Establishing Paternity in Pennsylvania

The father of a child born to an unmarried woman may sign an acknowledgment of paternity, with the mother's witnessed consent, on forms of the Department of Public Welfare and file it with that department; hospitals must offer the form at birth. A signed, witnessed acknowledgment is a legal finding of paternity, but any signer may rescind within the earlier of 60 days or the date of an administrative or court proceeding about the child (such as a support conference) in which the signer is a party. After 60 days, it can be challenged in court only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact, proved by clear and convincing evidence. If the mother does not join, the filing is indexed as a claim of paternity. In court cases, the court must order the mother, child and alleged father to submit to blood (genetic) tests on a party's timely motion.