Establishing Paternity in Tennessee
How paternity is established in Tennessee: the voluntary acknowledgment form, court orders, genetic testing and deadlines.
Short answer: A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity completed under the vital records law is a legal finding of paternity and is conclusive without a court order unless rescinded; it can be the basis for a support order. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 24-7-112, 24-7-113
| Establishing paternity | A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity completed under the vital records law is a legal finding of paternity and is conclusive without a court order unless rescinded; it can be the basis for a support order. A signer may rescind within 60 days of completing it by filing a sworn statement on the state registrar's form (with a fee) at the Office of Vital Records in the Department of Health, or during that period at a court or administrative proceeding about the child. After that it may be challenged only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. In a contested paternity case, the court (or the Department of Human Services in child support cases) must order genetic testing at a party's request supported by an affidavit. |
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Where to get help in Tennessee
More Tennessee divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Tennessee
- Adopting a Child in Tennessee
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Tennessee
- Changing Your Name in Tennessee
- Child Custody Laws in Tennessee
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Tennessee
- Divorce Records in Tennessee
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Tennessee
- How to File for Divorce in Tennessee
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Tennessee
- All Tennessee divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you establish paternity in Tennessee?
A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity completed under the vital records law is a legal finding of paternity and is conclusive without a court order unless rescinded; it can be the basis for a support order. A signer may rescind within 60 days of completing it by filing a sworn statement on the state registrar's form (with a fee) at the Office of Vital Records in the Department of Health, or during that period at a court or administrative proceeding about the child. After that it may be challenged only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. In a contested paternity case, the court (or the Department of Human Services in child support cases) must order genetic testing at a party's request supported by an affidavit.
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.