Case management services

Legal Fatherhood (Paternity)

Mothers and/or fathers may ask their local child support agency to help establish legal fatherhood. Even if the parents live together, establishing legal fatherhood ensures the child’s rights as well as the rights of both parents.

If the mother or man is not sure of who the father is, they should get genetic tests. Local child support agencies offer genetic testing at a reduced cost.

If the parents were not married, legal fatherhood has to be decided before a court will order child support.

Please note: If a child was conceived or born when the mother was married, her husband is the legal father. No further action will be taken by the Child Support program.

Paternal Interest Registry
In Wisconsin, a parent must be notified before their parental rights are terminated or their child is adopted. However, if the child's father is not married to the mother, or has not acknowledged his paternity, or been found to be the father by a court, it may be difficult to locate the father and give notice. The Wisconsin Paternal Interest Registry is a way for putative (possible) fathers to get notice if their child is involved in a termination of parental rights or adoption.

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