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Establishing Paternity in Louisiana

How paternity is established in Louisiana: the voluntary acknowledgment form, court orders, genetic testing and deadlines.

Short answer: A man may acknowledge a child not filiated to another man by authentic act (a notarized acknowledgment); before signing, the notary must explain rights, including the right to genetic testing and to consult a lawyer. La. C.C. art. 196; La. R.S. 9:392, 9:406

Establishing paternityA man may acknowledge a child not filiated to another man by authentic act (a notarized acknowledgment); before signing, the notary must explain rights, including the right to genetic testing and to consult a lawyer. Either signer may revoke the acknowledgment without cause within 60 days of signing, by filing a sworn revocation form with the Louisiana Department of Health's office of vital records or in a court hearing (or earlier, at a court hearing about the child where the signer is a party). After that, it can be annulled only on clear and convincing proof of fraud, duress, material mistake of fact or error, or that the signer is not the biological father; the court then may order genetic testing. A paternity suit can also be filed to establish paternity.
Source: La. C.C. art. 196; La. R.S. 9:392, 9:406

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FAQ

How do you establish paternity in Louisiana?
A man may acknowledge a child not filiated to another man by authentic act (a notarized acknowledgment); before signing, the notary must explain rights, including the right to genetic testing and to consult a lawyer. Either signer may revoke the acknowledgment without cause within 60 days of signing, by filing a sworn revocation form with the Louisiana Department of Health's office of vital records or in a court hearing (or earlier, at a court hearing about the child where the signer is a party). After that, it can be annulled only on clear and convincing proof of fraud, duress, material mistake of fact or error, or that the signer is not the biological father; the court then may order genetic testing. A paternity suit can also be filed to establish 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.