How to Use the Paternity Disestablishment Deadline Calculator
Challenging a presumed or adjudicated parent-child relationship is time limited, and missing the window usually ends the claim no matter what a DNA test shows. Pick the rule that matches your state, enter the key date, and the calculator returns the filing deadline.
Parentage is state law, so there is no single federal deadline. The most widely copied model is section 608 of the Uniform Parentage Act, which bars a proceeding to adjudicate the parentage of a child with a presumed parent more than two years after birth. Many states instead run one or two years from the date the challenger discovered the facts, so every field here is editable - check your own state statute.
Figures are current as of September 2026. Vacating an existing child support order is a separate step in most states and often has its own deadline.
This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Paternity is governed by state law, so the deadline depends on where the order or presumption arose. The Uniform Parentage Act is a common model, but each state adopts its own version and time limits.
Section 608 of the Uniform Parentage Act bars a proceeding to adjudicate the parentage of a child who has a presumed parent more than two years after the child is born, subject to exceptions in the adopting state.
Not automatically. Some states run the period from the date the challenger learned facts suggesting he is not the biological father, while others run it from birth regardless of when testing happened.