Establishing Paternity in Alabama

The mother and a man claiming to be the genetic father may sign a notarized acknowledgment of paternity under penalty of perjury and file it with the Alabama Office of Vital Statistics; it is then a legal finding of paternity and a basis for child support. A signer may rescind only through a court proceeding started before the earlier of 60 days after the acknowledgment takes effect or the first court hearing about the child to which the signer is a party. After that, it can be challenged only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact (or under Alabama's separate paternity-disestablishment statute). In a court case, the court must order genetic testing when requested by a party, the Department of Human Resources or the child's representative.