Section 2: Actions to establish parentage

In the absence of a title and possession of status, the maternity search is admitted. The action is reserved for the child who is required to prove that he is the one from whom the alleged mother gave birth.

During childbirth, the mother may request that her admission and identity be kept secret.

Paternity outside marriage may be judicially declared. The action to establish paternity is reserved for the child.

The parent, even if a minor, in respect of whom filiation is established has, during the minority of the child, sole standing to bring an action to establish maternity or paternity. If no parent-child relationship is established or if that parent is deceased or unable to express his or her will, the action shall be brought by the guardian in accordance with the provisions of the second paragraph of Article…

Where the presumption of paternity has been set aside pursuant to Article 313, each of the spouses may request, during the child’s minority, that its effects be re-established by proving that the husband is the father. The action is open to the child during the ten years following his majority.

Possession of status may be established, at the request of any person having an interest therein, within ten years of its cessation or the death of the alleged parent.

Where an action is brought under this section, the court shall decide, where appropriate, on the exercise of parental authority, the contribution to the maintenance and education of the child and the attribution of the name.