FAQs

Below are answers to questions parents frequently ask. For more information, or to get answers to a question you don't see here, you can contact the Ohio Central Paternity Registry (CPR) at 1-888-810-OHIO (6446) to speak to a live representative.

Representatives are available Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Learn more about health restrictions and tips on how to be prepared for establishing paternity at the hospital.

+ What is paternity establishment?

• Paternity means legal fatherhood. Paternity establishment is how a biological father becomes the legal father of his child if he and the mother are not married.
• For unmarried parents, paternity must be established before the father’s name can appear on the birth certificate.
• Paternity can be established any time before the child becomes 23 years old. Paternity can be determined even if the other parent lives in another state or a foreign country.
• In Ohio, if a woman is married at the time of birth or at any time during the 300 days prior to birth, the husband is presumed to be the natural father of the child unless paternity is established for the biological father.

+ How can paternity be established?

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

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 request a blank copy of the form to be mailed to you.

+ What is the Ohio Central Paternity Registry?

• Federal regulations require each state to maintain a paternity registry for all children born out of wedlock. In Ohio, this registry is known as the Central Paternity Registry (CPR). The purpose of the registry is to collect and process all paternity documents initiated by the CSEAs, hospitals, department of health bureau of vital statistics and courts. The registry verifies that no other paternity document exists for a child, then extracts specific data elements from each document. This information is maintained in a single database (called the CPR database). Once the registry inputs the paternity documents in the database, the original paternity documents are forwarded to the Ohio Department of Health so the birth record can be updated with the father's name and stored permanently. Within a few days, the information is made available to the CSEA's to assist them in establishing support. The CPR in Ohio provides establishment outreach, education, training, guidance, assessment, and technical assistance to birthing hospitals, local health departments, child support enforcement offices, courts, community partners and unmarried parents. CPR also operates a call center (1-888-810-OHIO (6446)) that serves as a resource for parents, birthing facilities, registrars, courts, and CSEAs to receive responses to their questions regarding procedures or specific cases.

+ What are the benefits of establishing paternity?

• 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.
• Allows both mother and father to develop an emotional bond with their child and share in the responsibilities and rewards of parenting.
• Establishing paternity is the first step in setting up a child support order.

Paternity Establishment FAQs

+ What is an Acknowledgement of Paternity Affidavit Form?

• If unmarried, and 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 this form is voluntary, it’s free, and is the quickest way to establish paternity. Once completed, the Acknowledgement of Paternity Affidavit is used to add the biological father to the child’s birth certificate.

+ 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.

+ 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.

+ Who should NOT complete the paternity affidavit?

• A married mother
• A mother divorced within 300 days of the child’s birth unless she obtained a final divorce decree stating the husband is not the father of the child
• A mother who is legally separated from her husband
• If there is any doubt about who the father of the child is

There are unique circumstances that may prevent an individual from using the affidavit to establish paternity. If you are unsure, contact your local CSEA.

+ 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.

+ What are the guidelines regarding the type of identification that is acceptable for a paternity affidavit witnessed by a notary?

• If signing the affidavit in the presence of a notary, each parent must show a valid, government-issued photo ID. (If parents sign in the presence of witnesses, a picture ID is not required.) Accepted forms of ID include:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card (available at the Department of Motor Vehicles offices for a small fee)
  • Passport or other government-issued, valid identification from country of origin (must be listed in the International ID Checking Guide to be accepted if it is from another country)

  + Once the affidavit is completed, signed, and notarized or witnessed by both parties, what should I do with it?

  • The affidavit must 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. If completing the affidavit at that hospital, department of health/vital statistics, or at the county child support enforcement agency, the staff will mail the form for you.

  + When does the affidavit become final?

  • The affidavit is final 60 days after the date of the last signature, as long as the affidavit is properly signed, notarized or witnessed and filed with the CPR. Signers can request that the affidavit be rescinded only during that 60-day period.

  + How much does it cost to complete the paternity affidavit?

  • There is no charge to complete an Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit.

