Establishing Paternity in Georgia
How paternity is established in Georgia: the voluntary acknowledgment form, court orders, genetic testing and deadlines.
Short answer: When both parents sign a notarized voluntary acknowledgment of paternity and it is filed with the State Office of Vital Records within 30 days and recorded in the putative father registry, it is a legal determination of paternity (biological fatherhood) for support and related matters; O.C.G.A. §§ 19-7-46.1, 19-7-45
| Establishing paternity | When both parents sign a notarized voluntary acknowledgment of paternity and it is filed with the State Office of Vital Records within 30 days and recorded in the putative father registry, it is a legal determination of paternity (biological fatherhood) for support and related matters; it does not by itself legitimate the child. Either signer may rescind before the earlier of 60 days after signing or the date of a support order or other order adjudicating paternity. After 60 days it can be challenged in court only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. Court-ordered genetic testing must be done by an accredited laboratory. Mirror: Official Code of Georgia text was read on FindLaw (codes.findlaw.com), which states the text is current as of March 28, 2024. Source: O.C.G.A. §§ 19-7-46.1, 19-7-45 |
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Where to get help in Georgia
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FAQ
How do you establish paternity in Georgia?
When both parents sign a notarized voluntary acknowledgment of paternity and it is filed with the State Office of Vital Records within 30 days and recorded in the putative father registry, it is a legal determination of paternity (biological fatherhood) for support and related matters; it does not by itself legitimate the child. Either signer may rescind before the earlier of 60 days after signing or the date of a support order or other order adjudicating paternity. After 60 days it can be challenged in court only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. Court-ordered genetic testing must be done by an accredited laboratory.
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.