Childcare 
Parenting Time Expeditor 
Restricted or Supervised Parenting Time 
Moving Out of State 
Once the Court Makes a Decision about Parenting Time, Can It Be Changed? 
We Signed an ROP. What Are Each Parent's Parenting Time Rights? 
Voluntary Parenting Plans 
Minnesota Father's Adoption Registry  
Minnesota Voluntary Recognition of Parentage Information and Form

Conclusion 
Legal Aid Offices in Minnesota Listed by County

 
 
 

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