What if the mother is not sure who the father is?

In South Dakota, if the mother is not sure who the father is, it can be a tricky situation. Depending on the circumstance, the state may allow for a paternity test to be performed in order to help identify the father. However, this paternity test may require the consent of both the potential father and mother and could require court intervention in order to proceed. If the mother is still unable to determine who the father is, she may need to go to court to have the father declared per the South Dakota paternity laws. This process involves proving that the alleged father could be the biological father of the child in question and that he is responsible for providing financial support for the child. If the father is declared, the court may order him to undergo DNA testing in order to confirm the paternity. Finally, if the mother is still unsure of the father’s identity, she may need to file a complaint with the South Dakota Department of Social Services to obtain financial assistance. The Department will then require her to name any potential fathers in an attempt to secure the necessary support. If she is unable to identify the father, the Department may still provide her with aid as long as she demonstrates that she is unable to support the child.

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