2025 Session Last amended: 2005 session

§ 257.66 — Judgment or Order

Plain-Language Summary

Specifies the contents and effects of a court judgment or order establishing or disestablishing paternity. The judgment is determinative for all purposes and must address child support, custody, parenting time, the child's name, and may include pregnancy and confinement expenses.

Practical Notes
A paternity judgment carries broad consequences. It can require the father to pay the mother’s pregnancy and confinement expenses, including lost wages, and can establish retroactive child support liability for up to two years before the action was filed. Unpaid support automatically becomes a judgment by operation of law on the date it is due. Each parent must also file identifying information with the court and the child support enforcement agency.