+ How can paternity be established?

For unmarried parents in Ohio, paternity can be established in one of three ways:

1. Completing and signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit (JFS 07038): If both parties agree they are the biological parents of the child, the "Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit” can be completed. By signing the form, parents are establishing paternity for their child - meaning legally recognized fatherhood. Completing the form is voluntary, it’s free, and is the quickest way to establish paternity.

   Paternity affidavits can be completed in the hospital at the time of birth or afterwards at your local registrar (health department) or county child support enforcement agency (CSEA) . Either parent can also call the Ohio Central Paternity Registry (CPR) at 1-888-810-OHIO (6446) and and request a blank copy of the form to be mailed to you.
   
   

2. Genetic testing, followed by an Administrative Order Establishment of Paternity (JFS 07774) at your local child support enforcement agency: Genetic testing may be conducted provided there is not a final determination of paternity, there is uncertainty as to the parentage of the child or if paternity is contested. The mother, alleged father(s) or the child or child’s guardian may request that the CSEA conduct genetic testing to determine the father of the child. The CSEA will then order all parties to submit to genetic testing and will issue an Administrative Order of Paternity based on the outcome of the genetic test. For a paternity order to be established, the test must show at least a 99% probability of fatherhood. If parties request genetic testing through the CSEA, the CSEA will schedule a support hearing to establish a support order for the child(ren) once paternity is established. If either party fails to submit to the test or fails to submit the child for genetic testing, the CSEA may request the court to find the party in contempt and determine the issue of paternity.

   If the mother lives in Ohio, please contact the CSEA in the mother's county of residence. If the mother lives outside of Ohio, you may contact the CSEA in the father's county of residence.
   
   

3. A court order of paternity: A court order of paternity may be established through juvenile court or domestic relations court (as part of a divorce).

+ Is the Acknowledgement of Paternity Affidavit the right option for me and my child?

Establishing paternity is an important decision. Completing the paternity affidavit form is the quickest and easiest way for unmarried parents to establish legal fatherhood and have the father’s name placed on the birth certificate. Establishing paternity gives you and your child the rights and opportunities you need and deserve.

• By having his name placed on the birth certificate, the father gains legal rights to his child. His child then has access to benefits such as Social Security, life insurance, military benefits, and inheritances.
• Your child will also have access to their father’s health insurance as well as both families’ medical histories and lineages.
• Just as importantly, establishing paternity allows both mother and father to develop an emotional bond with their child and share in the responsibilities and rewards of parenting.
• If you have any doubts about who the father of the child is, do not sign the Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit. You may want to get genetic testing completed before you decide.

+ What are the requirements to complete a paternity affidavit?

• Both parents must provide their full name, current address, date of birth, and Social Security Number (if they have one). The father must also provide his state or country of birth.
• Both the biological father and mother of the child must sign the affidavit. The affidavit may be signed by a parent without being in the other parent’s presence. Each parent's signature must be notarized or witnessed by two adult witnesses at the time of signing.
• Parents must provide a picture ID if signing in the presence of a notary; witnesses do not require a picture ID.
• Adult family members may be a witness. Neither parent may sign as a witness to the other parent’s signature.

Witnesses and notaries are provided free of charge at hospitals, local registrars/health departments, and CSEAs.

+ How can I get a blank Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit?

• At the hospital when your baby is born
• At your local registrar’s office (also called vital statistics or the health department) after your baby is born
• At your county child support enforcement agency (CSEA) after your baby is born
• By calling the Ohio Central Paternity Registry (CPR) at 1-888-810-OHIO (6446) and requesting a copy be mailed to you.

+ Will the father be required to pay child support if he signs the paternity affidavit?

• It depends. Both parents have a responsibility to support their child. In most cases, it will be up to the guardian of the child to request support. However, if you are receiving certain benefits, a father may be required to pay child support. If you have specific questions about your situation, please contact your local child support enforcement agency.

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