How to Obtain a Paternity Affidavit
Paternity affidavits are legal documents intended for mothers who are not married during the time they give birth to a child, or are not married within 300 days of their child's birth. It is highly important that unwed mothers fill out these forms in order to bind the father to his child, and ensure that he provides the proper legal necessities to the child and mother. In addition, the document also allows for the legal change of the child's last name to match his father's. The process of obtaining and sending in these affidavits is simple, and no additional signatures from the father or mother are needed on the original birth certificate.
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Instructions
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Most hospitals will provide the document to unwed mothers after they give birth. If this document is not provided, request it by contacting either the hospital where the child was born, the local health department, or the CSEA (Child Support Enforcement Agency).
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Check with the CSEA to find out the specific laws and rules regarding paternal affidavits in your particular state, then, based on your state's specific regulations and rules, fill out the paternity affidavit accurately and ensure that the child's father does the same. Make sure the child's name at birth and the newly-changed name (if applicable) are spelled correctly and that all dates and names are written clearly and properly.
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Once completed, send in the paternity affidavit to either the hospital where the child was born, the local health department, or CSEA. There is a 60-day grace period following the completion of the document during which either parent can rescind the paternity affidavit. To rescind a paternity affidavit, contact your local CSEA.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember to check the specific laws and procedures relating to paternity affidavits in your jurisdiction. The Affidavit itself should come with a set of instructions.
