Incarceration Does Not Have to Be a Barrier to Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity is important for children, regardless of where their parents are. Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) staff can help families with a parent in prison establish paternity for their children.

Either parent or caretaker/guardian can request child support services, not just the support recipient. Being proactive to establish paternity for children has many benefits for the children and is a way to take steps for their well-being that can be done even when incarcerated.

If both parents cooperate, they can sign a free Acknowledgement of Paternity form to establish paternity any time before the child turns 18. DCSS can also file a court action to establish paternity at your request.

DCSS also facilitates DNA testing, and all information is kept confidential.

To find out more about child support services, call 602-252-4045 or 1-800-882-4151 (toll-free in Arizona), Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Case-related documents can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to P.O. Box 40458, Phoenix, AZ 85067. The Arizona Child Support Online Portal is available at https://mychildsupport.azdes.gov/, and the DES Document Center for forms and flyers is available at https://des.az.gov/documents-center.

Learn more about DES child support services at the Division of Child Support Services website.