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Recognition of Parentage ("ROP") Process
Recognition of Parentage ("ROP") Form
The Recognition of Parentage ("ROP") Form is an official State form with a fairly easy and inexpensive process that can be used to establish the legal relationship between a father and his child when the father is not married to the child's mother. You may download the ROP form and instructions by clicking Voluntary Recognition of Parentage Form, which is made available by the MN Department of Human Services. Or, you can get a copy at your local County Child Support office. Hospitals may also provide the form to the parents at the child's birth. If you have any doubt about the identity of the biological father, do not sign the ROP form.
The Recognition of Parentage form must be signed by the mother and father in front of a Notary and it must be filed with the Minnesota Department of Health (Office of the State Registrar). Click Minnesota "ROP" law to read the Recognition of Parentage statute.
NOTE: When a child is born, if the mother was married to a man who is not the biological father, the ROP form alone is not enough to establish the biological father as the "legal" father. The mother's husband must also sign a separate form called the Husband's Non-Paternity Statement within one year after the child is born.
Properly completing the ROP process, including the Husband's Non-Paternity Statement where applicable, establishes a "legal" relationship between the father and child.
Get Legal Advice
Before signing a Recognition of Parentage form or Husband's Non-Paternity Statement, you should understand what it means to be a "legal" father and what rights and duties you might receive or be giving up by signing the forms. Establishing paternity is important for purposes of inheritance, adoption, benefits, parenting time, financial support, health care, school issues, and other reasons. We strongly encourage you to discuss any questions you have with a lawyer. See Find a Lawyer.
For more detailed information on the process involving a Recognition of Paternity form, click the following links to see helpful information booklets:
How to Revoke a "Recognition of Parentage" Form
It is possible to revoke the ROP within 60 days after both parents sign the form. To revoke the ROP, the mother or father must sign a written revocation in front of a notary and file it with the State. See the law at Minnesota Statute § 257.75 subd.2. The ROP can also be set aside by court order in limited circumstances. There are strict time limits to do this, so if you want to ask for a court order to revoke a ROP, get legal help right away. The court website does not have the forms to revoke a ROP or to ask for a court order revoking a ROP. You can get forms to handle a paternity case from your attorney, a legal publisher, or you could check with your local court administrator to find out if they distribute forms at the courthouse. You could also visit your local law library. Click Law Libraries to see locations of law libraries in Minnesota.
"Recognition of Parentage" Form Does NOT Create Custody Rights
The Recognition of Parentage form does not give any custody or parenting time rights to the father. The mother still has sole custody under Minnesota law. A parent or the county attorney must start a court action to request an order for custody, parenting time, or child support. Click Child Custody & Parenting Time or Child Support for more detailed information on those topics.
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