The Oklahoma Bar Journal January 2026

PARTIES, JURISDICTION AND VENUE The parties who can maintain a proceeding to adjudicate parent age are the child, the mother of the child, a man whose parentage is to be determined, Oklahoma Human Services or a representa tive authorized by law to act for an individual who would oth erwise be entitled to maintain a proceeding but who is deceased, incapacitated or a minor. 17 The mother of the child and a man whose paternity of the child is to be adjudicated may be joined as parties in a proceeding to adjudicate parentage. 18 The court must have personal jurisdiction over the individual who will be adjudicated as the child’s legal parent. 19 Venue is proper in the county where the child resides or is found, where the respondent resides if the child does not reside in this state or where the probate of the alleged father’s estate has been commenced. 20 STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS In addition to personal juris diction and venue, the court’s

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL