What is the court process in a paternity case in Colorado?

These are the parties who can bring legal action in a paternity case in Colorado:

• The child.
• The natural mother.
• The man presumed to be the father.
• The State of Colorado.
• The Colorado Department of Human Services.
• A county Department of Social Services.
• An informal hearing will be held if it is determined by the court to be in the child’s best interests. The court can order that the hearing be held before a magistrate.
• The court may determine that it is in the best interest of any of the parties to the case for the hearing not to be open to the public.
• A record of what happens at this hearing will be kept if any party requests so or if the court orders that a record be kept.
• If any witness refuses to testify, the court can order the witness to testify and produce evidence related to all relevant facts to the case. The refusal of a witness who has been granted immunity to obey to testify or produce evidence is a civil contempt of the court.
• Any party may seek a restraining order or injunction. Also, any party can seek temporary orders as to custody, parenting time, and support once the court enters an order determining the existence of the parent and child relationship. Note: issues of temporary custody, parenting time, and support party are cited under a different set of criteria established by Colorado divorce law.

Lynn Landis-Brown is a Family Lawyer in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she founded Lynn Landis-Brown P.C. She listens compassionately and understands your legal, emotional and financial concerns due to her own experiences of divorce from her parents divorcing, her own divorce and now as a step-grandmother. With her background in litigations, she has great experiences with fighting for your rights in the courtroom.