Legal Question in Family Law in Connecticut

In Connecticut, there are three ways to establish paternity. First, if the mother and father are married there is a marital presumption that the child belongs to the husband. Second, a court may adjudicate paternity. Last, there may be a formal acknowledgement of paternity in accordance with the acknowledgment statute. A mother or expectant mother may petition for paternity. This is commenced by the service on the putative father of the child. This petition may be brought at any time before the child�s eighteenth birthday, but liability for past support shall be limited to the three years preceding the date of the filing of the petition. The answer form requires the father to indicate whether he admits that he is the father, denies, or does not know. Further, in any proceeding in which paternity may be an issue, the family court may order genetic tests to be performed by a hospital or physician designated by the court. As indicated, this has the potential to turn into a complicated matter. Generally, it is best to be represented by an experienced family law attorney.

If you have any further questions regarding Family Law in Connecticut, please contact Joseph C. Maya, Esq. at (203) 221-3100 or e-mail him directly at [email protected].