Legal Question in Family Law in Minnesota

Until your ex-boyfriend is the legal father of your child, he has no legal rights concerning your child. If both of you sign a Recognition of Parentage after the child is born, then he will be the child's legal father but that still does not give him any rights; however, he could request that the Court address legal custody, physical custody, the child's name, and parenting time (visitation). If you get on public assistance (i.e., MFIP, MinnesotaCare, Medical Assistance, or Child Care Assistance), then the county will get involved and offer your ex-boyfriend the opportunity to sign a Recognition of Parentage or, if he will not sign it, the county will commence a paternity action. With a paternity action, the Court will have to address legal custody, physical custody, the child's name, parenting time and child support. If your ex-boyfriend signs the Recognition of Parentage, the county will only seek a child support order. Keep in mind that your ex-boyfriend can always start a paternity action on his own.