Legal Question in Family Law in Minnesota

If he acknowledges it is his baby then you will want to get him to sign a recognition of parentage. That will make it much easier to go after child support. Realistically he will be granted what is known as "joint legal custody" and will be entitled to parenting time (i.e. visitation) with the child. You should follow up with a lawyer ASAP because there are a lot of things you can do now that will save you a lot of time, money and stress in the future.

If you are on public assistance, the County Attorney's Office will pursue an order for child support or paternity. If the father signs a Recognition of Parentage, the county will seek only a child support order which will NOT address legal custody, physical custody, or parenting time. If the father does not sign a Recognition of Parentage, then the county will start a paternity action which will address child support, legal custody, physical custody, and parenting time. If you are not on public assistance, you can still apply for services from the county's Child Support Office for a $25 fee; however, the County Attorney's Office might not pursue your case very quickly if you are not on public assitance. You may bring your own action to pursue child support but the type of action you will need to bring will depend upon whether the father signs the Recognition of Parentage. Many attorneys offer a free consultation if you want further information.