Establishing Paternity in Oregon

The birth parent and the alleged genetic parent may establish parentage by filing a voluntary acknowledgment of parentage form, signed before a notary or hospital staff witness, with the State Registrar of the Center for Health Statistics; once effective, it equals a court adjudication. A party may rescind by filing a notarized written rescission with the state registrar within the earlier of 60 days after the acknowledgment becomes effective or the first court hearing about the child (such as a support case). After that, it can be challenged in circuit court only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. Parentage can also be decided in court on a case brought by a parent, the alleged genetic parent, the child, a guardian, or the child support administrator, and the court must order genetic testing on a supported sworn request.