Many civil lawsuits are governed by statutes of limitations, time limits within which the complaint must be filed, and they vary from state to state. In Nebraska, there are two different statutes of limitations for individuals in need of paternity testing. Individuals who are looking to pay child support or reconcile with family members should follow the state’s requirements for paternity testing.
The procedure for paternity testing
An individual wanting to determine the paternity of a child must file a civil lawsuit in the district court where the child or alleged father lives. A man who is alleged to be the biological father must file a complaint to determine paternity. The complaint must include an affidavit made under oath. The juvenile court will order genetic testing that is paid for by the alleged father, the court or the state.
Meeting the deadlines
The statute of limitations for a mother or father to determine paternity is four years after the child’s birth. However, a guardian or next friend who files for paternity testing for a child born to an unmarried couple has 18 years. A next friend is an adult who cares for a child that does not live with a natural parent or guardian. The deadlines are to ensure that the parent or guardian acts swiftly to determine the child’s natural parents.
Understanding the requirements
Nebraska is a state that requires fast action for an alleged parent to establish paternity for a child born to an unmarried couple. The alleged father, guardian or next friend must file a request to undergo genetic testing by certain deadlines.
