Establishing Paternity in Alaska
How paternity is established in Alaska: the voluntary acknowledgment form, court orders, genetic testing and deadlines.
Short answer: Parents of a child born outside marriage can establish paternity by both signing the state acknowledgment of paternity form, which is filed with the Bureau of Vital Statistics; AS 25.20.050, 25.20.055
| Establishing paternity | Parents of a child born outside marriage can establish paternity by both signing the state acknowledgment of paternity form, which is filed with the Bureau of Vital Statistics; hospitals must offer the form through the early acknowledgment program. A signed acknowledgment is treated as a legal finding of paternity. It may be withdrawn only by the earlier of 60 days after signing or the date a court or administrative proceeding begins to set support for or determine paternity of the child. Paternity can also be decided by a court or tribunal; in a contested case, genetic testing must be ordered on request (unless good cause exists not to), and a result of 95% or higher creates a presumption of paternity. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 25.20.050, 25.20.055 |
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Where to get help in Alaska
More Alaska divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Alaska
- Adopting a Child in Alaska
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Alaska
- Changing Your Name in Alaska
- Child Custody Laws in Alaska
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Alaska
- Divorce Records in Alaska
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Alaska
- How to File for Divorce in Alaska
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Alaska
- All Alaska divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you establish paternity in Alaska?
Parents of a child born outside marriage can establish paternity by both signing the state acknowledgment of paternity form, which is filed with the Bureau of Vital Statistics; hospitals must offer the form through the early acknowledgment program. A signed acknowledgment is treated as a legal finding of paternity. It may be withdrawn only by the earlier of 60 days after signing or the date a court or administrative proceeding begins to set support for or determine paternity of the child. Paternity can also be decided by a court or tribunal; in a contested case, genetic testing must be ordered on request (unless good cause exists not to), and a result of 95% or higher creates a presumption of paternity.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.