Establishing paternity is a crucial legal determination that affects a child’s rights, including inheritance, child support, and access to medical and other benefits. In Minnesota, under certain circumstances, a man is legally presumed to be the father of a child. This presumption of paternity is governed by state law and serves as a foundation for legal and parental responsibilities. Below are eight specific situations in which paternity is presumed under Minnesota law.

1. Marriage Between the Biological Parents

One of the most common ways paternity is presumed is when a child is born during a marriage. If a man is married to the child’s biological mother at the time of birth, he is presumed to be the father. This presumption also applies if the child is born within 280 days after the marriage has ended due to divorce, annulment, or death. However, this presumption does not apply if the man has joined in a recognition of parentage acknowledging another man as the father.

2. Attempted but Invalid Marriage Before Birth

If the biological mother and the man attempted to marry before the child’s birth in what was thought to be a legally valid marriage, paternity may still be presumed even if the marriage was later found to be void or voidable. This applies if:

• The child is born during the attempted marriage or within 280 days after its termination (by death, divorce, or annulment) when a court must declare the marriage invalid.
• The child is born within 280 days after the couple ceased cohabitation when no court action is needed to declare the marriage invalid.

3. Attempted but Invalid Marriage After Birth

If the child’s mother and the man marry or attempt to marry after the child’s birth, even if the marriage is later found to be void or voidable, paternity may still be presumed if:

• The man acknowledges his paternity in writing and files it with the state registrar of vital records.
• He is named as the father on the child’s birth certificate with his consent.
• He voluntarily assumes financial support obligations for the child, either through a written agreement or a court order.

4. Holding the Child Out as His Own

A man is presumed to be the father if, while the child is still a minor, he takes the child into his home and openly represents the child as his biological child. This demonstration of a parent-child relationship can have significant legal implications, including obligations for child support and inheritance rights.

5. Written Acknowledgment of Paternity

A presumption of paternity arises when both the biological mother and the man sign a written acknowledgment of paternity under Minnesota law. This document must be filed with the state registrar of vital records. If another man is already presumed to be the child’s father, an acknowledgment of paternity can only take effect with the written consent of the previously presumed father or after that presumption has been rebutted.

6. Recognition of Parentage When Another Man is Presumed Father

Minnesota law allows a mother and a man to execute a recognition of parentage. However, if another man is already presumed to be the father under a different provision, this recognition does not automatically override the initial presumption unless legal steps are taken to resolve the conflict.

7. Multiple Recognitions of Parentage

In some situations, two different men may have executed recognitions of parentage with the mother. In such cases, multiple presumptions of paternity arise, requiring a legal determination as to which presumption is controlling. Courts consider policy, logic, and the best interests of the child in making these determinations.

8. Recognition of Parentage Signed by a Minor

A man may be presumed to be the father if he and the biological mother signed a recognition of parentage when either or both were under 18 years of age. Since minors generally lack full legal capacity to enter contracts, this recognition remains subject to further legal proceedings to confirm or challenge paternity.

Rebutting the Presumption of Paternity

Minnesota law allows for the presumption of paternity to be challenged in certain circumstances. A presumption may be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence in a legal proceeding. If multiple presumptions of paternity exist and are in conflict, courts determine which presumption holds based on the weightier policy considerations and logical conclusions. The presumption of paternity can also be rebutted by a court decree establishing another man as the child’s legal father.

Conclusion

Understanding when paternity is presumed is critical for protecting parental rights and ensuring a child’s legal and financial security. Whether a presumption arises from marriage, cohabitation, or formal recognition, the legal implications are significant. In cases where paternity is uncertain or contested, consulting with an attorney who specializes in family law can help navigate Minnesota’s legal framework and determine the best course of action for all parties involved.