Minnesota § 257.541 - CUSTODY AND PARENTING TIME WITH CHILDREN BORN OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 257.541 — CUSTODY AND PARENTING TIME WITH CHILDREN BORN OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 257.541. CUSTODY AND PARENTING TIME WITH CHILDREN BORN OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE
Subdivision 1.Mother's right to custody.
The biological mother of a child born to a mother who was not married to the child's father when the child was born and was not married to the child's father when the child was conceived has sole custody of the child until paternity has been established under sections 257.51 to 257.74, or until custody is determined in a separate proceeding under section 518.156.
Subd. 2.Father's right to parenting time and custody.
(a) If paternity has been acknowledged under section 257.34 and paternity has been established under sections 257.51 to 257.74, the father's rights of parenting time or custody are determined under sections 518.17 and 518.175.
(b) If paternity has not been acknowledged under section 257.34 and paternity has been established under sections 257.51 to 257.74, the biological father may petition for rights of parenting time or custody in the paternity proceeding or in a separate proceeding under section 518.156.
Subd. 3.Father's right to parenting time and custody; recognition of paternity.
If paternity has been recognized under section 257.75, the father may petition for rights of parenting time or custody in an independent action under section 518.156. The proceeding must be treated as an initial determination of custody under section 518.17. The provisions of chapter 518 apply with respect to the granting of custody and parenting time. An action to determine custody and parenting time may be commenced pursuant to chapter 518 without an adjudication of parentage. These proceedings may not be combined with any proceeding under chapter 518B.
History:
1983 c 308 s 3; 1987 c 403 art 3 s 96; 1990 c 574 s 3; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 6 s 34; 2000 c 444 art 2 s 6
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 257.541
What does Minnesota Statutes § 257.541 cover?
Section 257.541 ("CUSTODY AND PARENTING TIME WITH CHILDREN BORN OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. 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 Minnesota § 257.541?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 257.541" (Minnesota). 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 Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 257.541 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota 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 Minnesota.