Affidavit of Paternity/Parentage

An Affidavit of Paternity (also known as an Affidavit of Parentage) is a sworn legal document used to establish the biological father's legal relationship to a child born outside of marriage. This notarized statement serves as voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, creating legal rights and responsibilities between father and child. Our comprehensive template ensures compliance with state paternity laws while providing a clear framework for establishing parental rights and obligations. Key Components of This Template Essential Legal Elements: Father's identification section with complete personal and contact information Mother's identification details including full name and address Child information block with birth details, current name, and identifying data Paternity acknowledgment statement with clear, unambiguous language Voluntary declaration clause confirming no coercion or fraud Rights and responsibilities notification outlining legal implications Revocation period information explaining withdrawal timeframes Notary acknowledgment section ensuring proper witnessing and oath administration Additional Critical Components: Medical information disclosure regarding genetic conditions (optional) Child support acknowledgment recognizing financial obligations Custody and visitation rights establishment language State-specific compliance features meeting local legal requirements Witness signature blocks where jurisdictionally required Effective date specifications for legal recognition Protective Provisions: Clear language regarding voluntary nature of acknowledgment Information about legal consequences and rights Instructions for proper completion and filing Who Needs This Document Primary Users: Unmarried biological fathers seeking to establish legal paternity Single mothers wanting to secure child support and parental rights Couples in committed relationships who aren't legally married Fathers missing from birth certificates seeking legal recognition Family Situations: Newborn registration when parents aren't married at time of birth Retroactive paternity establishment for existing children Immigration cases requiring proof of parent-child relationship Estate planning scenarios ensuring inheritance rights for children Military families establishing dependent status for benefits Adoption prevention when biological father wants to maintain rights Legal and Administrative Needs: Family court proceedings requiring paternity establishment Child support enforcement actions initiated by state agencies Social Security benefits applications for children Health insurance coverage addition of children to father's policy School enrollment requiring both parents' information Medical decision-making authority establishment Professional Applications: Family law attorneys handling paternity and child support cases Hospital social workers assisting new parents with legal documentation Child support enforcement agencies facilitating voluntary acknowledgments Adoption agencies managing biological father consent processes Immigration lawyers documenting family relationships for visa applications Why Choose Our Affidavit of Paternity Template Legally Comprehensive: Includes all state-required elements for valid paternity acknowledgment across multiple jurisdictions. Rights Protection: Clear explanation of legal consequences, rights, and responsibilities for both parents. Child-Focused: Designed to protect the best interests of the child while establishing clear parental relationships. Compliance Assured: Updated regularly to reflect current state laws and federal requirements. Professional Standard: Court-accepted format meeting legal filing requirements. Educational Value: Includes helpful guidance about the paternity acknowledgment process and implications. Draft you legal documents with Wansom AI