What is required to establish paternity under Louisiana law?

To establish paternity under Louisiana law, a legal acknowledgment or a court order is required. This reflects the legal framework in Louisiana, which recognizes that paternity can be established either through a formal acknowledgment made by the father in a recognized manner or through a court process that determines paternity.

A legal acknowledgment occurs when a father voluntarily declares himself as the parent, which can often be done at the time of the child's birth or through a later formal process. Alternatively, if there is a dispute regarding paternity, a court order may be necessary to establish the legal relationship. This approach protects the rights of the child and both parents, ensuring that obligations like support and custody can be clearly defined.

While genetic testing can be a reliable method for confirming paternity and may be utilized as evidence in court, it is not the sole requirement for establishing legal paternity in Louisiana. Informal agreements or simply documenting a birth certificate do not suffice as they lack the formal legal acknowledgment or court validation necessary for determination of paternal rights and responsibilities.