Paternity Defenses

Be sure to identify the paragraph you are referring to.

For example:

• Paragraph 6 says we have children, but we don't.

Explain your reasoning for the allegations in the paragraph not being legally correct.

For example:

• Paragraph 6 says we have children. I am neither the biological parent nor legal parent of Petitioner's children.
• Paragraph 6 says we have children. I am not the biological parent of one or more of Petitioner's children.
• Paragraph 6 says we have children. I am not the legal parent of one or more of Petitioner's children.
• Paragraph 6 says we have children. I have not adopted one or more of Petitioner's children.

Whenever possible, use a real name instead of the word "Petitioner" or the word "Respondent." Also, be specific about the facts.

For example:

• Paragraph 6 says we have children. I am neither the biological parent nor legal parent of Mitsy Doe, born December 22, 2013. I was in Afghanistan at the time Jane Doe became pregnant with Mitsy. The court should order genetic testing to determine my biological relationship to Mitsy.
• Paragraph 6 says we have children. I am not the biological parent of Jessica Doe, born August 19, 2010. I was incarcerated in the Utah State Prison at Gunnison at the time Jane Doe became pregnant with Jessica. The court should order genetic testing to determine my biological relationship to Jessica.
• Paragraph 6 says we have children. I am not the legal parent of one Kenneth Doe. However, Jane Doe was pregnant by another man prior to our marriage. She gave birth during our marriage, but I never adopted Kenneth. The court should order genetic testing to determine my biological relationship to Jessica. If I am not the biological father, the court should deny Jane Doe the right to collect child support from me.
• Paragraph 6 says we have children. The children were all born prior to our marriage. I have not adopted any of Jane Doe's children.