Establishing Paternity in Oklahoma

The mother and a man claiming to be the genetic father may sign an acknowledgment of paternity under penalty of perjury on the Department of Human Services form; it is filed with the State Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, and is equivalent to a court judgment of paternity. A signer may rescind before the earlier of 60 days after the acknowledgment takes effect or the first court hearing involving the child; a signer who was a minor may rescind within 60 days of turning 18. After that, it can be challenged only for duress or material mistake of fact within two years, or for fraud at any time, by clear and convincing evidence. Paternity may also be decided in a civil case brought by the child, mother, alleged father or the Department of Human Services; the court must order genetic testing on a party's request, and results of at least 99% probability rebuttably identify the father.