Illinois § 204
Full text of Illinois Illinois Compiled Statutes § 204, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 204.
Presumption of parentage. (a) A person is presumed to be the parent of a child if: (1) the person and the mother of the child have entered into a marriage, civil union, or substantially similar legal relationship, and the child is born to the mother during the marriage, civil union, or substantially similar legal relationship, except as provided in the Gestational Surrogacy Act or other law; (2) the person and the mother of the child were in a marriage, civil union, or substantially similar legal relationship and the child is born to the mother within 300 days after the marriage, civil union, or substantially similar legal relationship is terminated by death, declaration of invalidity of marriage, judgment for dissolution of marriage, civil union, or substantially similar legal relationship, or after a judgment for legal separation, except as provided in the Gestational Surrogacy Act or other law; (3) before the birth of the child, the person and the mother of the child entered into a marriage, civil union, or substantially similar legal relationship in apparent compliance with law, even if the attempted marriage, civil union, or substantially similar legal relationship is or could be declared invalid, and the child is born during the invalid marriage, civil union, or substantially similar legal relationship or within 300 days after its termination by death, declaration of invalidity of marriage, judgment for dissolution of marriage, civil union, or substantially similar legal relationship, or after a judgment for legal separation, except as provided in the Gestational Surrogacy Act or other law; or (4) after the child's birth, the person and the child's mother have entered into a marriage, civil union, or substantially similar legal relationship, even if the marriage, civil union, or substantially similar legal relationship is or could be declared invalid, and the person is named, with the person's written consent, as the child's parent on the child's birth certificate. (b) If 2 or more conflicting presumptions arise under this Section, the presumption which on the facts is founded on the weightier considerations of policy and logic, especially the policy of promoting the child's best interests, controls. (Source: P.A. 99-85, eff. 1-1-16; 99-769, eff. 1-1-17.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois § 204
What does Illinois Compiled Statutes § 204 cover?
Section 204 is part of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the codified statutory law of Illinois. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Illinois § 204?
A common citation format is "Illinois Compiled Statutes § 204" (Illinois). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Illinois law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Illinois official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Illinois attorney.
How does Illinois § 204 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Illinois can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.