Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Law Library
Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Code.

Section YAE.06.03 — Petition To Determine Paternity.

(a) Who May File: Any interested party, including the biological mother, the putative father, the child's legal guardian and the Tribal Child Support Agency or Indian Child Welfare may petition the court for the determination of the paternity of a child.

(b) Petition Contents: The petition shall be entitled; "In the matter of the paternity of (child's name)" and shall contain the following information.

(1) The name, birth date, and residence of the child. If there is evidence that the child or the parties may be in danger of physical or emotional harm by the disclosure of the address, this shall be redacted.

(2) Information showing that the child is a tribal child, or a descendant of a Tribal member.

(3) The name and address of the biological mother.

(4) The name and address of the putative father.

(5) The name, address and relationship to the child of all the other interested parties.

(6) A statement from the moving party setting forth the reasonable possibility of the requisite sexual contact between the parties.

(7) The petitioner's interest in the matter.

(c) Notice of Hearing: The Court Clerk shall cause the summons and a copy of the petition to be served personally or by registered mail upon all interested parties pursuant to established court procedures for service. Service shall also be made on the Tribal Child Support Agency or Indian Child Welfare if they hold an interest in the action by ordinary mail. Proof of service shall be filed with the court on a form provided for that purpose by the Office of the Court Clerk. Service shall be made at least ten (10) days prior to the initial hearing.

(d) A petition for determination of paternity must be filed within eighteen (18) years after the child's birth.