Paternity of a child

Those who can bring a paternity case before the courts if a child is not fathered are:

• the child itself

• the mother of the child

• a man who considers himself to be the father of the child

If the child is taking legal action, the guardian must take action on behalf of the child. If the child is suing, the costs decided by the judge shall be paid by the State Treasury. If a mother or a person who considers himself or herself to be the father of a child bring a legal action, general rules on legal costs shall apply.

The judge may decide by an order that blood tests be carried out on the parties and the child, and also other specialist examinations. Those involved are then obliged to abide by bloodletting and other tests. The sheriff does not have comparable authority.

Birth proceedings may conclude by a revocation, settlement in court or by judgment. When a court judgment or settlement has been reached informing the child of his or her paternity, the judge shall send information on the child's paternity to the National Registry. The case is then considered closed.