Establish Paternity

           In Ohio, if a child’s parents are not married to each other when the child is born, that child does not have a legal father.  Therefore, paternity must be established for the person to be called the legal father of a child. Once this happens the father’s name can appear on the birth certificate.

 

           For unmarried parents in Ohio, paternity can be established one of three ways, depending on your situation:

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• Both parties complete and sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit. This form is voluntary, there is no cost to complete, and is the quickest way to establish paternity and legally recognized fatherhood.   

• Genetic testing followed by an administrative order establishing paternity.

• A court order of paternity issued through Juvenile or Domestic Relations Court.
   

*excerpt derived from DJS website