acknowledgment of paternity
What is an acknowledgment of paternity form?
An acknowledgment of paternity (AOP) form is a document that is presented to an unmarried alleged father at a hospital after the birth of his child. The head nurse at the hospital is required to explain the pros and cons of the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity form.
A voluntary Acknowledgment of paternity form when signed is a legal document that carries the same enforcement as a court order. An alleged father should make sure he takes the time to read the document at the hospital before signing the AOP form.
Do I have to sign the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity at the hospital?
No. The AOP can be signed at the hospital or at a local registrar’s office.
What happens if the father refuses to acknowledge paternity?
A father can refuse to not acknowledge being the biological father of a child if he is unmarried and did not sign an AOP form.
If the mother of the child files a paternity petition with the court and the Judge issues a court order and the alleged father does not show up in court. The alleged father will be held in contempt of court and Judge will rule in favor of the mother
A Family Law Attorney should be consulted to understand your state’s paternity guidelines and to learn more about the possible ramifications of signing a paternity acknowledgment form.
Married Fathers
Please note, the state automatically deems married men the legal father of a child that is conceived within the marriage.
Is a birth certificate an acknowledgment of paternity?
A paternity acknowledgment form is a legal document that is signed at a hospital or local registrar’s office. After the document has been signed it will be sent to Vital Records in your state where the father, mother, and child’s information will be added to the birth certificate.
Can I rescind paternity acknowledgment?
Yes. There is a small window of time after the acknowledgment of paternity form/certificate of parentage form has been signed to rescind paternity. 60 days after signing the form you can rescind paternity. Please note, both the legal father and the mother must agree to sign the paternity rescindment document.
If I don’t sign the birth certificate do I have to pay child support?
If an alleged father has not signed an AOP form he is not legally bound to pay child support to a child. Now, if a court order was issued to the father and the judge requests a paternity test be performed and the DNA test proves paternity. The court will establish child support.
When can a paternity test be performed to add a father’s name to a birth certificate?
A paternity test can be performed when unmarried parents agree to perform a DNA test with a court order from a judge or before a court order. If you require an experienced DNA paternity testing company to handle your legal DNA testing needs. Contact our office at 888-204-0583.
Conclusion:
If an unmarried couple wants to establish the paternity of a child. Both parents will be required to complete an acknowledgment of paternity form. The AOP is a document used in every state but may be called a paternity affidavit.
Remember, this document once completed and signed has the same legal enforcement as a court order.