Establishing Paternity in Iowa

For a child born to an unmarried mother, paternity can be established by both parents signing a notarized affidavit of paternity on the Department of Health and Human Services form, available from the state registrar, county registrars, child support services and hospitals; hospitals must offer it before a newborn is discharged. Paternity is legally established once the state registrar files and registers the affidavit, and it then has the same effect as a court judgment. Either signer may rescind by filing a notarized rescission form with the state registrar before the earlier of 60 days after the last signature or entry of a court order in a case about the child. Paternity can also be established in a court case; the court must order genetic testing of the child, mother and alleged father if a party asks.