Establishing Paternity: Here’s How!

Establishing paternity is a necessary step in the process of getting child support! 
There are a few ways this can happen:

Acknowledgment of Paternity

This is when both parents mutually agree to complete a legally binding Acknowledgement of Paternity Affidavit. 

Once this is done, the father will be added to the child's birth certificate.

Genetic Testing

Either party may request genetic testing be completed when paternity is in question and has not already been established. 

All parties' DNA are collected by a cheek swab - no blood test necessary.

Court Order

This is when a judge declares parentage, and is most common after genetic testing is done.

Establishing paternity has several benefits for children that can last for years. Children with established paternity have access to their full medical history for both sides of their family, survivors' benefits, a sense of identity, and a higher likelihood of having both parents involved in their daily life. 

If you would like to establish paternity through DCSS, both parents can come into a Division of Child Support Services office to sign the Voluntary Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity Form. To find a list of local DCSS offices, use our office locator.  For more information on the Hospital Paternity Program, call 602-771-8181.