Paternity Acknowledgment In Connecticut
How can I a man establish paternity in Connecticut?
Paternity establishment in Connecticut applies to unmarried men. In order for an unmarried alleged father to establish paternity he will have to sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form. The document ca sign shortly after the birth of the child at the hospital.
In the event, the unmarried father does not sign VAP at the hospital. The document can be signed at a local Social Services office in Connecticut. Please note, that signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form will make the man signing the document the legal father of the child. Therefore making the man legally responsible for the upkeep of the child.
Where can I get a copy of a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity Form?
A Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form can be signed at the hospital after the birth of a child. The nurse or another member of the hospital staff should provide the VAP form to the alleged father. The document to our knowledge is to be signed on the hospital premises and may not be allowed to be completed at home.
If the alleged father is not present at the hospital at the time of the birth of a child. A Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form can be acquired at a local Social Services office in Connecticut.
What parental rights does an unmarried father have in Connecticut?
Assuming the unmarried father has the VAP form. Legal fathers may grant visitation, the right to make decisions on their child’s upbringing and he also is responsible for financially supporting the child.
DNA Testing
Do I need to perform a DNA paternity test to establish paternity?
Paternity testing is an important part of the process of establishing the paternity of a child. A paternity test is a DNA test that determines if an alleged father is biologically related to a child.
There are two ways in which a DNA test is performed to establish paternity legally.
1. If a court order has been issued by Judge. A paternity test depending on your specific circumstance can be performed privately by a DNA testing company of your choice or through the courts.
2. If both the mother/legal guardian of a child along with the alleged father agrees to perform a legal paternity test. Then scheduling an appointment may be performed prior to going before a Judge.
It should be noted that only laboratories accredited by the AABB results can be used as evidence to prove paternity. All of our legal DNA testing services we provide are performed by our partner AABB Accredited Laboratory.
If you are in need of paternity testing services to establish a biological relationship with a child. Visit our legal paternity testing page here.