For unmarried parents, the most common way to establish paternity is by completing the Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit (JFS 07038) in the hospital after the baby’s birth. 

By signing the form, parents are establishing paternity for their child - meaning legally recognized fatherhood. This form is voluntary, there is no cost to completing, and is the quickest way to establish paternity and to add the biological father to the child’s birth certificate. However, some birthing hospitals in Ohio may have health restrictions which limit the number of visitors who can enter the hospital for the safety of their patients and staff members. Additionally, some hospitals have changed their processes for meeting with unmarried parents to discuss paternity establishment and completing the Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit (JFS 07038).

Each hospital may have a different set of health restrictions and procedures to follow. It is important that expecting parents contact their birthing facility before the birth of their baby if they wish to establish paternity at the hospital. Hospitals can provide the following information:

• How many support people are allowed in the patient’s room

• Whether or not a support person is allowed to return to the patient’s room once they leave

• When a hospital staff member will be available to meet with the parents to discuss and complete the Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit

• Answers to general questions about establishing paternity and the Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit

If you were unable to establish paternity at the hospital, please contact the Central Paternity Registry (1-888-810-6446) for assistance. We can mail you the proper form (Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit JFS-07038) and provide guidance on completing the form, where to obtain free notary/witness services, and genetic testing.

Being Prepared to Establish Paternity at the Hospital

• Make sure you have your valid photo ID with you. If you leave the patient’s room, you may not be able to return.  

• If you choose someone other than the father as a support person, you may not be able to complete the Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit at the hospital. Ask the hospital if it is possible for you to complete and notarize or witness your portion of the affidavit and upon your release ask the father to complete and notarize or witness their portion of the affidavit. The affidavit must then be sent to the Ohio Central Paternity Registry. The mailing address appears on the affidavit under the “Notice of Rights and Responsibilities and Due Process Safeguards.” Affidavits must be sent within 10 days of the last signature.

• Ask your doctor what the health restrictions are at your birthing facility.

• Review the FAQs on paternity establishment and completing the paternity affidavit ahead of time to get answers to commonly asked questions.

• Write down any additional questions you may have before your hospital stay so that you are prepared when the hospital staff member visits to discuss paternity establishment.

FAQs for Establishing Paternity

Q. I was not able to complete the Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit at the hospital but would like to now. Where can I obtain the form?

A. You must use the official form (Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit JFS-07038). Copies or printed versions of the form will not be accepted. Both parents must fill out the same form with their own information and sign it before a notary or two adult witnesses. The form does not need to be notarized or witnessed in the presence of the other parent. You can obtain the official form by contacting the following agencies: 

• Central Paternity Registry (CPR): CPR can mail you the proper form (Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit JFS-07038). Call us at 1-888-810-OHIO (6446).

• Local Vital Statistics: Most local vital statistic offices are located at the county health department. Click here to find a health department.

• Local Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA): Either parent can obtain the official form from their local CSEA. To find the CSEA in your county, call 1-800-686-1556 or use the online ODJFS County Directory.

  All of these locations have trained staff available to assist parents in completing an affidavit. Vital Statistics and CSEAs also have free notaries and witnesses available. If the form is signed in the presence of a notary, parents must provide suitable picture identification to the notary.

If your local offices are closed to the public for in-person services, please contact CPR at 1-888-810-6446. We can assist you with finding free notary services near you.