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July 1, 2026
25 methods, the father’s name is added to the birth certificate. A father’s name on a birth certificate is evidence that paternity has been established. A same-sex spouse added to the child’s birth certificate through a court process is a legal parent of the child.
The following designations for a father are used in CWW:
Claimed father: A claimed father is an individual who claims to be the father of a child but has not had his paternity established or had a paternity action initiated. A claimed father is not included in the Wisconsin Shares AG. The case must be referred to the CSA so that steps to establish paternity can be taken.
Acknowledged father: An acknowledged father is an individual who claims to be the father of a child who has started a process to establish paternity but has not yet been added to the child's birth certificate. An acknowledged father meets one (1) of the following criteria: • The father has filed a Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgement, but the Wisconsin Vital Records office has not yet finished processing it • A paternity action (adjudication) has been initiated, but the courts have not yet finalized it
This information can be self-declared unless questionable (see 7.6). An acknowledged father is included in the Wisconsin Shares AG. However, because there is still no evidence of a formal adjudication, the case must be referred to the CSA so that steps to establish paternity may be taken. Once paternity is established, the father’s name is added to the child’s birth certificate.
Legal/adjudicated father: A father who has had his paternity legally established is the legal/adjudicated father. A legal/adjudicated father meets one (1) of the following criteria: • The father's name appears on the birth certificate for a child. • The parent provides a copy of the court adjudication or similar proof of a Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgement being filed with another state.
A legal/adjudicated father is included in the Wisconsin Shares AG. A referral to the CSA is only needed if the father moves out of the home.
Marriage of one (1) biological or adoptive parent to another person does not relieve the other biological or adoptive parent of their child support obligations. Both biological and adoptive parents are responsible for supporting their children, regardless of subsequent relationships. A stepparent can only adopt a child if the child’s second biological or adoptive parent has agreed to relinquish their parental rights.