Recognition of Parentage

Health and Human Services

One way to establish paternity is for the mother and biological father to complete, sign and notarize a Recognition of Parentage form and file this form with the Minnesota Registrar of Vital Statistics.

There is an informational video regarding the Recognition of Parentage at the following link - It is highly recommended that all parties view this video.  https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/children-and-families/services/child-support/programs-services/recognition-of-parentage.jsp

The Recognition of Parentage can be signed at the hospital at the time of the child’s birth, or after the mother and child leave the hospital.

You can obtain this form from:

Signing a Recognition of Parentage form does not grant a father any parenting time (visitation) or custody rights.  Only a court may issue an order granting these rights. Signing a ROP gives the non-custodial parent a basis in which to go to the court and ask for parenting time and or custody.

Signing a Recognition of Parentage form does not require the non-custodial parent to make child support payments.  The ROP does give the custodial parent or the Child Support Agency the right to go to the court and ask for support from the non-custodial parent.