Legal Paternity Order

LEGAL PATERNITY ORDER

Court:   County:   Case No.:

Petitioner Name:   Respondent Name:

Child(ren) Name(s):   Date(s) of Birth:

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Petitioner filed a petition to establish parentage and to obtain the relief set forth in this Order; and

WHEREAS, Respondent was provided notice of the petition and an opportunity to be heard in this proceeding and either appeared or was represented according to the record; and

WHEREAS, the Court has considered the evidence presented, including genetic testing results where applicable, testimony, documentary evidence, and the best interests of the child or children named above;

NOW, THEREFORE

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED as follows:

1. DECLARATION OF PATERNITY

The Court finds by clear and convincing evidence that Respondent is the legal and biological parent of the child(ren) listed above. Accordingly, the Court hereby declares that Respondent is the natural father and legal parent of the child(ren) and that parentage is established as of the date of this Order.

2. PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Respondent shall have the rights and responsibilities of a parent under applicable law including, but not limited to, the rights to seek custody, visitation, and to participate in major decisions affecting the child's health, education, and welfare, subject to any later modification by this Court or by agreement of the parties approved by the Court.

3. CHILD SUPPORT, MEDICAL INSURANCE, AND EXPENSES

Unless otherwise ordered by separate order, the establishment of paternity by this Order authorizes the appropriate agency or court to calculate and enter child support and health insurance orders in accordance with applicable guidelines. Presently:

a. The effective date for any child support obligation shall be: .

b. Respondent is ordered to provide or maintain health insurance for the child(ren) if available at reasonable cost through his employment or other means; costs not covered by insurance shall be allocated between the parties in proportion to their incomes as determined by the child support proceeding.

4. GENETIC TESTING AND EVIDENCE

The Court considered the following genetic testing evidence: Genetic testing performed: Yes No.

If testing was performed, the reported combined paternity index or probability of paternity is: , dated: . The Court finds these results to be admissible and persuasive in determining parentage.

5. AMENDMENT OF VITAL RECORDS

The appropriate state vital records agency is directed to amend the child(ren)'s birth certificate(s) to reflect Respondent as the legal parent and father of the child(ren) upon presentation of a certified copy of this Order and compliance with the agency's procedures. The parties shall cooperate in completing any required forms.

6. ENFORCEMENT, MODIFICATION, AND REMEDIES

This Order is enforceable as an order of the Court. Failure to comply with the terms of this Order may result in contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, liens, or other remedies permitted by law. Future modifications regarding custody, support, or other parental responsibilities shall be subject to the jurisdiction of this Court and applicable modification standards.

7. NOTICES

Any notice required under this Order shall be provided in writing to the last known address of the party as shown in the court file or as otherwise provided to the Court. Notices shall be effective upon personal delivery or upon mailing by first-class mail, postage prepaid.

8. AMENDMENTS, WAIVER, AND COUNTERPARTS

This Order may be amended only by written order of the Court. No provision of this Order shall be deemed waived except by a written waiver signed by the waiving party and approved by the Court. This Order may be executed in counterparts, each of which is deemed an original and all of which constitute one instrument.

9. GOVERNING LAW

This Order shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which this Court is located.

10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Order contains the entire determination of the Court with respect to the matters adjudicated herein and supersedes any prior interim orders to the extent inconsistent.

11. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Order is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining provisions, which shall remain in full force and effect.

ADDITIONAL FINDINGS (IF ANY)

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