How to Acknowledge Paternity of a Child as an Unmarried Couple in PA

When a child is born to an unmarried couple in Pennsylvania, paternity cannot be acknowledged by simply signing a birth certificate. In fact, until paternity is acknowledged there is no legal bond between father and child. The only way to forge this legal bond is through completion of an Acknowledgment of Paternity Form or an order though the court of Domestic relations.

Things You'll Need

• Acknowledgment of Paternity form Writing utensils Biological parents Witnesses

Instructions

1. If both parents are present, request an acknowledgment of paternity form at the hospital. This form can be completed and returned to the hospital staff who will then forward to the state to be recorded.

2. If both parents are not present at the hospital, an acknowledgment of paternity form can be obtained by visiting your local county assistance office or telephoning the Paternity Coordinator and the Bureau of Child Support Enforcement at 1-800-932-0211, option number 4. Both parents must complete the form and it must be witnessed by another party in order for it to be considered valid.

3. If either parents whereabouts are unknown, or the dynamics of the relationship prevents the couple from completing the form together, the concerned party should contact their local Domestic Relations office.

Tips & Warnings

• Acknowledgment of Paternity can only be rescinded within 60 days of signing. If you are unsure if you are the parent of a child, you can apply for paternity testing through your local Domestic Relations Office.

Resources

• PA Domestic Relations Office Locator