A Lakewood Colorado Final Order for Paternity is a legally binding document issued by a court that establishes the paternity of a child. This order determines the rights and responsibilities of both parents, including child custody, visitation, child support, and healthcare. It ensures that both parents are held accountable for their obligations towards their child and facilitates a stable and supportive environment for the child's upbringing. The process of obtaining a Final Order for Paternity in Lakewood, Colorado involves filing a paternity case with the court. This can be done by either parent or by the Colorado Child Support Services (CSS) agency. The court will then conduct an investigation, which may involve genetic testing to determine the biological relationship between the alleged father and the child. Once paternity is established, the court will issue the Final Order for Paternity, which outlines the specific details regarding custody and visitation rights. There may be different types of Final Orders for Paternity depending on the circumstances of each case. These may include the following: 1. Sole Custody Order: This type of order grants one parent sole physical and legal custody of the child, with the other parent having limited visitation rights or no visitation at all. 2. Joint Custody Order: In cases where both parents are deemed fit and capable, the court may issue a joint custody order. This grants both parents equal rights and responsibilities for the child's upbringing, including decision-making authority and visitation rights. 3. Visitation Order: If one parent is granted sole custody, the non-custodial parent may be issued a visitation order. This specifies the frequency, duration, and conditions for visitation between the non-custodial parent and the child. 4. Child Support Order: In addition to determining custody and visitation, a Final Order for Paternity also establishes the financial obligations of both parents. This includes child support payments to ensure the child's financial needs are met. It is important for both parents to adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in the Final Order for Paternity. Failure to comply with the order may lead to legal consequences and the enforcement of penalties by the court. In conclusion, a Lakewood Colorado Final Order for Paternity is a crucial legal document that solidifies the legal relationship between a child and their biological parent(s). It ensures the child's best interests are protected and provides a framework for both parents to fulfill their responsibilities towards the child.