Is there a time limit for bringing a paternity suit?

In Pennsylvania, there is a specific timeline for paternity cases. Generally, an individual can bring a paternity suit during the mother’s pregnancy and up until the child’s 18th birthday, with some exceptions. Although the general rule is that the child must be under the age of 18, a paternity claim can still be made if the individual is beyond the age of 18, in certain circumstances. The individual must show that paternity was never established by any other means (presumption or acknowledgment) and that the parties did not live together in a marriage-like relationship at any time during the child’s life. The individual can also bring the paternity action within six years of the child’s 18th birthday if the mother has died or is mentally or physically incapacitated and unable to bring the claim. Additionally, if the father has voluntarily acknowledged paternity, or if a court has previously ordered him to provide support for the child, a paternity action can be brought up until the child’s 19th birthday. In Pennsylvania, parties also must remember that a suit alleging fraud, duress or other miscellaneous acts must be brought within two years of the child’s 18th birthday. Overall, it is important to remember that paternity claims in Pennsylvania have a limited time period in which they can be brought. Therefore, it is important to act promptly when considering a paternity suit.

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