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.