Establishing Paternity in Mississippi
How paternity is established in Mississippi: the voluntary acknowledgment form, court orders, genetic testing and deadlines.
Short answer: Unmarried parents may sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity on the state form, offered at the hospital or birth attendant within 24 hours of birth; Miss. Code Ann. §§ 93-9-9, 93-9-21, 93-9-28
| Establishing paternity | Unmarried parents may sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity on the state form, offered at the hospital or birth attendant within 24 hours of birth; once both signatures are notarized and it is filed with the Bureau of Vital Statistics, it is a full determination of parentage. A signer may rescind within the earlier of one year or the date of a court proceeding about the child in which the signer is a party; during that year the alleged father may request genetic testing through the Department of Human Services. After that, it can be challenged only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. A paternity case may be filed by the mother, father, child or a public agency until the child turns 21 (unless emancipated), and the court must order genetic testing on motion. Mirror (FindLaw, current as of January 1, 2025). Mississippi's official code is published by LexisNexis and was not directly accessible. |
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Where to get help in Mississippi
More Mississippi divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Mississippi
- Adopting a Child in Mississippi
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Mississippi
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- Child Custody Laws in Mississippi
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- Divorce Records in Mississippi
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Mississippi
- How to File for Divorce in Mississippi
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Mississippi
- All Mississippi divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you establish paternity in Mississippi?
Unmarried parents may sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity on the state form, offered at the hospital or birth attendant within 24 hours of birth; once both signatures are notarized and it is filed with the Bureau of Vital Statistics, it is a full determination of parentage. A signer may rescind within the earlier of one year or the date of a court proceeding about the child in which the signer is a party; during that year the alleged father may request genetic testing through the Department of Human Services. After that, it can be challenged only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. A paternity case may be filed by the mother, father, child or a public agency until the child turns 21 (unless emancipated), and the court must order genetic testing on motion.
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.