  + What happens if both the mother and father do not sign the paternity affidavit?

  • At the hospital, unmarried parents may complete and sign the affidavit to establish paternity for their child. If both parents do not sign the affidavit, the father’s name will not go on the birth certificate and the child has no legal father at that time. Since the affidavit must be signed by both parents, if either one chooses not to, paternity cannot be established by this method. However, the parents may choose to establish paternity later by applying for services through their county child support enforcement agency (CSEA). To request the assistance of the CSEA in establishing paternity, you need to complete and submit a form called “Application for Child Support Services, Non-Public Assistance Applicant (JFS 07076).” This form is also available at your county CSEA. The CSEA may already have you on file, depending upon whether you are already registered for certain child support services or if you are receiving services through the Office of Family Assistance or Protective Services. Simply contact your county's CSEA and let them know you wish to begin child support services. 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.

  To find the CSEA in your county, call 1-800-686-1556 or use the online ODJFS County Directory. Each of the state's 88 counties has a CSEA, staffed by people who are well-versed in Ohio laws, practices and who can answer your questions and explain your rights.

  + What happens if the child's alleged father or mother did not sign the paternity affidavit and refuses to submit to genetic testing?

  • 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.

  + Do both parents have to sign the affidavit in each other’s presence?

  • No. Although both parents are required to sign the affidavit, it may be signed without being in each other’s presence. However, each parent’s signature must be notarized or witnessed at the time of signing. After both parents have signed and notarized/witnessed, the affidavit can be sent directly to the 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.

  + Can non-U.S. citizens sign the paternity affidavit?

  • Yes, as long as the child was born in Ohio, or one or both of the parents live in Ohio. Regardless of a parent’s citizenship, they can establish paternity for their child, who is a U.S. citizen as long as all required documentation and proper identification is provided. This form is not used to track non-U.S. citizens.

  + How does signing the paternity affidavit affect custody and visitation?

  • Paternity establishment and custody are two separate issues. Under Ohio Revised Code, if a child is born to an unmarried mother, the mother is the sole residential parent and legal guardian of the child unless a court order is issued. Once paternity is established, the father may seek visitation or custody rights through the court system.

  + 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.

  + Can minor parents sign a paternity affidavit?

  • Yes, minor parents can sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit form. There are no additional requirements for minor parents.

  + What if parents change their minds about signing the paternity affidavit later?

  • Either parent who signed the Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit may bring an action to rescind it within 60 days of the last signature on the affidavit. The child support enforcement agency (CSEA) where the child or guardian or legal custodian of the child resides can assist with this process. The process involves filling out a rescission form, signing up for genetic testing, and completing genetic testing. The CSEA will issue an order of paternity based on the results.
  • After the 60-day period, either party may bring a court action to rescind within 1 year after it has become final. A man presumed to be the father of the child under Ohio law who did not sign the affidavit, either person who signed the affidavit, or a guardian or legal custodian of the child may bring an action to rescind the affidavit based on fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact.
  • After 1 year past the date of signing the affidavit, a person may file a motion for relief from the final acknowledgment of paternity in a court action under Ohio Revised Code sections 3119.96 through 3119.967.

  + What happens if the affidavit is not completed correctly?

  • If the affidavit is not completed correctly, or is not signed and notarized or witnessed, the CPR will determine that the affidavit is invalid and will return it back to one of the parents. A new affidavit needs to be completed by the parents and resubmitted.

  + What can I do if I completed the Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit but now believe I am not the child's father?

  • When a mother and father sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit, either person may request that the affidavit be rescinded (withdrawn) by contacting the CSEA within 60 days of the date of the last signature on the affidavit. Either person can complete the "Request for Paternity Determination and Notification to Central Paternity Registry" (JFS 07029) at the CSEA. The CSEA will send this notice to the CPR and request genetic testing to establish paternity. The CPR will forward the notice to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the birth record will be put on hold until paternity is established. Once genetic testing is complete and the CSEA issues an administrative order determining paternity, the child’s birth record will be updated by ODH.