Parentage means legally identifying the parents of a child.
Parentage can be established in Colorado through a court order, an administrative action by a local child support office, or voluntary acknowledgement. Parents may sign an Acknowledgement of Parentage form at the hospital after the birth of their child or through the Colorado Vital Records website to add a second parent to a birth certificate.
Why is establishing parentage for your child important?
- Identity – All children have the right to know both of their parents. When parentage is established, both parents are listed on the birth certificate.
- Financial Support – Children may receive financial benefits such as child support, Social Security, inheritance, veterans’ benefits and life insurance through their parents.
- Medical – Children may get access to health insurance through either parent’s employers, unions or military branches.
A legal action to establish parentage may be started any time before a child turns 18. Parentage may also be established if either parent lives in another state. Child support services are available at no fee through the local child support office in each county to establish parentage and a child support order.
Download these flyers & brochures for answers to your questions about establishing parentage.
If you have further questions related to parentage you may contact us at 303-866-6430.
Establishing Support
Once parentage is established and the parents are located, the local county child support office will work with both parents to create a child support order if one doesn’t exist already. There is a legal process to create a child support order. A monthly amount of money is set for one parent to pay the other for the support of the child, or by both parents if the child is living with a caretaker or in foster care.
A parent must be given proper legal notice before a child support and parentage order can be finalized. If a parent does not respond within the required time period, a “default order” may be established that is legally valid and enforceable.
