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Frequently Asked Questions
What does signing a Certificate of Parentage Mean?
By signing this Certificate of Parentage you are legally establishing your child's paternity. Paternity means fatherhood. For parents who are not married to each other, paternity may be established legally only by signing this form or by going to court. Parents who are married to each other do not need to sign this form because their child's paternity is already established.
Signing the form is voluntary. However, since signing this form has legal consequences, you may want to consult an attorney before you sign.
Why is it important for me to fill out a COP?
It is important for a child to know his or her mother and father and benefit from a relationship with both parents.
Once a legal relationship is established with the father, the father is more likely to maintain his own relationship with his child.
Identity and Medical:, The father’s information will appear on the child’s birth certificate. The child will have information about both parents’ medical histories. This is especially important if the child inherits a medical problem from one of the parents. Custody and Visitation/Adoption: With Legal paternity established, the father can request visitation rights and ask for a share in custody arrangements. The father gains the right to have a say in any plans to have the child adopted by someone else. Benefits: The child can qualify for benefits from both parents including social security, health and life insurance, inheritance rights, veteran’s benefits, and others. Support: Both parents have a responsibility to support the child. This includes financial as well as emotional support. If the parents choose to separate and paternity is already decided, it is easier for the mother to obtain child support from the father.
If I sign the form, is Paternity legally established?
Once signed by both parents and witnessed or notarized, this form will have
the same binding effect as a court judgment of paternity. However, since signing this form has legal consequences, you may
want to consult an attorney before you sign.
What are the Rights and Responsibilities of the Parents?
Both parents are required by law to support their child from birth. If your child does not live with you, you may be ordered by the court to pay child support until the child's eighteenth birthday, or beyond in some circumstances.
A parent who does not live with the child may have the right to visit and establish a relationship with the child as you both agree or as ordered by the court.
What if I'm not sure I'm the father?
If you aren't sure you are the father do not sign the Certificate of Parentage.
You can have a blood or genetic test to verify paternity, but do not sign
this form until you have received the results of the test.
Do married parents have to sign the form to establish paternity?
Parents who are married to each other do not need to sign this form because their child's
paternity is already established because of the marriage. If the mother is married
to a man other than the child's father, the mother and father must sign a Certificate of
Parentage and the mother's husband must sign an Affidavit of Denial in order for paternity
to be legally established. By signing the Affidavit of Denial states, the husband is
stating that he is not the father.
What if I change my mind?
This Certificate of Parentage can be rescinded at any time within 60 days of the date signed if both parties agree to rescind by filing a Recision of Certificate of Parentage with the Bureau of Vital Records.
If only one person wants to rescind within the 60 day timeframe, an action must be filed with the court.
If the Certificate of Parentage is rescinded within the 60 day time frame, the father's name and information will be removed from your child's birth certificate. Please note, however, that either party can later bring a court action to establish paternity.
After this 60 day period, parents can challenge the Certificate of Parentage in court only on the basis of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact. The parent attempting to rescind must provide proof of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact.
Click here for a printabe Certificate of Parentage or for more information call the Paternity Opportunity Program Office at 1-800-POP-6607.
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