How to Establish Someone as a Parent
Colorado · Colorado Judicial Branch · Effective July 1, 2026
This form guides people through the court process to ask the judge to decide if someone is the child's legal parent. The process can also help set up a parenting plan and decide on child support.
Where this fits in a case
Start a caseStage: Start a case
This form is used when someone needs to start a case to legally establish parentage. The process usually begins in the county where the child or the other alleged parent lives.
Usually filed by the person starting the case.
Common questions
- Who files this form?
- The instructions indicate that the Petitioner starts the case using this form and related paperwork.
- What does this process cover besides parentage?
- The court can also use this process to establish a parenting plan and assign child support.
- Is there a fee involved?
- The instructions mention paying a filing fee, or filing forms JDF 205 and 206 to ask to waive the fee.
Revision history
No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect July 1, 2026.
Related forms
- JDF1000
Case Information Sheet
This form is a Case Information Sheet used to collect basic details about the people involved in a case, including names, addresses, and information about any children under 19. It requires signatures from the parties involved to confirm the information is true.
Fillable PDF11 translationsStart a case
Eff. Feb 1, 2026
- JDF1315
General Response (family matters)
This form is used to give a general answer or response to something filed in a family court case. It asks the person filling it out to state their response and what they are asking the court to do.
Fillable PDF1 translationRespond
Eff. May 1, 2024
- JDF 1501
Petition to Determine Parentage
This form is used to ask the court to officially find that one person is the legal parent of certain children. It asks for information about the people involved, the children, and what the court should decide regarding parentage and support.
WordStart a case
Eff. Jul 1, 2023
- JDF 1502
Summons (For Parentage Cases)
This form is a court notice that tells someone they are involved in a case to figure out who is a legal parent of children. It explains that the court might also decide on child support or a parenting plan.
WordStart a case
Eff. Jul 1, 2023
- JDF1504
Admission of Parentage
This form is used to officially state that a person acknowledges they are a parent to a specific child. It asks the person filling it out to provide details about the child, the other parent, and their own personal history related to the child's parentage.
Fillable PDF1 translationStart a case
Eff. Apr 1, 2025
- JDF1505
Motion for Genetic Testing
This form is a request to the court asking the judge to order all people involved in the case to take a genetic test. The form includes sections to state who is asking for the test and to suggest how the cost of the test should be paid.
WordMotions
Eff. Jul 1, 2023
- JDF1506
Agreement for Genetic Testing
This form is an agreement where both parties agree to undergo genetic testing. It outlines who requested the test and details the plan for the testing, including who will pay for the costs.
WordMotions
Eff. Jul 1, 2023
- JDF1507
Order for Genetic Testing by Agreement
This form is an order from the court that makes an agreement between people about genetic testing official. It states that the court agrees the testing plan is fair and makes it a court order.
Fillable PDFWordJudgment
Eff. Jul 1, 2023