Establishing Paternity in Arizona

Parents of a child born outside marriage can establish paternity by filing a notarized or witnessed acknowledgment signed by both parents with the clerk of the superior court, the Department of Economic Security or the Department of Health Services; it has the same effect as a superior court judgment. Either parent may rescind in writing within the earlier of 60 days after the last signature or the date of a proceeding about the child in which that parent is a party. After 60 days, it can be challenged only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. In a court paternity case, the court must order genetic testing on its own or a party's motion; a result of 95% or greater creates a presumption of paternity.