Acknowledgment of Paternity in Alabama
What does an Acknowledgment of paternity mean in Alabama?
In Alabama to acknowledge paternity refers to an unmarried man signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form (AOP) to legally accept the responsibility of a child, he believes to be his biological offspring.
By signing this document the alleged father will be recognized by the state of Alabama as the legal father of the child. Therefore the father will be granted rights and responsibilities to help support the child up until the age of 18 years old.
Where can I get an Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form in Alabama?
There are a couple of ways in which an AOP form can be completed and signed.
1. At Hospitals in Alabama either before the birth or shortly after the birth of the child. A hospital staff member is required to explain the pros and cons of signing the document as well as the legal consequences of signing an AOP form.
It should also be noted both the mother and alleged father have to complete the Acknowledgment of Paternity form. This process must take place if the document is to be signed at the hospital prior to the mother being discharged.
2. If the father is not at the hospital during the time of the child’s birth. The mother and/or the legal father may get an AOP form from the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Remember, both mother and father must complete the same document and be signed in the presence of a notary.
What happens if the mother and father disagree about paternity?
If there is a disagreement on the paternity of a child. Then either person (mother or father) can file a paternity petition in Family Court. If your petition is accepted, the Judge will issue a court order to the respondent.
During the hearing, the Judge will order that the father and child perform a DNA paternity test. If the alleged father is proven to be the biological father. The father will be required to complete the paternity affidavit which will be sent to the office of Vital Records. Once at Vital Records, a completed birth certificate will be created with the father, mother, and child’s name added.
Genetic Testing
How long does it court order paternity testing take?
If the state of Alabama will cover the cost of your DNA test. The average turnaround time for you to receive your results can range from 6 to 8 weeks.
In the event, you are paying for your DNA test out of pocket. IDTO legal paternity testing costs start at $350.00 and up. The turnaround time is 2 to 3 business days from the date the lab receives all genetic samples. Learn more about our court-admissible DNA paternity testing services here.
Can a father rescind paternity in Alabama?
Yes. A father can rescind paternity within the earlier 60 days or the date of an administrative or judicial proceeding relating to the child including a proceeding to establish a support order in which the signatory is a party.
