This bill amends sections 43-1401 and 43-1411 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to update definitions and procedures related to paternity actions. It redefines terms such as "child" and "child born out of wedlock," clarifying that a child is defined as someone under the age of eighteen, and specifies that a child is not considered born out of wedlock if their parents were married at conception but divorced by birth. Additionally, the bill includes a new provision that support includes reasonable education.

The bill also modifies the process for establishing paternity, allowing individuals claiming to be the biological father of a child under juvenile court jurisdiction to file a complaint to intervene in the proceedings. This complaint must be accompanied by an affidavit asserting the individual's belief of paternity, and no filing fee will be charged. Upon filing, the juvenile court may order genetic testing, with costs determined at the court's discretion. The bill further outlines factors the court may consider when deciding on genetic testing and establishes that the definition of "child" applies regardless of the circumstances of birth.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43-1401, 43-1411