If you have not signed the birth certificate of your child and you do not wish to go to court, then you can sign an acknowledgement of paternity document. This form shows that both parties agree on who the father of the child is. Once you sign this form, then you can be held legally responsible for the welfare of the child. Creating an acknowledgement of paternity document needs to be done correctly in order for it to be valid. Therefore, there are a few tips you should use to make sure your acknowledgement of paternity document holds up in the court system.
Make Sure the Document is Voluntarily Signed by Both Parties
The only way an acknowledgement of paternity document can be valid is if it has been signed by both parties. If one parent does not agree with paternity, then this is something that needs to be contested in court. In addition, if the other party's signature is forged this can lead to large consequences down the road. Therefore, only use an acknowledgement of paternity document if both parties are in agreement.
Get the Completed Document Notarized
A notarized acknowledgement of paternity document is not required in order for the document to be legal. However, a notarized document is proof that the document was not forged since the notary acts as a witness. Notarizing the document is extremely helpful, in the event that the father dies. If the father dies without a court establishing paternity or without signing the birth certificate, then a notarized acknowledgement of paternity can be used for any legal issues like insurance. You should make a copy of the document and make sure that the signatures are notarized on each copy.
File Your Acknowledgement of Paternity Document with the Registrar's Office
While both parents may have a copy of the acknowledgement of paternity document, it is important to file the completed document with the registrars office in your district. The registrar's office will usually provide you with a certified copy that you can keep for personal use. Filing your acknowledgement of paternity shows the court's that the paternity of the child has already been established in the event that someone else wans to try to establish paternity. If this happens, the courts may side with the parent that has already established paternity.
Creating an acknowledgement of paternity document can save time if both parties are on the same page. Therefore, use these tips to make sure your acknowledgement of paternity is properly submitted. To find out more, speak with someone like the Law Office of Shelli Wright Johnson.
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