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Petitioner vs.

Statement of Rights First Court Appearance on Paternity Proceedings

Respondent

1.

I understand I am in Court because it is alleged that I am the biological father of .

2. 3.

I have received a copy of the complaint. I understand: a. I can be required to submit to blood or genetic testing to determine the percentage of likelihood that I am the father. I can be required to pay for all or part of the cost of testing if I am found by the Court to be the father. The results of any testing to determine my likelihood of paternity can be used in evidence at the trial. b. I have the right to be represented by an attorney. c. An attorney will be appointed to represent me if I cannot afford one. d. I have a right to a trial by a judge or by a jury of six persons. e. I am entitled to know in advance the evidence that will be used to try to establish my paternity. f. I may question and cross-examine any witnesses called by the county to testify. g. I may subpoena witnesses to come to Court to testify on my behalf. h. I may be compelled to testify. i. I will be allowed to call witnesses, to present evidence, and to explain why I do not think I am the father. I also understand if I admit I am the father, or am found after trial to be the biological father of the above-named child: a. I will be required to pay child support in an amount determined by the Court if someone other than myself has physical custody of the child. b. If child support is ordered, and if I fail to pay the child support, I may be found in contempt of Court, or I may be charged with a crime. c. Unpaid child support becomes a judgment against me by operation of law. I wish to: waive (give up) my right to have an attorney.

4.

5.

PAT101

State

ENG

Rev 6/01

www.courts.state.mn.us/forms

Page 1 of 2

If either of the boxes below are checked, skip 6 and 7 but date and sign this form. request a continuance to speak to my own attorney. request a court-appointed attorney, and have completed a form regarding my income, property, and expenses. 6. I wish to: waive (give up) my right to defend this action and admit that I am the father of the above-named child. agree to legal custody of the child with the mother. agree to physical custody of the child with the mother. request visitation to be determined by the Court. claim custody or joint custody of the child. enter a denial of the complaint and proceed to trial. I wish to: request a jury trial.

7.

waive (give up) the right to a jury trial.

Dated:
Signature Date of Birth

Your Attorney: Street Address:

Your Name: Street Address:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

PAT101

State

ENG

Rev 6/01

www.courts.state.mn.us/forms

Page 2 of 2