Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment

What does it mean if you sign the Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment form?

Before signing the Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment form, make sure you understand what the form means.

Signing this form legally establishes paternity. This means the court may order support for the baby without having a court hearing to prove who the father is. Support could include paying for medical bills and providing health insurance. Support is owed until the baby becomes an adult.

If you have questions:

Do not sign this form, until you talk to:

• the person who gave you this form
• your child support agency
• a counselor, a caseworker, an attorney, or
• call 1-888-643-7284

What you need to know

The Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment form is a legal document.

Do not sign this form unless both of you are completely sure that the man signing the form is the biological (birth) father. If you are not sure, first ask your local child support agency for genetic tests. You may sign the form after you get the test results.

If you have any questions, talk to the person who gave you this folder, your local child support agency, a counselor, a caseworker, or an attorney, or call 1-888-643-7284 before signing this form.

Please do not use the Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment form if you think it is not in the best interest of your child to establish paternity.

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